The Llama Who Had No Pajama

Bibliography

Hoberman, Mary Ann. 1998. The Llama Who Had No Pajama: 100 Favorite Poems. Ill. By Betty Fraser. San Diego, CA: Harcourt, Inc. ISBN: 0152001115

Plot Summary

            The Llama Who Had No Pajama consists of an anthology of various subjects that provide humor to children. The book consists of a variety of perspectives as well as different topics varying from animals such as whales and centipedes to the celebration of birthdays. The poems tap into different learning opportunities such as contrasts, letters, animals, and seasons.

Critical Analysis

            The collection of poems is a variation of long and short poems that provide simplistic humor to younger children. The poems range from one to two pages in length and have illustrations that support as well extend the learning of the poem. The illustrations are comical at times and assist in visualizing the poem as the reader attaches a meaning to the poem. Fraser utilizes watercolor and detail to each illustration that appeal to the eye of the readers.

            To enhance the humor of the collection of poems Hoberman, at times, also uses alliteration and onomatopoeia. For instance, the poem “Frog” consists of short syllables with alliteration that capture the attention of the readers and allow for participation in choral reading. Hoberman designed the poems for children to feel engaged and create a communal atmosphere while learning about different subjects.

            Overall, the collection of poems can capture a young audience as Hoberman engages in word play, rhythm, and rhyme.

Review Excerpts 

From the Horn Book: "This collection of some forty years of Hoberman verse is a charmer. The poems - peppy verses immediately identifiable as Hoberman's by their use of alliteration and repeated words and lines - seem to cover every subject under the sun; all are dependably child-centered."

From the Booklist: "Poems drawn from Hoberman's previous works…are packaged to delight a new generation of youngsters. Children may be reminded of A.A. Milne's poetry…but Hoberman's poetry goes deeper, offering children a new way to look at things."

Connections

Other books by Mary Ann Hoberman and Illustrator Betty Fraser

A House Is a House for Me

The Cozy Book

Connections in the classroom

This story can be used to introduce a science unit on animals and insects. The poems on frogs, ducks, centipedes, and cockroaches can be used in the science unit.

A unit on literary elements such as alliteration and onomatopoeia and using text to find poems or lines that utilize it. Students can also create their own poems using alliteration.