Starred review from August 13, 2012
The sixth title in the bestselling Llama Llama series has the “Gnu” neighbors coming over for a visit. With Llama Llama’s toys fair game for Nelly Gnu, his sharing skills are put to the test: “Oh, disaster! Dolly drama!/ Nelly Gnu has Fuzzy Llama!/ He’s not hers! This isn’t fair!/ Llama doesn’t like to share!” A subsequent tug of war results in a lost arm for Llama’s doll, but Mama Llama saves the day as the two playmates learn to collaborate. Once again, Dewdney conveys a highly relatable source of llama drama with warmth and authentically childlike characters. Ages 3–up. Agent: Deborah Warren, East West Literary Agency.
August 1, 2012
Dewdney's newest Llama Llama picture book delivers a lesson in social skills to its camelid protagonist and its young readers, too. When the brand-new (gnu) neighbors come to visit, Llama Llama's mother prompts him to befriend Nelly Gnu while she serves up tea for Mrs. Gnu and her babe in arms. Seeming rather leery about his mother's admonition, ."..don't forget to share," Llama Llama leads his playmate over to his toys. All goes well enough until she starts playing with his prized Fuzzy Llama doll--without his permission. A tug of war ensues, and the doll ends up with a ripped-off appendage. Luckily, Mama Llama is not only a good hostess, she's also handy with a needle and thread. Both mothers prompt their young ones to apologize to one another, and Fuzzy Llama is left on the step until they are ready to share. All's well that ends well, and after playing happily with other toys, they do end up sharing Fuzzy Llama, and the visit ends with them as fast friends looking forward to their next play date. While the rhyming text comes across as rather forced or twee in places, bright, cheery illustrations match the positive, easy tone of the story with its easily resolved conflict. A solid addition to the popular series for toddlers and preschoolers. (Picture book. 2-4)
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August 1, 2012
PreS-K-When the new neighbors stop by for a visit, Mama reminds Llama Llama and Nelly Gnu to share. The two youngsters get along well until Nelly plays with Llama Llama's most cherished toy, and a brief scuffle results in Fuzzy Llama's arm being torn off. Not to worry, the toy and friendship are soon mended, leaving everyone anticipating the next playdate. Dewdney's large paintings are bright, bold, and expressive. This picture book will be a pleasure to share with friends, old and gnu.-Laura Butler, Mount Laurel Library, NJ
Copyright 2012 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.
January 1, 2013
In Llama Llama's latest vehicle, his challenge is sharing his toys while hosting a play date ("Nelly starts to build a town. / Llama Llama starts to frown..."). As expected, there's a skillfully done teachable moment here, and Dewdney is expert at showing--through her staccato rhymes and well-observed illustrations--the way that a child navigates his or her emotions.
(Copyright 2013 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)