A Llama in the Family

by Johanna Hurwitz, Mark Graham (Illustrator)

When Adam Fine's mother decides to start a llama-raising business on their Vermont farm, ten-year-old Adam, who only dreams of having a new bike to ride, finds that life is suddenly full of surprises.

Genres: Fiction, School, Middle Grade, Juvenile, Childrens

112 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1994

About the author

Johanna Hurwitz is an American author of more than sixty children's books. She has sold millions of books in many different languages.

Reviews

[Diana · Rating 2 out of 5]

Cute story and at the right level for young readers, but I was disturbed by the lessons it teaches about caring for animals. Two families are keeping single llamas (they are herd animals and need companions), and the llamas were purchased from breeders instead of rescued. The main character's family has a cat that roams free outside, endangering wildlife and putting the cat at risk from traffic, predators, and other dangers. Fishing is presented as a wholesome pastime, when there is no humane or sustainable way to fish. Meat eating is normalized. Knowing the special relationships children have with animals, I would have expected the author to take a kinder stance.

[Nichole Ostrander · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a story about boy who more than anything wants a new bike. When he hears their is going to be a surprise later he is sure that it is a bike ; however to his great disappointment it is not a new bike but rather a Llama. His mom is starting f a little side business doing llama treks. He is also surprised to find that he loves his new llama and he can wait for that new bike. This book brings up beginning economic principals, like needs verses wants. It also talks about family. A cute story that can also bring in some cool discussions.

[Hanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

aw. it was a sweet book, and cute. not sure the exact placement of the story: there were computers (and they were used often enough that the kid knew about them) but there were papers and people calling random strangers on the phone. Maybe early 2000s? Also Vermont and Llamas, which is cute.

[Jenny Hartfelder · Rating 4 out of 5]

My sons and I really enjoyed reading this story together. It was an interesting story about everyday life with a fun conclusion.

[Lizzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was amazing and I totally recommend it!!!😁😁😁

[Dawson · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book was good but the ending was not good in my opinion.

[Jamie Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read for my son's 3rd-grade homeschool curriculum.

[Stacy Atherton Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

My daughter and I loved this book and the sketch illustrations inside. I plan to look seek out more books by this author.

[Sparrow12 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the book.

[Shofam · Rating 5 out of 5]

"This book was about a boy named Adam and a llama named Ethan Allen. A bunch of different things happen in the book. My favorite part was when Adam got the second llama and named him Ira. Another favorite story was April’s birthday because of all the funny things Ethan Allen did, like walking into the kitchen, and when he ate the cake."

Carolyn, age 8

[Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun!

[Skye · Rating 2 out of 5]

Cute kids book.

[Pianodino · Rating 3 out of 5]

There was some suspense in the end but everything worked out well!!

[Ashley · Rating 2 out of 5]

My kids thought it was boring, as the character rambled along.