Llama Out Loud
#1 of 9 in Llama Llama Series
What’s inside...
Yasmin Shah is a ten-year-old girl who is part of a big, noisy family and doesn’t ever speak. Levi, a rude and sassy toy llama, talks a lot and causes chaos in Yasmin's life with his crazy antics. Despite trying to escape, Yasmin finds herself dragged into new surprises every day, like erupting bins and flying tuna fish. However, Levi might have a secret plan to help Yasmin find her voice. Illustrated by Allen Fatimaharan, the official illustrator for World Book Day 2022, this middle grade comedy offers lots of laughter and heartfelt moments.
Character compass
Yasmin Shah
Levi The Llama
Discussion points
Why do you think Yasmin, the main character, feels the need to find her voice again with the help of her toy llama?
How do you think the friendship between Yasmin and her toy llama changes her feelings at school and home?
What are some ways that Yasmin shows courage throughout the story?
Can you think of a time when you felt like you needed to be heard, just like Yasmin?
How do you think the story would change if there was no toy llama?
Tip: Role play these questions
While discussing Yasmin’s feelings, relate them to your child’s experiences at school or with friends to make the conversation more personal and relatable.
Encourage your child to think about times they've faced challenges and how they've overcome them, linking their real-life experiences with Yasmin's story.
Ask your child to imagine alternative endings or scenarios in the book, enhancing their critical thinking and creativity.
Emphasize the importance of empathy by discussing how Yasmin’s actions might have affected the other characters in the book.
Highlight the role of friendship and support in the book, asking your child about their thoughts on teamwork and helping others.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of self-expression
Explanation: In 'Llama Out Loud', young Yasmin discovers her voice through her interactions with a noisy toy llama, learning to express her thoughts and feelings effectively.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to communicate their needs and emotions clearly, fostering better relationships and personal growth.
Example Lesson: Embracing individuality
Explanation: Yasmin's journey highlights how embracing her unique traits brings joy and acceptance, counteracting her previous self-doubt.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to celebrate their own differences and those of others, promoting diversity and inclusivity.
Example Lesson: Courage to confront challenges
Explanation: The story showcases Yasmin overcoming her fears with the help of her toy llama, empowering her to face new situations.
Real-World Application: Motivates children to tackle their fears and understand that facing challenges is part of growing up.
Example Lesson: The power of friendship
Explanation: Yasmin learns valuable lessons about cooperation and empathy from her interactions, reflecting how friendships can influence personal development.
Real-World Application: Teaches the significance of building and maintaining positive relationships, and how they contribute to emotional and social skills.