Llama, Llama...Read with Mama

So, my goal this year is to blog every Wednesday...however, I really did not know what to write about today since we have only had one day of school this week. Then, last night I found out on Twitter about the passing of a great author named Anna Dewdney. She was the writer of the Llama, Llama books. In her obituary, she requested that people read to a child instead of having a funeral for her.

How amazing is that?!?!? Ms. Dewdney was an advocate for children's literacy throughout her career. Her relatable and fun stories have made story time a safe, comforting place for children across the world. Her Llama, Llama stories will be missed by my students and myself. However, I am comforted by the fact that there is a TV series coming soon based on the Llama, Llama books. Kids need to hear that it is ok to miss mama or having sharing drama.

 

My favorite Dewdney book is Llama, Llama Holiday Drama because it tells a great story about how material things are not what is important during the holidays. I always read this book to at least one grade level during the crazy holiday times. I did not know much about the author until I read the article above, but it appears that the meaning behind this book was also echoed in her personal life. She values experiences, specifically reading with children, over stuff that can be bought with money.

Our fabulous P.E. teacher Mrs. Newberry gives a speech at the beginning of the year to the students about how when you are at school, the teachers are your mamas and that our job is to make sure they are safe. If you are in P.E., then Mrs. Newberry is your P.E. mama...if you are in library, then Mrs. Ray is your library mama....etc. I plan to read to my students as their library mama this week in honor of Anna Dewdney. Please join me in honoring her final wishes by reading to a child today, tomorrow, or sometime this week...and keep doing it!