On September 3rd, beloved children’s author Anna Dewdney passed away after a courageous 15-month battle with brain cancer. In a touching final request, she asked her family and friends to read to a child instead of holding a funeral service.
Like many fans, I was heartbroken to hear that the creator of some of my favorite children’s literature had left us far too soon. There are certain books that, as soon as they hit the shelves, you just have to buy. For me, the Llama Llama series was one of those. Each new release promised to be timely, engaging, and a delight to share with my kids. Dewdney’s writing had a unique charm that resonated with parents everywhere, as evidenced by the overwhelming online tributes following her passing.
Dewdney nurtured her dream of becoming a writer for many years before it became her full-time career. Prior to her success, she juggled various jobs as a waitress, mail carrier, daycare provider, and teacher. Her first Llama Llama book, Llama, Llama Red Pajama, debuted in 2005, quickly garnering acclaim for its beautiful illustrations and the endearing yet cheeky character of Little Llama. Through Little Llama, children saw a reflection of their own experiences, while Mama Llama provided a model of patience and understanding that many parents aspire to embody.
In total, Dewdney authored ten Llama Llama books, which collectively sold over ten million copies. There’s also a Llama Llama series in the works on Netflix—though I’m a bit sad my kids will have outgrown it by then—and a new book titled Little Excavator set to launch in 2017.
Beyond her storytelling, Dewdney was a passionate advocate for reading with children. In a 2013 Wall Street Journal article, she emphasized how books foster empathy and connection. “When we open a book and share our voice and imagination with a child, that child learns to see the world through someone else’s eyes,” she explained. “This moment is what makes us human. In this sense, reading makes us human.” Couldn’t agree more!
The Llama Llama series was a lifesaver during my twins’ toddler years. Whatever parenting hurdle I was facing, Dewdney seemed to have a book for it. Whether addressing sleep anxiety with Llama Llama Red Pajama, the first day of preschool with Llama Llama Misses Momma, or bullying in Llama Llama and The Bully Goat, she validated children’s feelings while providing guidance on how to navigate tough situations. Sharing her stories with my kids was like saying, “I understand and love you, but this author nails it way better than I ever could.”
She is survived by her partner, Max Taylor, and two adult daughters. Tonight, I might pull out Llama Llama Time to Share for my now third-graders, perhaps swapping “Fuzzy Llama” for “iPad.”
Dewdney’s legacy of literacy and love will endure, and she will be missed deeply. For more insights into family and parenting topics, check out this post on home insemination kits, or visit Make a Mom for expert advice on the journey to parenthood.
In summary, Anna Dewdney, the author of the cherished Llama Llama series, passed away at a young age, leaving behind a legacy of compassion and understanding through her stories. Her final wish was for loved ones to read to children, a testament to her belief in the power of books to nurture empathy. Dewdney’s work will continue to touch the hearts of families everywhere.