The Llama Who Had no Pajama

1. BILIOGRAPHY
Hoberman, Mary Ann. 1998. The Llama Who Had no Pajama: 100 Favorite Poems. Ill. by Betty Fraser. San Diego, CA: Little Brown & Co. ISBN 0152001115

2. PLOT SUMMARY
The Llama Who Had no Pajama: 100 Favorite Poems by Mary Ann Hoberman is a collection of previously published works by the author on a variety of subjects.  The poems are rhythmic and rhyming in nature and are written specifically for younger children.  Topics range from birthdays to ducks to going to school.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Each poem in this collection varies in length and content.  However, all of the selected works have an establised rhythm and rhyming pattern that is easily discernable.  The language of the entire collection is appropriate for the intended audience and was selected for the connection to childhood.  Each poem paints a vivid image of a time, place, animal or event that helps to convey meaning and emotion.

The layout of the poems is simple and combined with the illustrations serves to gently guide readers from one work to another without overwhelming or cluttering.

The illustrations by Betty Fraser are minimal and were created using a process of gouache and watercolor on bristol paper.  The cartoonlike illustrations are reminiscent of older childrens books and cartoons and help to bring forth the emotions of childhood.

4. REVIEW EXCERPT(s)

"Good for beginning or experienced readers of poetry, this should indeed become a favorite."--School Library Journal
"a charmer."--The Horn Book
Gold Award Winner - 1998 National Parenting Publications Awards (NAPPA)
Best Books of the Year - Child Magazine

5. CONNECTIONS
*Have children select one of the poems to read aloud
*Children can select an activity or animal of their choosing and write a poem and illustrate it
*Read other poems by Mary Ann Hoberman
*Check out the author's website http://www.maryannhoberman.com/