written and illustrated by Lori Doody
Running the Goat Books and Broadsides, 2022
ISBN 978-1-927917-81-7 (sc)
$11.95, 32 pp, ages 3 — 6
runningthegoat.com
Lana the Llama lives on a farm amidst a flock of sheep. Aware that she doesn’t really fit in with her friends (neck and legs too long, she can’t baaaaa), she tries to blend in by disguising her differences. When she becomes aware that her flock is constantly being bullied by a yappy dog, Lana decides she should do something and stands up to her full height. The dog runs off when he sees Llana, and that is the end of the problem! This delightfully illustrated story is sure to appeal to early primary children.
Classroom Connections: Educators could use Lana Llama as an effective springboard to discussions about bullying and self-acceptance. When Lana stops trying to be like the others in the flock and embraces her own physical qualities, she both helps her friends and feels good about herself. Reading strategies that work well for this book are making connections and questioning.
Review by Brenda Boreham.
This review is featured in Canadian Teacher Magazine’s Spring 2023 issue.