April 16, 2012
Llama Llama’s third board book is a simple episode dedicated to outdoor play, told mostly through sound effects. “Llama Llama zip!/ Llama Llama zoom!/ Llama Llama Red Pajama vroom vroom vroom,” reads Dewdney’s upbeat verse as Llama Llama and a friend ride scooters and trikes. Dewdney’s expressive images capture the joy of fun in the sun—from playground time to popsicle breaks—and the onomatopoeic rhymes ensure a spirited read-aloud. Available simultaneously: Llama Llama Hoppity-Hop. Up to age 3. Agent: Deborah Warren, East-West Literary Agency.
December 15, 2012
Llama Llama, of Red Pajama fame, stars in this board-book ode to active toddler play. Joined by an uncredited Nelly Gnu, who appeared in Llama Llama, Time to Share (2012), Llama Llama rides a scooter, a tricycle, a playground swing and a toy car. The repetitive, rhyming text is appropriately empty: "Llama Llama ZIP! / Llama Llama ZOOM! // Llama Llama Red Pajama VROOM VROOM VROOM!" The duo continues their romp until a near-collision encourages them to stop for a Popsicle break under a shady tree. Unlike many board-book spinoffs from picture-book franchises, the inviting and cheery art is original to this offering. By alternating animated full-page and spot-art paintings, she gives the title momentum and energy. Youngsters unfamiliar with the picture books may wonder why the hero is nicknamed Llama Llama Red Pajama, as there is no sleepwear in sight, but this confusion will likely pass as they get drawn into a familiar, playful world. A pleasing addition and introduction to the Llama Llama series. (Board book. 18 mos.-3)
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