Illustrator Profile
Lynne Avril
36 Books
Lynne Avril is an accomplished American illustrator best known for her vibrant artwork in the young Amelia Bedelia picture and chapter book series. She has brought numerous beloved characters to life through her expressive and lively drawing style, including the protagonist of the Ruby Valentine books. With dozens of children's books to her credit, Avril's engaging illustrations continue to delight young readers worldwide.
Put on your dancing shoes and get ready to move! All of Amelia Bedelia's friends love to dance. She has friends who are graceful ballerinas, friends who do modern dance, and friends who know how to tap. But Amelia Bedelia is not quite sure which style of dance is the right fit for her. After all, if she is going to dance to a particular tune, she wants it to be her very own! Her search for the perfect dance leads to hilarious mix-ups, from putting an actual bagel in her hair for a bun to taking stage directions a little too literally. You will join Amelia Bedelia, her classmates, and even her pets as they learn everything from ballet to break dancing. This heartwarming chapter book is filled with friendship, funny vocabulary, and a whole lot of rhythm.
6-8 Years
160 Pages
Get ready for a paws-itively hilarious adventure! Young Amelia Bedelia is making her chapter book debut, and she is bringing her signature literal-minded mix-ups along for the ride. When Amelia Bedelia gets involved with some furry new friends, her unique way of looking at the world leads to a series of wild and wacky situations. From trying to understand confusing instructions to navigating the ups and downs of friendship, she proves that a little bit of silliness can go a long way. This fast-paced chapter book features short, easy-to-read chapters and charming black-and-white illustrations that perfectly capture the fun. Whether you are a longtime fan or meeting Amelia Bedelia for the very first time, you will laugh out loud as she unleashes her creativity and heart to solve problems in her own special way.
6-8 Years
9-12 Years
160 Pages
Every great club needs a top-secret headquarters! Amelia Bedelia and her friends have just started the Explorers Club, and they are on the hunt for the perfect place to meet. When they stumble upon an empty lot with a magnificent tree right in the middle, they know they have found the ultimate spot for a cool tree house. There is just one big problem because the lot is a giant mess! Determined to make their dream clubhouse a reality, Amelia Bedelia, her friends, and their parents all pitch in to clean up the space. As they clear away old tires, sort through piles of junk, and recycle trash, they even discover a few adorable stray cats hiding in the brush. But just when the lot is finally looking perfect, the club learns a tough lesson about building on property that does not belong to them. Packed with hilarious misunderstandings and clever wordplay, this story is full of surprises. Join Amelia Bedelia as she learns all about teamwork, protecting the environment, and finding creative solutions to unexpected problems.
6-8 Years
165 Pages
Meet Ruby Valentine, a girl whose absolute favorite day of the year is, you guessed it, Valentine's Day. Deep in the heart of Heartland, Ruby and her trusty parrot, Lovebird, spend days preparing for the big holiday. You will watch them craft beautiful handmade cards and bake delicious treats for everyone in town.
But making sure every single person feels loved is hard work. Ruby works so tirelessly that she accidentally sleeps right through her favorite holiday. When she finally wakes up, she is worried she has ruined everything and will have to wait a whole year to share her treats.
With a little encouragement from Lovebird, Ruby decides to deliver her gifts a day late. Discover how her friends react to this delayed surprise and learn a heartwarming lesson about sharing your feelings. This charming picture book proves that saying I love you is special any day of the year.
6-8 Years
40 Pages
Moving to a new house is a big deal, especially when you take everything literally! Young Amelia Bedelia loves her home and her neighborhood, but when her parents suggest it is time to move, she turns the hunt for a new house into a hilarious adventure. Together, the family visits open houses, explores new neighborhoods, and discovers that home really is where the heart is. Specially designed for newly independent readers, this Level 1 early reader features short sentences, familiar words, and the classic silly mix-ups that have made Amelia Bedelia a favorite for generations. You will laugh out loud as Amelia Bedelia learns all about different types of houses and figures out what makes a house a true home.
