A Llama in the Family

I was mostly pleased, but one book was dirty with something sticky on the back. A couple of others were more worn that I expected. I cleaned the dirty one and all of the others are okay to give to my students.I'd purchase again but I'd want to be more clear on the condition of the items.

Product was exactly as described. It did take a very long time to arrive.

Meet Adam, 10, who lives with his mom, dad and little sister April in Vermont and is telling this story. When he is told that a surprise should have arrived by the time he gets home from school, Adam is expecting a new bike. Imagine his surprise when he discovers his mom has bought a llama that she has named Ethan Allen after a troop leader in the Revolutionary War! Just what is she planning to do with Ethan Allen? Hire him out for adventure llama hikes to folks on vacation.Although a little disappointed that he didn't get his bike, there aren't many folks with llamas so it feels kind of special to Adam. How does the trip to school with Ethan Allen go? Adam's parents have promised that he can have a bike once the llama is paid for. After nine treks, is there enough money yet? Dad reminds him of the price of the llama, its food and the food for the trek picnics. What can Adam do to speed up the process? This story continues to entertain with typical happenings that can occur when you own an animals. Smile at what happens to the birthday cake? Who went with Ethan Allen when he broke down the fence? Learn how to barter at a flea market.Most importantly though is how Adam treats his parents with great respect and how this young man, so fixed on getting his bike, decides to do something else. He gives up his dream to make life better for another member of their family. This is a truly delightful story and one that all kids should hearken to. It is eight chapters long so great for independent readers or as a read aloud.

I am a third grade teacher and this past year one of my guided reading groups read "A Llama in the Family" by Johanna Hurwitz. We had so much fun reading about Adam and his adventures with Ethan Allen. My students were enthralled with the idea of a llama as a family pet. Johanna Hurwitz was skillful weaving so many fun and meaningful experiences into her story. As a post reading assignment my students had to make pamphlets to advertise a llama trek. What made it special to me is that this summer my husband and I found a bed and breakfast, The Applewood Inn in Virginia, that actually offered llama treks. Needless to say, that was the hook that got us to stay there. We didn't eat blueberry soup on our trek, but we learned so much more about llamas. Pick up a copy of the book, it is so much fun to read and there is much to learn about llamas.

Great read