Module 6: Llama Llama Mad at Mama

Module 6 focused on picture books for children.  I read many great books in this module, including Owl Moon, Scaredy Squirrel, and Bats at the Library - which you can find trailers for in earlier posts on my blog.  Another great book from this module was Llama Llama Mad at Mama, written and illustrated by Anna Dewdney.

Image credit: http://www.us.penguingroup.com/nf/Book/BookDisplay/0,,9780670062409,00.html?strSrchSql=llama+llama+mad+at+mama/Llama_Llama_Mad_at_Mama_Anna_Dewdney#

Llama Llama Mad at Mama is the tale of Lllama and his mother, who go on a grocery shopping trip.  Little Llama is in a terrible mood, and goes on to throw a tantrum, as most moms have probably experienced.  In the end, Llama's mom calms him down, they finish their shopping trip and then go out for a treat.

I thought this book was very well-written and illustrated.  It is a very relatable story, both for parents and children, and the illustrations make it very clear how Llama feels about being dragged through the store - his facial expressions are recognizable even though he is not human, and little kids would find this very funny, I think.

I think this story is best suited to a traditional story time program, where parents and their young children (2-5) could come and listen to the story.  Afterward the kids can draw pictures of a time when they were upset because their mom (or dad) was making them do something they didn't want to do - parents can help their younger kids by drawing what they describe, or helping them remember a time when they were upset.

One reviewer wrote about Lllama Llama Mad at Mama:
"Dewdney creates a touching resolution to an all-too-familiar parental predicament. The well-told story, along with the bold colors of the illustrations and the precisely rendered expressions on Llama Llama's face—from dismay at having to put away his toys to go shopping, to rage as he throws his temper tantrum, to chagrin in its aftermath, to pure delight as he enjoys his ice cream cone—make this a perfect choice for preschool read-alouds."

References:

Dewdney, A.  (2007).  Llama Llama Mad at Mama.  New York: Viking.

Dewdney, Anna: Llama Llama Mad at Mama.  (2007).  Kirkus Reviews, 75(15).  From Literature Resource Center. http://go.galegroup.com/ps/i.do?id=GALE%7CA169083453&v=2.1&u=txshracd2679&it=r&p=LitRC&sw=w