A Llama Called Lightning

By Author / Illustrator

Helen Peters, Ellie Snowdon

Genre

Animals

Age range(s)

Publisher

Nosy Crow

ISBN

9781839948725

Format

Paperback / softback

Published

11-04-2024

Synopsis

The sixteenth in a fantastic series of animal stories for younger readers by Waterstones Children's Book Prize-shortlisted author Helen Peters, with beautiful black-and-white illustrations by Ellie Snowdon.

Jasmine's dad is a farmer, and her mum is a large-animal vet, so Jasmine spends a lot of time caring for animals and keeping them out of trouble. Unfortunately, this often means she gets into hot water herself...

When Lightning escapes his lonely field to follow Jasmine home, she's determined to find a place for him on her farm. Jasmine is convinced that he'll make a perfect guard llama for the sheep and their newborn lambs! But Lightning is young, and there's a fox on the loose. When the lambs face mortal danger, can Lightning rise to the challenge?

Brilliant storytelling that will make you laugh and cry, this is Dick King-Smith for a new generation. Perfect for readers aged seven and up. Check out Jasmine's other adventures: A Piglet Called Truffle, A Kitten Called Holly, A Sheepdog Called Sky and many more!

Reviews

A Llama Called Lightning is the new instalment from Helen Peters and Ellie Snowdon. Jasmine's family owns a farm and are very busy with all the animals and drama going on. When Jasmine walks home one day she is followed by an unlikely guest, a Llama called Lightning! Jasmine is desperate to have Lightning on the farm and a new animal to look after but when she and her family find out he has an owner, things change. Desperate to show her family that Lightning belongs on the farm, Jasmine sets up a plan but with Lightning's help, it doesn't quite go to plan! Can Jasmine keep Lightning and prove his worth?

I used to love reading books like these when I was a child, so I knew I was going to be a fan of this. The story is fast paced and full of animal information which I really liked. The themes of responsibility and animal ownership are paramount as well as friendship and family.

I think lots of children will thoroughly enjoy reading these stories from Helen Peters, especially those just entering into reading chapter books, or who just love animal stories!

144 pages / Reviewed by Lauren Maidman, teacher