Maria Had A Little Llama: María Tenía Una Llamita

Dominguez, A (2013). Maria Had A Little Llama; María Tenía Una Llamita. New York, NY: Henry Holt & Co.

The traditional song Mary Had a Little Lamb is written in a delightful picture book in a new setting; Peru! This time it is Maria and she has a llama. The story is written one line per page in English. Then each line is translated into Spanish.  This is a good early reader for young students who are familiar with the song and can use the predictability of the text to help with accuracy. Bilingual classes can add this to their classroom library as well. Both English and Spanish speaking students would benefit from it.

The illustrations are the real asset of this story. They let the reader know the story is taking place in Peru. Ms Dominguez included it the way Maria and the teacher is dressed and  the appearance of the school. The character of Maria is the cutest character drawing I seen. Her wide smile on the front cover invites readers to open the book.