Recommended Books for Preschoolers: Llama Llama Misses Mama by Anna Dewdney

The latest installment of Anna Dewdney's popular Llama Llama series of books is titled Llama Llama Misses Mama, and tells the story of little Llama's first day of school. Llama Llama is reluctant to leave his mama on the first day of school, and tries bravely at first, but after quavering a bit, begins to cry. The friendly teacher and a group of brand new friends coax Llama into joining the school fun, just in time for little Llama to share his new territory with his Mama.

Like all of the other books in the Llama Llama series, this book isn't short on Llama drama. But as with all good books in the first day of school genre, Llama Llama learns that a day that begins with drama doesn't have to end in trauma. (Sorry folks, just couldn't help myself there.)

If you are a fan of Llama Llama you will find this a satisfying addition to the series. The book addresses a child's first day of school with aplomb, using the familiar and soothing rhyming cadence that will makes this new addition to Dewdney's growing collection of stories another read-over-and-over success. This book is hot off the presses as of March 2009, so while the ink is still drying, it has yet to earn the noteriety of other books like The Kissing Hand, that are classroom staples for preschool and kindergarten teachers who may need to coax a few knee-clutching preschoolers through this important and momentous milestone.

I like the way Dewdney depicts the Momma Llama character. Although she loves her little Llama son, she is not quick to coddle him, even though he seems to throw a raging temper tantrum in each of her stories! Llama learns and overcomes as he does in each of the other stories. It is satisfying to see Llama's teary eyes filled with the excitement of new friends.

Dewdney's self-styled illustrations continue to have a smooth and professional quality that was lacking in Llama Llama Red Pajama, her first book featuring her sweet title character. Cuter than ever, young preschoolers will relate to Llama on his first day of school.

• First day of school
• New teacher
• Making friends
• Separation anxiety
• Shy children
• Preschool

Llama Llama Red Pajama. In this premiere book in Dewdney's Llama series, Llama is put to bed by his momma. He waits in bed for her to come sooth him to sleep, but she is interrupted by a phone call. He gets rather upset, but his mama soon responds, though she firmly explains that she cant always come to him right away.

Llama Llama Mad At Mama. In the second book in the series, Llama Llama visits the big box store, Shop-O-Rama, for an afternoon of shopping. Llama Llama dislikes shopping and gets impatient about his promised treat. The result is not only Llama drama, but a raging temper tantrum.

Each of Dewdney's books addresses common situations and milestones that toddlers and younger preschoolers will easily relate to.

• The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn
• Kindergarten Rocks by Katie Davis
• The Night Before Kindergarten by Natasha Wing
• Splat the Cat by Rob Scotton
• First Day Jitters by Julie Danneburg