You've Got to Be Calmer, Llama!
What’s inside...
A charming tale of a young llama who learns to calm down and handle his excitement with the help of his friends. The escape plan was set and the animals of Ginger Zoo were ready to break out. It would have all gone according to plan if Llama had just been a little bit calmer...
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
5-7
Length
40 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
Why do you think the llama needed to be calmer? What feelings was he experiencing?
How did the other characters help the llama feel better?
Can you think of a time when you felt like the llama? What helped you calm down?
What are some ways we can help each other feel calm and happy?
What did you learn from the story that you can use next time you feel upset?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before reading, ask your child what they know about llamas and what being calm means to them.
Pause at key moments in the story to ask your child how they think the llama is feeling and why.
Relate the story to your child’s experiences by discussing similar emotions and situations they've encountered.
After reading, practice deep breathing or a calming activity mentioned in the book together.
Encourage your child to draw or act out their favorite part of the story, focusing on how the characters felt and reacted.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Emotional Regulation
Explanation: The book's central character, Llama, learns how to manage frustration and anxiety through deep breathing and positive thinking, which helps calm his mind in overwhelming situations.
Real-World Application: Children can use these techniques to handle their own emotions during stressful moments, such as starting school or dealing with conflicts.
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: Through interactions with his friends, Llama learns to understand and share the feelings of others, which enhances his relationships.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to be considerate and supportive, improving their social interactions and friendships.
Example Lesson: Problem-Solving
Explanation: Llama faces various challenges throughout the story and learns to think critically and creatively to solve them, rather than giving up.
Real-World Application: Kids can apply problem-solving skills in their daily lives, whether it's dealing with a puzzle or resolving a disagreement with a peer.