Module 5: Llama Llama Misses Mama

Dewdney, A. (2009). Llama llama misses mama. New York, NY: Penguin Group.

Summary

This is a very sweet story of Llama Llama's first day of school. In a nice rhyming pattern, we read about the things he does to get ready to go to school and what happens when his mama walks him into his classroom. The pictures are darling and very colorful. All of Llama Llama's animal friends will be especially appealing to young children. While the other animals seem to be enjoying their day at school, Llama Llama is sad and feels lonely. He doesn't understand why his mama left him there. When he starts to cry at lunch, the teacher talks to him and tells him that it's okay to miss his mama and that she'll be back at the end of the day. Soon he gets distracted and starts to play with the other animals. Before he knows it, his mama has returned to pick him up.

Worth Another Cup of Tea?

This one would go great with a cup of Sleepytime tea! This is one of the sweetest picture books I have read in a while. The author has other Llama Llama books that are equally as good. I think that all young children would love this as a bedtime story due to the rhyming and cute pictures.

Reviews

Dewdney's third book in the series retains the charm of the earlier titles. This time the little llama is starting school. He feels shy and lonely and misses his mama, but the day is saved by friendly intervention from his teacher and classmates. She reassures him, "Don't be sad, new little llama!/It's OK to miss your mama./But don't forget-/when day is through,/she will come right back to you." The children invite him to play and keep him busy and happy until his mother arrives. In a satisfying conclusion, the little llama realizes that he can love both Mama and school. Emotionally realistic storytelling, a bouncing rhythm, skilled rhyming, and expressive paintings in bright colors make for a pleasing package. Youngsters just beginning school will relate to Llama Llama's feelings, and caregivers will appreciate the story's supportive message.-Heidi Estrin, Feldman Children's Library at Congregation B'nai Israel, Boca Raton, FL--School Library Journal, June, 2009.

Llama Llama starts school in the third of Dewdney's gentle series. When Mama Llama waves goodbye to Llama Llama, he starts to feel sad. Despite Llama Llama's trepidations, bright colors and bold patterns make the school welcoming: the teacher is a hip zebra wearing pink and purple, and the other children (cat, goat, sheep and giraffe, among others) enthusiastically make art and play together. Slowly, Llama Llama comes around and decides that "he loves Mama... and school too!" The expressive animal faces and attention to detail make it a charming addition.--Publisher's Weekly, March, 2009.

In The Library

This is a great storytime book for pre-school and Kindergarten students who might be experiencing the same loneliness and sadness as Llama Llama. It could also be used in daycare centers for older ones who have trouble saying goodbye in the morning.

I would also recommend it as a bedtime book to any parent who mentions having trouble dropping off in the morning due to a clingy child who doesn't want Mama (or Daddy) to go.