Jingle music. Lights ablaze.
How long till that special date?
Llama Llama has to wait.
If there's one thing Llama Llama doesn't like, it's waiting. He and Mama Llama rush around, shopping for presents, baking cookies, decorating the tree . . . but how long is it until Christmas? Will it ever come? Finally, Llama Llama just can't wait any more! It takes a cuddle from Mama Llama to remind him that "Gifts are nice, but there's another: The true gift is, we have each other."
October 18, 2010
In his fourth outing, Llama Llama learns what many children know: waiting for Christmas is tough. Shopping, making cookies, school activities, and unpacking Christmas tree lights proves "too much everything for Llama" and he has a "Holidrama" meltdown. Luckily, Mama is there to remind him: "Sometimes we should take a rest/ and hold the ones we love the best." Dewdney delivers a familiar holiday message with grace, as Mama and Llama Llama snuggle on a tranquil spread, next to their undecorated tree. Overwhelmed by holiday excitement and expectation, Llama Llama is as
relatable as ever. Ages 3–5.
September 1, 2010
In this fourth session of "llama drama," the little llama boy finds that seemingly endless days of waiting for Christmas to arrive in addition to all the related hustle and bustle can be just a little much. Along with his patient mama, he participates in all the activities until he finally collapses in a Christmas-fueled meltdown, with huge letters spelling out "HOLIDRAMA!" Mama Llama soothes and explains in her gentle way, bringing some greater understanding to the situation before tucking her child into bed on Christmas Eve in the calm, satisfying conclusion. The short, four-line rhymes on each page serve as amusing exposition and effectively convey Llama Llama's growing frustration with the holiday season. The extra-large trim and cheerful illustrations make this a fine choice for reading aloud to a group. (Picture book. 2-5)
(COPYRIGHT (2010) KIRKUS REVIEWS/NIELSEN BUSINESS MEDIA, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.)
October 1, 2010
PreS-K-The holidays are filled with fun and excitement and a lot of things to do and make, but poor Llama Llama has to wait. Patience not being his strong suit, and completely overwhelmed by all the holiday activities, he has a complete meltdown on Christmas Eve. Fortunately, Mama Llama is there to save the day with hugs and kisses and a little quiet time. Dewdney continues to display her very real understanding of preschooler mentality. This story is as familiar as a favorite ornament (and the cover glitters). Llama fans and newcomers alike will be charmed.-Mara Alpert, Los Angeles Public Library
Copyright 2010 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.
January 1, 2011
In his fourth book, Llama Llama wonders how, despite the seasons "hustle bustle," the countdown to Christmas moves at a snail's pace. After too much shopping, baking, and waiting, Llama Llama melts down, and Mama Llama gives him a much-needed hug, reminding him: "the true gift is / we have each other." The illustrations convey the hectic atmosphere in great detail.
(Copyright 2011 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)
November 1, 2010
In his fourth book, Llama Llama wonders how it is that despite the hustle bustle of the season, the countdown to Christmas Day moves at a snail's pace. After too much shopping (and waiting) and baking (and waiting), Llama Llama melts down, and Mama Llama gives him a much-needed hug. She tells him that wishing, waiting, wanting things / we forget what this time brings; while presents are nice, the true gift is / we have each other. Dewdney's illustrations convey the hectic atmosphere in such details as spilled eggnog and strings of lights strewn across the floor. Those who grinch about the frustrating pace of the holidays will enjoy this acknowledgment that Christmas can be hard on everyone -- and that a quick snuggle is always a good idea. jennifer m. brabander
(Copyright 2010 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)