Module 14 THE LLAMA HAD NO PAJAMA

Bibliography

Hoberman, M.(1998). The Llama who had no Pajama: 100 Favorite Poems. San Diego, CA: Harcourt Brace & Co.

The Llama who had on Pajama is a book of poems for kids. One of the poems is Click Beetle. It starts off like this: "Click beetle/ Clack beetle/ Snapjack black beetle." This poem reminds me of Jamberry by Bruce Degan. The books has several poems about insects and animals. The pictures are fun. In one poem Whenever, she talks about making her room spin by turning around and around. The poem is in the middle of a circle of the girl in various poses of turning around. This book is an example of fun poetry for young kids.

Reviews:
Susan Dove Lempke (Booklist, April 15, 1998 (Vol. 94, No. 16))Poems drawn from Hoberman's previous works, published between 1957 and 1981, are packaged to delight a new generation of youngsters. Children may be reminded of A. A. Milne's poetry about Pooh, particularly by the earlier poems, but Hoberman's poetry goes deeper, offering children a new way to look at things. In "Birthdays," for instance, Hoberman wonders what it would be like if the celebration came once a week instead of once a year: "Think of all the gifts you'd get / And all the songs you'd hear / And think how quickly you'd grow up; / Wouldn't it feel queer." Animals and bugs, as well as a variety of ordinary childhood experiences, are featured in poetry that is sometimes funny, and often playful in its rhythm and repetition of sounds. Fraser's illustrations add a cheery, appealing look to the book without overwhelming the text. Use this along with Jack Prelutsky's Ride a Purple Pelican (1986) to sprinkle your story times with poems. Category: For the Young. 1998, Harcourt/Browndeer, $20. Ages 3-8.

Jan Lieberman (Children's Literature)Mary Ann Hoberman has charmed us for years with her singable, readable, factual, fantastical poems. Now we have a collection of 100 of her favorite poems in The Llama Who Had No Pajama, stylishly illustrated by Betty Fraser. Whether writing about animals or insects, e.g. "O Mrs. Mosquito, quit biting me please! I'm happy my blood type with your type agrees..." or about the human condition as in "Changing"--I know what I feel like; / I'd like to be you/ And feel what you feel like/ And do what you do..." or chanting an ode to the letter O--"O is open/ O is round/ O's a circle/ O's a sound..." her musicality sparkles. What fun she has with the sound "bit" in "A rabbit/ bit/ A little bit/ An itty-bitty/ Little bit of beet. /Then bit/ By bit. / Because he liked the taste of it..." 1999, Browndeer Press/Harcourt, $20.00. Ages 4 to 8.
Marilyn Courtot (Children's Literature)Mary Ann Hoberman pulls together 100 of her poems on a variety of subjects. Many of them of appeared previously, but this compilation is made particularly appealing due to the lovely artwork of Betty Fraser. Many will tickle the funny bone such as "Ducks," "Waiters," and "Applesauce," while others are riddles and still others just take a fresh look at everyday events, insects and things. 1998, Browndeer/Harcourt, $20.00. Ages 4 up.
M. Thomas (Parent Council Volume 6)A wonderful way to introduce poetry to children, this collection of more than one hundred lyrical poems with colorful illustrations will delight children of all ages. Poems are about everyday events and the nature of the world around us. A beautiful gift idea. 1998, Browndeer Press, $20.00. Ages 3 to 12.