Review Detail

LLAMA LLAMA MEETS THE BABYSITTER is an overall fun new installment in the Llama Llama series. Following the usual format with rhymes and fun, detailed illustrations, in this book, Llama learns from his mother that she will be going out for the evening, and he will be getting a new babysitter. As Llama worries about the babysitter, Mama Llama assuages his fears with reassurances. When the new babysitter, Molly, arrives, Llama is excited to see what she has brought. They play together and have a great time. After Mama Llama comes home, Llama is excited to ask when Molly can come back again.

What I loved: Babysitters can certainly be a new and scary thing for young children, and books like this really help to prepare them for someone new. The book is very reassuring that although it can seem difficult, having a babysitter can be a lot of fun, and grown-ups will always come back. Told in the usual style, this book keeps things positive and sets a great tone for a new adventure. This would be a great choice for children who are reticent about babysitters in the toddler through young elementary school aged crowd.

What left me wanting more: The pacing and rhymes were a bit off in this one, and they felt a bit forced in places with a few stumbles as you read. There also was not clear speech attribution, so although it switches to first person in places, it is not always clear who is talking which makes it a bit harder to read and understand quickly.

Final verdict: With great illustrations and a helpful storyline, LLAMA LLAMA MEETS THE BABYSITTER is a picture book that shows all the joy of having a babysitter with plenty of reassurance. Recommend for toddlers through young elementary school aged readers.