Could there be better moment to publish a picture so full of fun and flamboyance as well as a really important message about acceptance? Llama Glamarama by Simon James Green and illustrated by Garry Parsons published by Scholastic is a spectacular story that leaves you with a big smile on your face! 

Today is my stop on the non-stop Llama Glamarama Dance Party Blog Tour! I’m sharing a POOL PARTY playlist from author Simon James Green and participating in the Dance Party Challenge. This is Simon’s debut in children’s picture books and it’s safe to say he’s on to a winner!

I first heard this story at the Scholastic Children’s Book preview event, pre-lockdown and it’s safe to say, it was a huge hit. As Simon read the book aloud, illustrator Garry Parsons drew along and Larry the llama came to life before our eyes. By day,Larry is a very well-behaved llama like all his llama friends; but by night a secret dancing superstar. Larry runs away not wanting to admit the thing he loves most in the world and reveal his true self. But thankfully, he finds a place where he can really be himself, and not only that, it helps him feel brave enough to tell the truth!

It’s impossible not to feel good after reading this story and fall in love with Larry, as he discovers that actually, it’s ok to want to dance and in fact, taking pride in who you are will help you be truly happy! Llama Glamarama is a book to be enjoyed over and again and also one that can open the door to conversations about acceptance and being just who you are.

So here’s my Dance Party Challenge:

1. What’s your favourite dance move? The Twist – Pulp Fiction style!

2. Favourite song to groove to? Pretty much any on this Dance Party Tour playlist!

3. Favourite song for a slow dance? A Rat Pack number

4. Ballet or hip-hop? Ballet (Noel Streatfeild anyone?!)

5. Jive or tango? Jive – I would LOVE to learn this dance

6. Flossing or flamenco? Flamenco (purely because of Baz Luhrman’s Strictly Ballroom!)

And here’s Simon James Green’s POOL PARTY playlist!

“Maybe Llama Glamarama will be a massive hit, and I’ll buy a villa in Spain with a pool, and call it Casa de Larry. Until that time, these water-themed songs would equally work if you don’t have a pool, but just a tepid bath. Splash, splosh and enjoy!”

Purple RAIN – Prince

The TIDE is High – Blondie

The Day we Caught the Train – OCEAN Colour Scene

The RIVER of Dreams – Billy Joel

It’s RAINING Men – The Weathergirls

Here’s a link to the full ‘Llama Glamarama Dance Party Tour’ playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2ADCN4QeWgEcFosldR5nVv?si=Pp_Y6uQRSoKNmdjvN-GBvA. And don’t forget to check out the rest of the blog tour:

With thanks to Scholastic for inviting me to take part  in this blog tour and sending me this book to review.