Llama Llama Mad at Mama by Anna Dewdney

Llama, Llama Mad at Mama, the follow up to Llama, Llama Red Pajama, shows Llama dragged to the store and the resultant temper tantrum. If only it really was this easy to get a child who's upset at the store to calm down. But that's part of the genius of this book. Like the first title, it displays the true emotion of a child and a calm mother's ideal reaction. They are both such comforting books.

The steady rhythm and rhyme make it a fun read aloud. (Though the use of the phrase "llama drama" is slightly less effective in this volume.) Beautiful and expressive illustrations enhance the text. On the first spread Mama's face suggests she knows what trouble might lay ahead as clearly as Llama Llama's tells us he does not want to go.

I'll be adding this book to the list of ones awaiting child approval. I'm guessing it will be a hit, but even if it's not I'm going to get a kick out of it every time I read it.