The Llama Who Had No Pajama

Bibliography: Hoberman, M. A.(2006). Ill by Betty Fraser. The Llama Who Had No Pajama: 100 Favorite Poems. Harcourt Brace & Co. ISBN 9781451777345

Plot Summary: This book is an anthology of 100 poems written for children. The poems have many themes relatable to children, but most center around cute, silly animals. 

Critical Analysis: The 100 poems in this collection are very cohesive. They center around topics relatable to children, such as eating your vegetables, growing up, even body positivity (such as in “The Whale”). Every poem has a sing-songy fun rhythm and rhymes either every line or every other line. Hoberman uses fun, descriptive language that is easily understandable when read aloud to young children, and creates clear imagery. The illustrations are lively and colorful and supplement the poems, though if this was intended for an older audience, they may not be as necessary.  A very cute book, fun to read!  Wish I’d found it when my daughter was younger, we both would’ve enjoyed it. 

Reviews:

MemoriaPress.com: “From applesauce and balloons, to monkeys and playing dress up, these poems capture the essence of childhood.  Introduce your student to the beauty of poetry through this delightful collection!”

Goodreads.com: “...the delightful poems in this extensive collection convey the experiences of childhood with a fresh timelessness.”

Awards:

National Parenting Publications Gold Award Winner, 2006 

Book Sense of the Year Finalist, 2006

Connections: 

Use as a read-aloud in early elementary to introduce children to poetry and rhyming words.

Read aloud with early elementary students as an introduction to wild/zoo animals (animals they don’t already know about.  Supplement with coloring pages or have the children draw and color.



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