Llama Llama Red Pajama

I'm sure many of you have already discovered the little gem that is Llama Llama Red Pajama (by Anna Dewdney), but for those who haven't, you'll want to be sure to check it out on your next trip to the library.

I got this book out tonight for the first time to help pass the time while my son and I were waiting for dinner to finish cooking. That was at about 6:15 PM. By the time I tucked him into bed at 8:00 PM, we had read the book six more times. Yep, in less than two hours, we read the entire book no less than seven times!

But you know what? I didn't mind a bit. This is one of those few-and-far-between books that is just as enjoyable for the parent as it is for the child. It was immensely heartwarming to see how Ronan took to both the story and the vivid illustrations. After reading it twice sitting side by side, he decided it would be better to crawl in my lap for the next few rounds. He commented on many of the illustrations, speculating on what the baby llama or mama llama might be feeling. Twice he very purposefully examined a particular page and then turned around, pointed to me, and said, "Ronan's mama!" I think he really was able to take the story to heart and realize, on some level, that even though the story was about llamas, it most definitely applied to his life, as well.

This book is funny, heartwarming, poignant, snuggle-inducing, well-written, and well-illustrated. Kudos to the author who clearly understands not only children, but that beautiful relationship between a mama and her little "llama". I can't wait to check out the other titles in the series.

Story: A+
Writing Style: A+

Illustrations: A+
Ease of Read: A+
Appropriate for Children?: Absolutely!

Enjoyable for Adults?: Yes!

Overall Grade: A+