Within the bedroom, key elements of the setting include Baby Llama's bed, his red pajamas, and various toys and stuffed animals. The absence of Mama Llama from this space drives the story's conflict, as Baby Llama anxiously awaits her return from downstairs. This simple yet effective use of space creates a relatable scenario for children who may experience similar bedtime anxieties.

Characters

• Baby Llama: The main character, a young llama who struggles with separation anxiety at bedtime. He becomes increasingly upset when his mother leaves the room after tucking him in. Baby Llama's emotions escalate from soft whimpers to loud hollers as he waits for his mama to return. His character represents the common fears and worries many young children experience at bedtime.

• Mama Llama: The other main character, Baby Llama's mother. Mama Llama tucks Baby Llama into bed and then goes downstairs to attend to other tasks. She returns when she hears Baby Llama's distress calls and provides comfort and reassurance. Mama Llama represents the caring and nurturing presence that children seek from their parents, especially during times of anxiety or fear.

Quick facts

• Llama Llama Red Pajama, published in 2005, is the first book in Anna Dewdney's popular Llama Llama series.

• The book has sold over 10 million copies worldwide.

• Llama Llama Red Pajama was a New York Times bestseller for over 70 weeks.

• Dewdney both wrote and illustrated the book herself.

• The story's rhyming text was inspired by Dewdney's experiences as a mother and teacher.

• In 2018, Netflix adapted the Llama Llama books into an animated series.

• Llama Llama Red Pajama has been translated into multiple languages, including Spanish and French.

• Dewdney created over 20 books in the Llama Llama series before her death in 2016.

• The story addresses common childhood anxieties about separation from parents.

• Dewdney often visited schools to read her books aloud and encourage children's love of reading.

About the Author

Anna Dewdney (1965-2016) was an award-winning author and illustrator of captivating and comforting books for children. She is best known for her bestselling Llama Llama series, which debuted in 2005 with Llama Llama Red Pajama and expanded to nearly 20 volumes, selling more than 10 million copies.

Dewdney grew up in suburban New Jersey and taught school for many years before focusing on writing children’s books. Throughout her career, she was a passionate advocate for literacy and emphasized the importance of reading aloud to children. She spent most of her adult life in Vermont. There, she balanced her professional endeavors with her love for gardening and spending quality time with her family, including her daughters and dogs as well as her partner, Reed Duncan. 

Tragically, Anna Dewdney passed away from brain cancer at the age of 50. Her legacy continues through her memorable characters and stories full of reassuring messages for young children and their parents. In 2018, Netflix adapted the Llama Llama books into an animated series.