Herman Parish was in the fourth grade when his aunt, Peggy Parish, created Amelia Bedelia, the literal-minded housekeeper. Peggy wrote twelve books in the series before she passed away in 1988. The interest of educators and the enthusiasm of young readers prompted Herman to continue the character in 1995 with his first book, Good Driving, Amelia Bedelia. Since then, Herman has added more than thirty books to the series. He has carried on her adventures as a housekeeper in books such as the best-selling Amelia Bedelia, Bookworm, and he has broken new ground in his most recent books portraying Amelia Bedelia as a young girl. She may be little, but she is as literal as ever. There are picture books for the youngest children, including the national bestsellers Amelia Bedelia's First Day of School and Amelia Bedelia's First Valentine. Young Amelia Bedelia also appears in I Can Read Level 1 beginning readers and a new series of chapter books, starting with the best-selling Amelia Bedelia Means Business and Amelia Bedelia Unleashed. Amelia Bedelia celebrated her 50th birthday in 2013, and she is still going strong.