Llama Llama Red Pajama

Author: Anna Dewdney

Publisher: Viking © 2005

Genre: Children’s

Subgenre: Growing up & facts of life, Mammals, Sleep, Emotions & Feelings

Reviewer: Sara

Book received from: Purchased at book fair.

 

 

Synopsis (Amazon blurb):

“In this infectious rhyming read-aloud, Baby Llama turns bedtime into an all-out llama drama! Tucked into bed by his mama, Baby Llama immediately starts worrying when she goes downstairs, and his soft whimpers turn to hollers when she doesn’t come right back. But just in time, Mama returns to set things right. Children will relate to Baby Llama’s need for comfort, as much as parents will appreciate Mama Llama’s reassuring message.”

Review:

Busy moms (and dads): If you’ve not yet experienced the Llama Llama books, you’re missing out. The book is sure to be a family favorite. We first met Baby Llama when Llama Llama Red Pajama came home from the library with our then-toddler. The book was so loved by all in the house in was promptly picked up and added to our collection, along with the subsequent books written and illustrated by Anna Dewdney that have come out in the years since.

From the sing-song rhyming to the hysterical antics of Baby Llama, this book will ring true for kids and parents alike. There’s humor for everyone reading it and a feel-good ending, in which Mama Llama reminds Baby Llama (and maybe your kids) that those you love will always be there for you, even if they aren’t near. The lesson in the book is handled gently, giving parents and kids an opportunity to discuss the anxieties of bedtime, which are experienced by so many.

Ms. Dewdney’s illustrations are charming. Baby and Mama Llama come to life, making Baby’s mounting anxiety and Mama’s reactions palpable and hilarious. They add a sweetness to the ending, when Mama tucks in Baby and he finally falls asleep.

Sweet dreams and happy trails!

Reviewers note: This was not the book originally scheduled for this week. On Wednesday of this past week, while preparing dinner and listening to NPR, I learned of Ms. Dewdney’s passing at age fifty from brain cancer. A link to the story, which includes bits from an archived interview with Ms. Dewdney is below. Listen to it, if you can so you can hear her read passages from the book, but I should warn you, the story left me in tears at the stove.

I want to honor her work, her delightful characters and her final wishes by posting this review today, and by asking my readers to fulfill her last request. Please read to a child. Inspire the love of books and stories in another.

http://www.npr.org/2016/09/07/493010078/anna-dewdney-author-of-beloved-llama-llama-childrens-books-dies

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Have you read Llama Llama Red Pajama? How did you like it? Have you read any other books by Ms. Dewdney?

Comments are welcome and appreciated. Please comment or pingback here to let me know if you find an opportunity to read to a child in honor of Ms. Dewdney, and what book you select!

The Mom Who Runs posts book reviews on Amazon and Goodreads. Help others find this review by following the links to the review on the respective site and “like” or “vote” for it and many thanks in advance for doing so. 🙂

 

Featured image: Cover art by Anna Dewdney