Read As A Stand Alone: Yes
Publisher: Viking Books for Young Readers
Source: the publisher in exchange for an honest review
Release Date: May 31st, 2022
Buying Links: Amazon* | Apple Books* | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Google Books | Kobo |
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Blurb from goodreads:
A Netflix Original series
With over 30 million copies in print, Anna Dewdney's New York Times bestselling Llama Llama books have provided hours of comfort and fun-to-read-aloud rhyme.
Summer days are getting shorter and it's almost time for the first day of school for Llama! But Llama Llama isn't ready for summertime to end. It's been full of backyard camping, family picnics, and ice cream with friends. All he wants is for summer to go on forever! He's anxious about his first day back at school but maybe, with some help from his friends and Mama Llama, going back to school will be fun after all!
My Thoughts:
Oh, I remember as a child going back to school could be so disappointing. I loved the freedom I had, exploring conservation land, sleeping late, reading as much as I wanted. I enjoyed, most of the time, the lack of structure. Going back to school meant getting up early (which is still a chore), working, and too much structure (I've found a balance these days). But it also meant seeing friends and acquaintances I didn't over the summer, and knowing exactly what I was doing every day, maybe making a new friend.
Llama Llama is enjoying his summer - reading in a hammock, going to the farmer's market, playing games, having picnics, and spending time with family friends. As summer nears to a close, Llama's mother starts reminding him that school will be restarting. That makes him sad. Going shopping for back to school frustrates him. Then, it's time. Summer vacation is over, school has begun. But wait, Llama Llama is having fun! He paints, colors, plays, and follows the teacher's directions. Then, he spots a new student who is unhappy. Llama Llama rushes over to help him, and befriends him.
Dewdney and Duncan do a lovely job of portraying am American summer vacation for many young children and the joys and challenges of a new school year. Llama Llama is kind, caring, and thoughtful, though certainly not perfect. "Llama Llama Back to School" is a sweet story that kindergardeners and elementary school children will enjoy.
Llama Llama books were very popular around here when Will was little though it's been years since I've read any of them. I remember we read Llama Llama Misses Mama to help prepare him for preschool. There are a number of kids' books I don't miss but Llama Llama is one I do!
ReplyDeleteThey are cute, yet not cloying. I like them.
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