Parents' Guide to

Llama Llama Red Pajama

Book Anna Dewdney Picture Book 2005
Llama, Llama Red Pajama book cover: Against blue background, worried-looking baby llama in red pajamas hugs toy llama

Common Sense Media Review

Susan Faust By Susan Faust , based on child development research. How do we rate?

age 2+

A reassuring tale about getting through bedtime drama.

Parents Need to Know

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What's the Story?

In LLAMA LLAMA RED PAJAMA, Baby Llama faces bedtime anxiety. After Mama Llama reads to Baby Llama, she kisses him goodnight and goes downstairs to do the dishes and take a phone call. Meanwhile, Baby Llama grows increasingly nervous. He wants a drink of water, calls down to Mama Llama, and waits. He frets, whimpers, moans, boo-hoos, hollers, stomps, shouts, weeps, and wails. She finally comes back and explains, "Baby Llama, what a tizzy! Sometimes Mama's very busy." She counsels patience, professes love, and gives two more kisses. Sleep at last.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
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Kids say: Not yet rated

This gently reassuring picture book classic is a helpful tool for parents to use with young ones needing a model to help settle down, feel secure, develop self-control, and grow more independent. Llama, Llama Red Pajama, narrated in rhyming quatrains, is perfect for nightly read-alouds. Young readers will be drawn to the primary color palette in Anna Dewdney's illustrations, and they'll delight in following Baby Llama's expressive face (and that of his toy llama, which mimics his rising panic). The tale is timeless, and the art charmingly retro—check out the old-fashioned telephone with a coil cord! This sweet story will set kids on positive footing when it comes to nurturing the confidence and independence needed for a smooth bedtime experience.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about how Llama Llama Red Pajama deals with bedtime routines and anxiety. Do you have a bedtime routine that helps you get ready for sleep? What is it?

  • Why do you think young children have trouble settling down for bed? How is bedtime for you?

  • Baby Llama is worried when Mama Llama leaves his room and he's not asleep yet. With empathy, she returns to lovingly communicate her faith that he can overcome his anxiety and gain a measure of self-control. Has someone helped you deal with difficult moments? Who? How did it go? What helped most?

  • Facial expressions help show how Baby Llama and Mama Llama are feeling. Have you ever drawn faces to show feelings?

Book Details

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