Herman Parish author page

Herman Parish biography

Herman S. Parish III (1953–2024) was an American children’s author best known for continuing the Amelia Bedelia series originally created by his aunt, Peggy Parish. Born in Waco, Texas, he was in the fourth grade when the first Amelia Bedelia book was published in 1963. After Peggy Parish’s death in 1988, Herman Parish took over the series, beginning with Good Driving, Amelia Bedelia in 1995.

Parish earned a degree from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania and served four years in the U.S. Navy. He then spent 13 years as an advertising copywriter before transitioning to children’s literature. Drawing inspiration from idiomatic expressions and homophones, he expanded the Amelia Bedelia universe to include picture books, early readers, and chapter books, featuring both the original character and a younger version of Amelia.

Over nearly three decades, Parish authored more than 60 Amelia Bedelia titles, helping the series achieve over 55 million copies sold worldwide. His contributions maintained the character’s popularity across generations, and his works are widely used in educational settings to support literacy development.

Herman Parish passed away on February 10, 2024, at the age of 71. His legacy endures through the enduring appeal of Amelia Bedelia and the joy his stories continue to bring to young readers.