6-8 Years
32 Pages
Young Amelia Bedelia will do almost anything for a shiny new bicycle. When her parents tell her they will split the cost of a new bike with her, she knows exactly what she needs to do. It is time to put the pedal to the metal and earn some dough! But with Amelia Bedelia, earning dough might just involve actual baking dough, and anything that can happen usually does. You will follow along through fast-paced chapters filled with silly situations, tons of friends, and the funny wordplay that makes Amelia Bedelia so lovable. Whether she is trying to find a job or figuring out how to save her money, her can-do spirit always shines through. Get ready for a hilarious chapter book adventure full of misunderstandings, big goals, and a whole lot of heart as Amelia Bedelia proves that she truly means business.
6-8 Years
9-12 Years
97 Pages
A massive snowstorm is threatening to ruin the biggest party of the year. Ruby Valentine has planned a spectacular Valentine's Day celebration at her home high on a mountaintop. She has crafted perfect decorations, baked wonderful treats, and invited everyone in town to join her.
But when a fierce blizzard rolls in and traps all her guests down below, her perfect party seems destined for disaster. Instead of giving up, Ruby and her animal friends decide they need a new plan to make sure the celebration still happens.
Follow along as Ruby packs up her entire party and braves the snowy weather to bring the fun directly to her friends in town. This exciting adventure shows you that with a little creativity and a lot of determination, you can overcome any obstacle and share the love, no matter what the weather brings.
6-8 Years
44 Pages
Say cheese! It is Picture Day at school, and young Amelia Bedelia is ready to smile for the camera. But when the school photographer suddenly gets the flu and Picture Day is canceled, Amelia Bedelia decides to take matters into her own hands. With her signature literal thinking and a lot of creativity, she comes up with a clever and artistic way to save the day for all her friends! This Level 1 early reader features short sentences, simple vocabulary, and the hilarious misunderstandings that make Amelia Bedelia so beloved. Perfect for children just starting to read on their own, this funny school story will help you build confidence and expand your vocabulary. Get ready to laugh and discover why a picture really is worth a thousand words!
6-8 Years
32 Pages
Shopping for new shoes is not always as simple as it seems, especially when you are Amelia Bedelia. While her mother insists it is time for a brand new pair, Amelia Bedelia absolutely loves her comfortable, broken-in sneakers and does not want to give them up.
During their trip to the shoe store, she suddenly spots the most amazing pair she has ever seen. They are exactly the shoes of her dreams. There is just one funny problem to solve. Those perfect shoes do not belong to the store at all, they actually belong to another girl named Mary Jane.
Join the hilarious hunt as Amelia Bedelia tries to find the perfect footwear. You will laugh out loud at her classic, literal mix-ups as she learns that sometimes the right fit is about more than just your feet. This early reader adventure is packed with silly moments you will love.
6-8 Years
32 Pages
When Amelia Bedelia notices that her mom is feeling a little blue, she knows exactly what to do to cheer her up. She suggests that her mom go out on a fun play date while she stays home to plan a colorful surprise! Enlisting the help of all her friends, Amelia Bedelia gathers her chalk and gets to work. Together, they draw all of her mom's favorite things on the house, the sidewalk, and everywhere else they can reach. You will love seeing how Amelia Bedelia uses her imagination and a lot of bright colors to turn a gloomy day into a beautiful masterpiece. Get ready for a heartwarming and funny story about family, friendship, and the creative ways we can show our loved ones how much we care.
6-8 Years
32 Pages
Spring has finally sprung, and young Amelia Bedelia is ready to celebrate! The warm weather has brought blooming flowers, sweet jelly beans, and adorable baby animals. Best of all, her science class is getting ready to hatch real chicks! But when the classroom incubator suddenly breaks and there is no money to buy a new one, the springtime fun is in jeopardy. To make matters worse, Harriet the class hamster has gone missing! Can Amelia Bedelia and her friends come up with an egg-ceptional idea to save the chicks and find their furry friend? This humorous chapter book is perfect for newly independent readers, offering short chapters, engaging vocabulary, and a wonderful focus on teamwork and problem-solving. You will laugh out loud at Amelia Bedelia's literal-minded mix-ups as she hops into action to save the day!
