Alpacas Here, Alpacas There by Carrie Tillotson Illustrated by Elisa Chavarri
Thanks to Barbara Fisch of Blue Slip Media & Simon & Schuster for sharing a copy. All opinions are my own.
Alpacas Here, Alpacas There is an engaging nonfiction picture book introducing readers to the gentle animal. Since alpacas can live high in the Andes Mountains and on alpaca farms in North America, this nonfiction picture book shares in both words and pictures how alpaca’s lives are similar and different on both continents.
Author Tillotson ingeniously shares details about alpacas on two levels. Her concise, rhyming text provides general information about their birth, rearing, behavior, diet, fleece, and threats, and protectors with illustrators Chavarri’s vibrant and expressive artwork providing visual support. Chavarri’s alpacas always appear to be smiling which makes the animal even more charming.
In the bottom right of almost every page spread, Tillotson expands on an alpaca characteristic with specific facts in a paragraph. I love the versatility of this information-it could be read aloud, used to build the adult reader’s background knowledge to engage in dialogue with young listeners or allow the book to be revisited as children become more proficient readers.
Back matter includes notes from both the author and illustrator, more information about alpacas, a glossary, and other sources.
Beagles & Books 