THOMASVILLE- Beloved children’s book character Llama Llama came to life this week at libraries across Thomas County, as the little llama visited children, while Regional Children’s Director Amanda Redker read aloud some of her favorite Llama Llama books.
According to author Anna Dewdney, “Llama Llama is a little child who loves his Mama and is sometimes frightened by new things. He likes to play all kinds of games with his friends and he carries his stuffed animal, Fuzzy dolly llama, everywhere he goes.”
Children in attendance at the Meigs Library on Wednesday afternoon were able to see some of Llama Llama’s struggles, as he learned to share and sleep in his room.
Redker read the group of kids “Llama Llama Time to Share,” which is a great tool of encouragement for kids learning how to share important objects, like Llama Llama’s Fuzzy dolly llama.
Redker ended the read aloud with her favorite story and classic “Llama Llama Red Pajama,” which is now a series on Netflix. The children’s story tells of Llama Llama waiting in his bed on his mama, who has yet to come tuck him in goodnight. As he continues to wait, Llama Llama starts to fret.
Following the story time, kids had the opportunity to hug Llama Llama and take photographs.
Redker was happy to see so many young kids in attendance, as this is the first story character read aloud the library has held, after hearing about them during a conference.
“I went to a meeting and heard about storybook character costumes and so far, the turnout has been great at every reading,” Redker said.
While Llama Llama is the only storybook character for this summer, Redker said the future is bright for additional character readings due to the massive turnout from kids and families alike.
The storytime is only the first of numerous summer activities at the library, with several fun additions in the lineup.
The Animal Tales Live Show will return to the Thomasville Library on Monday at 10:30 a.m., where kids can learn about non-native exotic creatures from around the world.
On Friday at 10:30 a.m., a new activity will be available at the Thomasville Library.
The Beatin’ Path Drum Circle will give kids the chance to interact in a rhythm-based storytelling, all while reading Dave Holland’s “Itsy Bitsy Blues” and drumming along.
Redker chose to invite the drum circle after attending a meeting and partaking in one.
“I got to be in a drum circle and it was really cool,” she said. “So, I hope other people like it.”
As of Wednesday, kids are not only buying into the activities being offered but the summer reading challenge as well.
Redker said Thomasville’s library has signed up more than 400 children, with a goal of 900 signing up by the end of the summer.
This year, children will be tracked by minutes read versus books total.
“It seems to make it more even for kids reading chapter books instead of picture books,” Redker said. “They can read books from anywhere, including their house, a book borrowed from a friend or one checked out at the library.”
Once a child reads for 200 minutes, they will receive a mini-prize and be entered to win a larger prize after the summer reading challenge.