6-8 Years
160 Pages
Grab your sunscreen and get ready for a hilarious beach vacation! Young Amelia Bedelia is heading to Blackberry Island with her best friend Alice and her cousin Jason, and she is ready to dive into all the fun. From trying her hand at surfing to exploring a beach town obsessed with pirates, Amelia Bedelia brings her signature literal-minded mix-ups to the seaside. But the real excitement begins when she literally falls right into what might be buried treasure! Can Amelia Bedelia and her friends uncover the town's deepest secrets? Packed with funny misunderstandings, sunny adventures, and plenty of laughs, this chapter book is perfect for readers who love a good mystery mixed with comedy. Whether you are reading aloud with family or diving in on your own, Amelia Bedelia's beach trip proves that the best adventures happen when things do not go exactly as planned.
6-8 Years
9-12 Years
252 Pages
Get ready for some Earth-friendly fun with young Amelia Bedelia and her friends! When they decide to start an upcycling art club and launch a campaign for recycling, they learn all about turning trash into amazing treasures. But whenever Amelia Bedelia is involved, you can always count on a few hilarious mix-ups along the way. You will giggle out loud as she takes phrases like hitting the road and being caught red-handed completely literally. Through teamwork and creative thinking, the friends discover the difference between recycling and upcycling, working together to make their community a more beautiful place. This funny chapter book is packed with laughs, friendship, and a wonderful message about caring for the environment. Join the club and see how Amelia Bedelia uses her unique perspective to create incredible art and unforgettable memories with her best friends.
6-8 Years
9-12 Years
160 Pages
What happens when you hold a yard sale, but you do not actually want to sell your yard? Young Amelia Bedelia is about to find out! When her parents announce they are having a yard sale, Amelia Bedelia is worried. She loves playing outside and does not want to lose her favorite spot! Luckily, her mother promises they will only sell things in the yard. But when a neighbor wishes she could buy some beautiful flowers, Amelia Bedelia grabs a shovel to dig them up because a yard will always grow back! This Level 1 early reader is packed with the classic, literal-minded mix-ups that make Amelia Bedelia so beloved. With short sentences and familiar words, it is perfectly crafted to help you build reading confidence while laughing out loud.
6-8 Years
32 Pages
Amelia Bedelia and her friends are having a great time at a special school event, right up until a major misunderstanding happens. Without meaning to, the group accidentally hurts the feelings of Candy, the newest girl in their class. Now, their beloved annual ice cream party is on the line!
To fix their mistake and save the sweetest day of the year, Amelia Bedelia and her friends realize they need a crash course in etiquette. It is time for them to learn—and practice—a thing or two about minding their manners. But learning the rules of politeness is never simple when Amelia Bedelia is involved! From confusing figures of speech to hilarious attempts at being perfectly proper, her journey to good manners is filled with laugh-out-loud moments.
Will the friends be able to apologize to Candy, master their manners, and rescue the ice cream party before it melts away? Join Amelia Bedelia for a funny and heartwarming story about empathy, friendship, and learning to say you are sorry.
6-8 Years
9-12 Years
160 Pages
Amelia Bedelia has her entire summer perfectly planned out, but her mother has a very different idea! Instead of enjoying her usual summer routine, Amelia Bedelia is being sent away to the exact same all-girls sleepaway camp her mother attended years ago.
When she arrives, the camp is not exactly what she pictured. The cabins are falling apart, the activities are old-fashioned, and it definitely cannot compete with the shiny, high-tech computer camp right across the lake. But Amelia Bedelia is never one to let a little rust and dust ruin her fun! With her unique way of looking at the world, she dives right into camp life, making new friends and causing her signature hilarious mix-ups along the way.
Can Amelia Bedelia help save the struggling camp and show everyone that traditional summer fun is still the best kind? Pack your bags and get ready for a hilarious lakeside adventure filled with friendship, teamwork, and plenty of classic Amelia Bedelia misunderstandings!
6-8 Years
9-12 Years
160 Pages
Get ready to explore the great outdoors! Amelia Bedelia and her entire class are going on a nature hike, and she cannot wait to see what she will find for the classroom nature table. As they walk along the trail, she spots squirrels, deer, birds, and insects. She has a wonderful time splashing in a stream with her friends, collecting leaves, and enjoying a picnic. But because it is Amelia Bedelia, you can expect plenty of silly mix-ups! From literally hitting the trail with a stick to looking for treasure on a stream bank, her unique perspective leads to laughs on every page. You will love joining the class for a fun-filled day in the woods, ending with a surprise discovery that is perfect for the nature table.
