Llama Llama Red Pajama by Anne Dewdney tells the story of Baby Llama’s bedtime and the drama that ensues when Mama Llama is not able to immediately come check on him. It’s a great tale to soothe children’s bedtime fears of being alone in the dark. This book is aimed at children ages 1-5.
Llama Llama Red Pajama
I can’t believe I haven’t written about this book sooner! I had heard of it and knew it was also a popular children’s show on Netflix but hadn’t yet read it, so I picked up a copy at TJ Maxx before a long road trip (see Entertaining Your Toddler on a Road Trip).
We read it and loved it! The story is well written and just the right length. The rhyming writing flows and is fun to read out loud. Ava will chime in and recite some of the popular phrases along with me. I also love how it has introduced some behavioral concepts. We especially like the line about being patient with your mama. All in all Llama Llama Red Pajama is a great book. I guess it’s popular for a reason!
A Story of Childhood Fears
Two things I want to discuss about Llama Llama. One, if your child has issues with bedtime or being alone, approach this book carefully the first time you read it.
The first time we read Llama Llama was several nights before our road trip. I had just bought the book and desperately wanted to read something we hadn’t read a trillion times before. We both enjoyed reading it and I put Ava to bed.
If you’re familiar with Llama Llama, after Mama Llama puts Baby Llama to bed he calls her for a glass of water. She’s busy so can’t come immediately. Five minutes after I put Ava to bed I hear a little voice, “Mommy? Mommy? MOMMYYY?” My daughter is generally pretty good about going to sleep on her own, and will rarely call at night so I go check on her. “Mommymommymommy, I NEED some water!” I get her some water and she’s good.
The next day as we pack she distinctively does not want to bring Llama Llama with us.
We left the book at home on vacation and when we returned we tried reading it again. This time when Mama Llama didn’t come immediately, instead of reading it as a scary situation, I read it like Baby Llama was silly for worrying because Ava and I knew that Mama Llama would always come! (It was also not a dark and stormy night like last time so we had no ominous thunder in the background!)
The way that I read the book and set the tone really made a difference in how she viewed the experience. The first read I think she discovered a new fear – that mama wouldn’t come – and tested it out to see if it could be true. She then discovered that this was not a valid fear. I like that this book takes a legitimate fear that children have and address it. If your child is sensitive, approach the book in a positive way – and ideally not on a dark and stormy night – and they should be fine.
A Bedtime Experience
Second, I love that this book is not just about reading the book, it’s a whole experience. When we read Llama Llama Red Pajama we read the dialogue but also discuss what we see in pictures: why is Baby Llama feeling the way he is, what reasons are keeping Mama Llama busy, who is she talking to on the phone? (In our readings she’s always talking to grandma!)
We give two kisses when Mama Llama gives Baby Llama two kisses. We discuss Baby Llama’s stuffed animal and how it’s similar to Ava’s stuffed animal (pink bunny). At the end of the book, we look at the little pictures of other Llama Llama books and say their names out loud. When we get to Llama Llama I Love You we always have big hugs and kisses!
I love that reading Llama Llama Red Pajama is not just about reading text, it’s a whole cuddling and bonding experience with your child. For more children’s book reviews, check out my Book of the Day posts. Thanks for reading!
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