Guest review by Ari (7):
This book was very funny. I liked all the spy stuff. The llamaborghini was really cool; I wish I had a flying car. It would be handy on mornings when we’re late for school.
General Bottomburp made me laugh out loud. He was gross but funny. A really funny bit was when Lloyd scratched his butt and Phillipe thought he had worms.
This book kept me guessing about what was going to happen. It got really exciting when the LOL’s were trying to get the Golden Llama back. I wanted to keep reading to see what would happen.
Kids who like spy stories and mysteries would like this book. I’m going to tell my friends to read it. (Ari, 7).
‘League of Llamas: The Golden Llama’ is the first in a series of junior fiction books by Aleesah Darlison. This book is full of fun, laughs and intrigue, as we barrack for our protagonists Agent Phillipe Llamar and Agent Lloyd Llamanator. Will they manage to thwart the plans of the evil General Bottomburp? (Just reading his name never fails to make me chuckle!)
This book is perfect for reading aloud because of all the llama-related puns and clever word play, and it is extra fun sharing the humour with somebody. Ari and I raced through this book with the speed of a llamaborghini to see if secret agents Phillipe and Lloyd could retrieve the Golden Llama and escape the evil clutches of the grossly hilarious General Bottomburp.
Agents Phillipe and Lloyd are unique and immensely likeable characters, as they bumble their way through each situation they find themselves in (exhibiting shades of Maxwell Smart). Their dialogue is snappy and full of dry wit and self-effacing humour. I loved the introduction of the mysterious and glamorous Elloise to the story – she can definitely hold her own with the boys, demonstrating some kick-ass skills of her own! It was very cool to come across a female character who is a national kick-boxing champion and has a black-belt in karate.
There is plenty for adult readers to love about this book too - it’s impossible not to chuckle at the artwork on Mama Llama’s office walls – including Llama with the Pearl Earring and The Llama Supper - with the quirky black and white illustrations by Simon Greiner adding to the humour.
The book is broken up into short chapters, perfect for readers who are ready to tackle chapter books by themselves. The length of each chapter feels manageable for newly independent readers.
If you’re looking for a junior fiction series featuring mystery and adventure, super cool spy gadgets, and just the right amount of jokes and humour, then this book is highly recommended. Prepare for a fun and rollicking read written with style, which will keep your young readers engaged and wanting more.
Ari and I can’t wait to read the other books in this series! (Llama Impossible; Undercover Llamas; Rogue Llamas).
Illustrated by Simon Greiner.
Published by: Penguin Random House