The Llama's Secret: A Peruvian Legend

Legends of the World

by Argentina Palacios Ziegler, Charles Reasoner (Illustrator)

Magnificent illustrations and captivating texts tell the legends of Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, the Americas, and Native America.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens

32 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1993

Reviews

[Debbie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a cute children's story. It is a retelling of the Peruvian legend equivalent to Noah's Ark. There is an added consequence for the doubting foxes, and an honoring of llamas for their part. There is also an interesting page at the end with a little historical and factual information about llamas, Peru, and the flood story. I love stories that broaden children's (and adults') horizons.

[Sierra Dirksen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was about a llama that saved many different animals and a family. He did so by warning them about a flood that was going to happen. This book was cute, and gave an interesting reasoning behind why foxes' tails have dark tips. The pictures were intricate and cute, however the story was not my favorite.

[Megan Gavin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was extremely interesting. It is about a llama who proceeds to tell the family it works for and many other animals that the sea is about to flood the entire land. The only place they will be safe is at the very top of a mountain. Most listen and they are saved. This book would be very good for a lesson on llamas, Peru, or knowing when to trust something that seems very bizarre.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Always fun to read a Great Flood story from another culture, especially when it also has aspects of origin mythology tied to it. Beautiful layout and art work, easy to understand story. I remember seeing llamas with bells and ribbons in Peru and it's great to now have a story to go with it!

[Stacie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Peruvian folk tale not dissimilar to the story of Noah and the flood. Well written and charmingly illustrated.

[Ryker Geist]

A flood narrative

[C. (Don't blank click my reviews, comment please! · Rating 4 out of 5]

I discovered "The Llama's Secret" at the best charity sale. Peru's story encourages us to trust one another, instead of exemplifying extreme punishment on the theme of disobeying God. This heartening animal story is also distinguished by not speaking for all the world. There is serious danger that needs to be overcome and one llama is concerned about imparting the solution to his human caregivers and everyone else he comes across. However the solution is simple, affects only one Peruvian town, and danger dissipates after one night.

Adapted by Argentina Palacios and brightly, feelingly illustrated in 1993 by Charles Reasoner: this is a simple and succinctly-told story for children. It is much more moving than one might expect, however and memorable. First, it is explained to us that llamas are vitally important helpers to Peruvian families; such as carrying people and baskets of produce between the villagers' gardens and their homes. The fertile lands they work are at a fair distance from their houses. Knowing they could not survive without their skilled, strong llamas, they are highly-respected and cherished beautifully. This touches my heart. Llamas are provided with the best, healthiest water and food at all times and paid attention closely.

When one family's llama ceases eating, they notice right away and try different grass; until they beg him to get better, whatever the trouble might be. It wrenched my emotions that the llama cries, with Charles Reasoner illustrating tears on that caring face! The llama surprises his caregiver by speaking, revealing he knows of a flood and that he has been worried about alerting everyone to ascend their mountain. The farmer accepts his dear, intelligent llama's wisdom. He helps him deliver it and appreciates him anew. There is no punishment, even of foxes who react to the threat belatedly.

[Morgan · Rating 3 out of 5]

In this Peruvian version of the ubiquitous flood story, the llama warns all the animals as well as his caring master of an impending flood and leads them to safety on a mountaintop. The retelling itself, as well as the illustrations, are rather stark, but includes a fun piece about how the fox got the dark tip on its tail. The illustrations do have a few small details which resemble Inca weaving that could be used to spark a discussion. Despite a few deficits, this book could be a good gateway to talking about the importance of different animals in different cultures as well as different creation myths and flood myths. Students could compare and contrast a number of flood stories and use that as a base for talking about cultural similarities and differences.

Approximate Reading Level: P

[Shelli · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Llama's Secret: A Peruvian Legend (1993), written and adapted by Argentina Palacios and illustrated by Charles Reasoner, tells a story similar to that of Noah and the Ark. This time, though, the llama is the one who warns everyone of the coming flood. Instead of building an ark, the Peruvian family and animals climb to the highest mountain, Huillcacoto, to escape the flood waters. Great additional story of how the fox's tale got it's black tip, too.

Themes: Nature; Flood; Legends

Ways to use this book with children:
* Read and compare with other Flood legends.
* Have students write their own legends about how animals got their markings.

Additional Info:

Available in Spanish

[Ashley Lahr]

This story is about a man and his prize possession...a llama. The llama stops eating, the man takes him to new meadows each day to try and make him eat. Then one day the llama speaks of a great tragedy that will happen. The Llama leads everyone to the highest peak of the mountain. They are safe and now have to wait til the sun comes back and the waters go down.

[Theresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Llama's Secret: A Peruvian Legend (Legends of the World)
by Argentina Palacios Ziegler
this book a good story showing traditional ideals, and information that can be used in the classroom to show multicultural aspects.

[Ashten Wolff]

A llama saved a family and many animals from the darkness of the floods.