6-8 Years
32 Pages
Young Amelia Bedelia has a loose tooth, and she cannot wait for the tooth fairy to visit! But no matter how much she wiggles and wobbles it, the tooth just will not fall out. When it finally does, she is absolutely thrilled, until she accidentally loses the tooth all over again! Will she be able to find it before bedtime? This Level 1 early reader is full of the silly mix-ups and literal-minded humor that have made Amelia Bedelia a favorite for over fifty years. With short sentences, familiar words, and a highly relatable story about losing a tooth, this book is perfectly designed to help you build your reading skills while laughing out loud. Join the hunt and see if Amelia Bedelia can solve her lost-and-found mystery!
6-8 Years
35 Pages
Grab your backpack and get ready for the best day ever! Young Amelia Bedelia is finally starting first grade, and she could not be more excited. She is absolutely sure she will love everything about school, from meeting her new teacher and making new friends to sitting at her very own desk. With music, gym, art, and recess on the schedule, what could possibly be better? But school can also be a little bit confusing, especially for someone who takes everything exactly as it sounds. As Amelia Bedelia navigates her very first day, her literal-minded thinking leads to a series of silly mix-ups and hilarious misunderstandings. This delightful story brings the classic, laugh-out-loud charm of Amelia Bedelia to a whole new generation. It is the perfect read to help you get ready for your own classroom adventures!
6-8 Years
32 Pages
Get ready to make a splash! Amelia Bedelia is heading to the beach for a wonderful summer family vacation. Along with her mother, her aunt, and her mischievous cousin who has a nose for trouble, she is ready for sun, sand, and surf. The literal-minded Amelia Bedelia spends her days building spectacular sandcastles, swimming in the ocean, and learning exactly how to sail a boat. But the vacation takes a thrilling turn when she and her new friends stumble across a band of pirates! You will laugh out loud at her hilarious misunderstandings as she navigates the beach and takes every seaside saying completely literally. Join Amelia Bedelia for a sunny chapter book adventure filled with family fun, unexpected discoveries, and plenty of ocean-sized laughs.
6-8 Years
160 Pages
Amelia Bedelia absolutely loves everything about Halloween! But this year, she has a big problem. Her brand-new friend, Candy, is obsessed with thrills, chills, and all things spooky. When the town's famous hair-raising haunted hayride gets canceled, Amelia Bedelia is worried that Candy's Halloween will be completely ruined.
How can she make sure her friend has the best, spookiest holiday ever? It is time to get creative! Amelia Bedelia and her friends team up to brainstorm the perfect plan to scare Candy silly. But as always, when Amelia Bedelia is in charge, things do not go exactly as expected. Get ready for hilarious mix-ups, silly surprises, and plenty of festive fun in this delightful Halloween adventure. Will their spooky surprises be a trick or a treat? Join Amelia Bedelia to find out!
6-8 Years
143 Pages
Seeing two of everything might sound like fun if you are looking at ice cream cones, but it makes navigating a busy classroom very tricky. Ginny is having a tough time in kindergarten because her eyes play tricks on her. When she tries to read or join the reading circle, she sees double words and double chairs.
She knows that only half of what she is seeing is actually real, but it is nearly impossible to tell which half. Everything changes when the school has a vision screening and Ginny discovers that she does not have to see the world this way.
The wonderful solution to her problem turns out to be a cool eye patch. Watch as Ginny transforms into the pirate of her classroom. With her new patch, you will see how she can suddenly read, run, and play with amazing speed and confidence. This helpful story shows that everyone needs a little help sometimes.
6-8 Years
40 Pages
Young Amelia Bedelia loves playing on her swing set every day after school. But when she discovers a pair of robins building a nest right on top of her favorite slide, she has a big decision to make! Should she clear the nest away so she can keep playing, or give up her slide to give the baby birds a safe home? Choosing kindness, Amelia Bedelia decides to watch the feathered family grow, learning wonderful lessons about nature and her own loving parents along the way. This Level 1 early reader is perfect for children learning to sound out words and sentences. Packed with gentle humor, backyard nature discoveries, and a sweet lesson in empathy, this story will make you smile as you build your reading confidence.
6-8 Years
32 Pages
A school bake sale sounds like a piece of cake, until everyone brings the exact same treat. Amelia Bedelia and her classmates are super excited to raise money for their school library. She works hard to bake a huge batch of her very best, most delicious brownies for the big event.
