Module 14: The Llama Who Had No Pajama

Book Summary

This is a collection of 100 poems covering an assortment of topics such as animals, insects, children, and seasons.  Fun rhyming and word-play in an assortment of short and long poems.

APA Reference

Hoberman, M. (1998).  The llama who had no pajama.  New York, NY:  Browndeer Press, Harcourt Brace and Company.

Impressions

I think this is a poetry book that most kids would enjoy.  The topics of the poems are all things that seem to be of interest to kids (animals, bugs, rainbows/weather, seasons, growing, etc...).  The majority of the poems using rhyming and a variety of short and long poems are included.  The illustrations are bright and cheerful.  Most of all, I think that children would enjoy the poems in this book because they are pretty straight forward and fun to read.  It's an enjoyable collection to read without all the figurative language and "hidden meanings" that are often present in poetry.

Professional Reviews

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, Ages 4 to 8, $20.00.

Lieberman, J. (n.d.).  [Review of the book The llama who had no pajama by Mary Ann Hoberman].  Children's Literature.  Retrieved from http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/llama-who-had-no-pajama-mary-ann-hoberman/1102303750#product-commentary-editorial-review-1.

K-Gr 4Hoberman's poems, accompanied by Fraser's illustrations, have been delighting children for 40 years. Now, many poems from their out-of-print books are available in this satisfying collection. The selections are mostly humorous, sometimes contemplative, and deal with animals, family, play, and plain silliness. Hoberman's rhythms are lively and agile, and her imagination and sense of humor are still in tune with young readers. Fraser's simple but detailed gouache and watercolor illustrations exhibit the same qualities. The layout is masterfully varied and never overwhelms the poems. There is a table of contents as well as an index of first lines. Good for beginning or experienced readers of poetry, this should indeed become a favorite.

Lindsay, N. (n.d.).  [Review of the book The llama who had no pajama by Mary Ann Hoberman].  School Library Journal.  Retrieved from http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/llama-who-had-no-pajama-mary-ann-hoberman/1102303750#product-commentary-editorial-review-1.

Library Use:

Design a bookmark with a short poem from this book on it.  Make several different bookmark designs, each with a poem from a different poetry book.  Print out the bookmarks on sturdy, bright colored paper and give them to students when they check out poetry books.  Display this book during poetry week. 

Book cover image from:  http://www.maryannhoberman.com/books/theLlamaWho.html.