posted on 12 May 2025

Llama Library by Holly Ryan, illustrated by Ella Bailey

Well-used free libraries packed with wonderful books remain one of the features of a civilised society. More recently, I have come across toy libraries that are run in a similar way. To see children enjoying both is a joy to behold, so why not extend the idea to lending out other desirable things? Borrowing a llama for up to a week is what is on offer here, and the cover shows a very enthusiastic little girl brandishing her ticket to a smiling librarian.

The first colourful double page spread shows the girl and her mother heading towards an intriguing building that features llama sculptures and llama-shaped topiary. It is part of what looks like a charmingly clean high street that includes a fishmonger and bakery.

The short rhyming text on each page does not interrupt the landscape, but we are immediately alerted to a potential problem:

“Pick wisely,” said Mum as we jumped off the bus,

“I’ve heard that some llamas cause nothing but fuss.”

When I shared this with a group of four year olds, we spent some time thinking about what this might mean. One girl suggested that they might be disobedient and keep running away. Another, who had some recent experience visiting a llama sanctuary, explained that they were very smelly! But we were surprised to find out that these storybook animals were quite extraordinarily talented - what could possibly go wrong?

The biggest challenge was to choose which one to borrow because several offered a range of specialist cookery skills which were very appealing. The girl settles on Betty who prepares food the Italian way. We talked about different kinds of pasta and pizza and most agreed that this was a very good choice. When Betty prepares a very messy spaghetti based meal back home in the kitchen, she realises that it is time to take her back to the library.

On the next trip, she visits the history section and selects a llama from Ancient Egypt with the alarming name of Tootin-Parp-Moon. There was some predictable giggling and whispering as I waited for the desired effect on the children. The trouble with this one is that he is obsessed with turning everyone into a mummy and tries to build a pyramid in the kitchen! Back to the library on the bus yet again to try another selection, joining in with the now familiar refrain:

‘So, off we all went on the big yellow bus,

back to the library, with barely a fuss.’

This time she borrows one from the arts and crafts section. We looked closely at Mum’s facial expression as they leave with a jolly looking llama, Stan who is equipped with a smock and paintbrushes. She looks extremely unenthusiastic with narrowed eyes and a thin lipped mouth in contrast with the exuberant Librarian who waves them off. One boy suggested that Mum wished she had never ever taken her there but another added ‘ she probably just wants her kid to be happy’. We tried to guess what might happen next, but I won’t reveal how this one dramatically changes their house and van.

The final double page spread is jam-packed with hilarious detail as we enjoyed spotting the mayhem caused by sixteen different llamas borrowed all at once. Perhaps it isn’t such a good idea to offer this service, although a Dino Library could possibly work? We had good fun thinking about a variety of animal and other libraries and the children were inspired to create some great drawings.

I recommend this very funny picture book published by Rocket Bird Books. It should be available from your local independent book shop, who will order it for you if not already on their shelves.

 

Karen Argent

May 2025