The only problem is that when she arrives, she realizes almost every other student has baked brownies, too. How will they ever sell all of them and make enough money for the library?
Instead of panicking, Amelia Bedelia takes a closer look at the giant pile of chocolate treats and comes up with a brilliant idea. You will learn some basic concepts about running a business and giving back to your community as you laugh along with her silly misunderstandings. Get ready for a sweet and funny adventure that shows how teamwork can save the day.
6-8 Years
32 Pages
Amelia Bedelia loves sports and games of all kinds, but she is on a mission to find the one activity that is absolutely perfect for her. All of her friends and classmates have a particular sport they love and excel at. While Amelia Bedelia loves to run, dribble, and play, she is not the fastest or strongest at any one thing. When her class begins studying the sports of ancient Greece, she decides it is the perfect time to find a sport to call her own. You will laugh out loud as she takes to the field, the yoga mat, and the track with her signature literal-minded style. With fast-paced chapters and plenty of silly situations, this story proves that the most important part of any game is having fun. Get ready to cheer for Amelia Bedelia as she shapes up and discovers her own special talents.
6-8 Years
160 Pages
Hooray for Valentine's Day! Young Amelia Bedelia is absolutely sure she will love everything about this special holiday. From sweet surprises and a fun party at school to a big, long family hug, she cannot wait to celebrate. But because she takes everything literally, Amelia Bedelia muddles through the day with her heart on her sleeve, trying to make sense of strange greetings and keeping a sharp lookout for Cupid's arrows! This charming picture book is filled with the hilarious mix-ups that have made Amelia Bedelia a beloved character for generations. Perfect for sharing with the ones you love, this funny and warmhearted story captures the true spirit of Valentine's Day, proving that a little laughter is the best gift of all.
6-8 Years
It is election day at school, and young Amelia Bedelia is ready to cast her very first vote! When her class learns about the voting process, Amelia Bedelia brings her signature literal thinking to the ballot box. From understanding what it means to run for office to figuring out how a single vote can make a big difference, her hilarious misunderstandings make learning about democracy an absolute delight. Perfect for young readers exploring civics for the first time, this funny and engaging story highlights the importance of making your voice heard. With charming illustrations and plenty of laughs, you will love joining Amelia Bedelia as she discovers the power of voting and the fun of participating in a school election.
6-8 Years
32 Pages
Amelia Bedelia is back, and she's ready for some school fun! You know how Amelia Bedelia always takes things literally, and that often leads to the funniest mix-ups. Well, in this story, her whole class gets along great, except when it rains. That's when things get a little wet and wild!
Two new clubs pop up: the Puddle Jumpers and the Puddle Stompers. Both clubs want Amelia Bedelia to join, but she doesn't want to pick sides. What will Amelia Bedelia do when she tries to make everyone happy? Get ready for hilarious misunderstandings and laugh-out-loud moments as Amelia Bedelia tries to navigate school clubs in her own unique way. Can she find a way for everyone to have fun, rain or shine?
6-8 Years
32 Pages
Get ready for a race against time with everyone's favorite literal-minded girl! When Amelia Bedelia hears that she needs to "beat the clock," you can be sure she has a very unique idea of what that actually means.
Time is ticking, and Amelia Bedelia is on a mission. Whether she is rushing to finish a big project, trying to win a fast-paced game, or just trying to figure out how to literally defeat a timepiece, her hilarious misunderstandings are bound to cause a commotion. As she hurries to get everything done before time runs out, she learns that sometimes rushing only leads to bigger, funnier mistakes.
Packed with clever wordplay, laugh-out-loud moments, and plenty of silly situations, this chapter book is perfect for readers who love a good giggle. Can Amelia Bedelia figure out how to manage her time, or will the clock get the best of her? Jump into the fun and find out!
6-8 Years
9-12 Years
160 Pages
The holiday season is here, but Amelia Bedelia has a big problem. She does not have enough money to buy presents for her family and friends! But that will not stop her from celebrating. She and her friends decide to launch a gift-wrapping business to earn some extra cash. Of course, wrapping presents with Amelia Bedelia is far from ordinary! When their business expands to include tree decorating, popcorn popping, snow shoveling, and carol singing, you can bet the misunderstandings pile up like snowdrifts. You will laugh out loud as she takes every holiday tradition completely literally. Join Amelia Bedelia and her friends as they wrap things up and discover the true spirit of giving in this festive, funny, and heartwarming chapter book adventure.
