Module 6: Picture Books

Module 6/SLIS5420

Llama Llama Red Pajama

By Anna Dewdney

Summary:

Llama Llama Red Pajama follows the antics of the little llama that has a hard time falling asleep in his dark room afraid of the dark and wanting him mama back.

Citation:

Dewdney, A. (2005). Llama Llama red pajama. New York: Viking.

Beyond and Between:

Llama Llama Red Pajama is an adorable read about a little Llama that is being put to bed by his mama.  Anna Dewdney does a wonderful job in showing with vibrant pictures and key emotional words the worry and anxiety that Llama goes through while being put to bed.  In one scene the whole picture is the little Llama surrounded by darkness and all you can see is his big scared eyes.  For younger children the intense emotion of the picture draws them in and is very engaging for them. 

Reviews:

School Library Journal

PreS-K-- With its sweet rendering of the trials of bedtime and separation anxiety, this book's familiar theme will be a hit with youngsters. Baby Llama, all tucked in and kissed after his bedtime story, watches his mama leave the room with a worried expression on his face. When he calls her and she does not come back immediately, he succumbs to a fit of wailing and weeping, finally bringing his panic-stricken mother at a full gallop. After her reassurance that "Mama Llama's always near, even if she's not right here," Baby Llama settles and drifts off to sleep. This story has a simple rhyme scheme, using natural language that children will enjoy. The large, boldly colored pictures have a grand and sweeping quality, extending out to the edges of the pages. Baby Llama's facial expressions capture his fear and alarm wonderfully. The contrast between light and dark enhances the drama in the story. This effective read-aloud will be a popular choice for storyhour and one-on-one sharing.

Austin, C. (2005). Llama, Llama Red Pajama. School Library Journal, 51(4), 96.

Kirkus Review

Dewdney's authorial debut is an uproariously funny tale detailing the true events that occur between lights out and when a wee one actually falls asleep. Feeling bereft after his mother leaves the room, little Llama soon calls down for a drink of water. What happens between that moment and his mom's arrival is a treat for seasoned parents and a eureka moment for young readers. With unerring accuracy, Dewdney perfectly captures the existential, pint-sized angst little ones experience after they are tucked in for the night. With dead-on comic timing, Dewdney's snappy verses convey the juxtaposition of little Llama's escalating anxiety and Mama's last minute efforts to get something done before heading back up to the room. The full-color, full-bleed illustrations are an intrinsic part of why this tale works so well. The combination of little Llama's expressions with the ever-darkening hues expertly capture his growing concerns. When Llama's worries reach their climactic peak, Mama's sensible but sensitive response soothes both her ruffled baby and young readers alike. Dewdney's tale is bound to become a comical classic oft-requested at bedtime. (Picture book. 3-7)

Llama, Llama Red Pajama. (2005). Kirkus Reviews, 73(9), 156...

Suggested Uses:

I have already used this book as a part of a ‘sleepy time’ story time with 2-6 year olds and I wouldn’t hesitate again to use this book again.  Another theme that would be neat to do would be ‘emotions’,  kids are so full of emotions that having books such as Llama Llama Red Pajama that point out emotions through pictures and words would be a great theme for the younger ages.