Amelia Makes A Movie
Putnam • Spring 2008
Written by David Milgrim

Booklist: When Amelia decides to make a movie, she appoints herself both lead and director, and orders her little brother to help with all the behind-the-scenes tasks. After the younger child crashes the middle of her show, Amelia listens to his ideas and they collaborate on a movie that is a hit with family and friends. The bouncing verses tell a simple version of the story (“A script’s the first thing that we’ll need. / We’ll choose a cast. I’ll play the lead”), but Milgrim’s quirky, signature illustrations add humorous details about the siblings’ generally amiable relationship. Presented in comic-strip panels, the film itself provides an engaging story within the story, and gently shows how the project provides a constructive outlet for tensions between the bossy big sister and her little brother. Budding filmmakers may be inspired to follow Amelia’s lead after reading this story, which includes contemporary details such as editing footage on a computer and burning a DVD.