6-8 Years
160 Pages
School is out for vacation, and Amelia Bedelia has a very important job to do. She has been put in charge of taking care of her class pet, a cute little hamster named Harry! She is so excited to learn all about caring for an animal and being responsible. But when Harry suddenly goes missing, Amelia Bedelia gets more than she bargained for. With the help of her friends Dawn and Clay, she searches the entire house and makes lost pet signs. When it seems completely hopeless, Amelia Bedelia decides to put herself in Harry's shoes to figure out where he might be hiding. You will love following along as she uses her unique problem-solving skills to track down the runaway hamster in this funny and heartwarming early reader.
6-8 Years
35 Pages
Have you ever wondered why a lucky horseshoe brings good fortune, or why crossing paths with a black cat is considered bad news? Amelia Bedelia is determined to figure out the truth behind these strange superstitions.
When she starts hearing about all the different ways to get good luck or bad luck, her curious mind goes to work. Because she takes everything so literally, the idea of breaking her mother's back just by stepping on a sidewalk crack sounds absolutely terrifying.
Join the young literal-minded explorer as she conducts her own hilarious investigations into the world of luck. You will crack up at the silly situations she creates while trying to avoid bad omens and collect good ones. This fun early reader story is packed with laughs and proves that the best luck of all is having great friends.
6-8 Years
35 Pages
Hop on the bus and get ready for an unforgettable adventure! Young Amelia Bedelia is heading out on her very first school field trip, and she could not be more excited. But when you take every instruction exactly as it sounds, a simple class outing quickly turns into a hilarious journey of mix-ups and misunderstandings. Whether she is exploring new sights or trying to follow her teacher's directions, Amelia Bedelia's literal thinking brings a wave of laughter to the entire class. This delightful picture book perfectly captures the excitement of a school field trip while delivering the classic comedy fans love. You will giggle all the way to the end as Amelia Bedelia proves that the best part of any trip is the fun you have along the way.
6-8 Years
32 Pages
When Amelia Bedelia misses visiting the zoo, she decides to bring the wild animals right to her own backyard! She and her friends work together to build a spectacular backyard zoo, complete with stuffed animals and fun safari attractions for the entire neighborhood. True to form, Amelia Bedelia takes everything literally, leading to silly mix-ups and laugh-out-loud moments as they set up their exhibits. It is a wonderful day of teamwork and problem-solving as the classmates bring their own pets together for the big event. But the backyard zoo becomes a truly wild success when a real monkey escapes from the city zoo and decides to join their safari! You will love reading about Amelia Bedelia's can-do spirit and positive attitude as she turns an ordinary afternoon into an unforgettable neighborhood adventure.
6-8 Years
160 Pages
Fall is finally here, and young Amelia Bedelia loves everything about the autumn season. She loves the bright red and yellow leaves, the jolly orange pumpkins, and most of all, the crisp apples that are ripe for picking! To celebrate the season, she is getting ready to bake her very first apple pie with her grandma. Amelia Bedelia cannot wait to share the delicious dessert with her mom and dad. But a flock of hungry birds has other ideas for her tasty treat. Luckily, Amelia Bedelia always has a clever plan up her sleeve. Get ready to celebrate the season with a heartwarming and hilarious story about family, baking, and quick thinking.
6-8 Years
32 Pages
Then and Now on the Oregon Trail
Packing up your life and moving across the country is a massive adventure, no matter what century you live in. Meet Jenny and Katie, two girls making the exact same journey from Missouri to Oregon, but living over one hundred years apart.
In 1846, Jenny travels in a bumpy covered wagon, a trip that takes five long, exhausting months. In 2011, Katie travels in a comfortable minivan, completing the drive in just five days. Even though their vehicles and times are completely different, you will discover how much the two girls have in common.
Both of them worry about leaving their old homes, miss their friends, and wonder what the future holds. Follow along as they travel over the rocky mountains and visit famous landmarks along the trail. This fascinating historical comparison shows you that while the ways we travel might change, the feelings of moving to a new home stay exactly the same.
6-8 Years
9-12 Years
37 Pages
