Anna Dewdney facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Anna Dewdney
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Dewdney at a book signing in 2014
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| Born | Anna Elizabeth Luhrmann December 25, 1965 New York City, New York, U.S. |
| Died | September 3, 2016 (aged 50) Chester, Vermont, U.S. |
| Occupation | Author, illustrator |
| Alma mater | Wesleyan University (BA) |
| Genre | Juvenile fiction |
| Years active | 2005–2016 |
| Notable works | Llama Llama series |
Anna Elizabeth Dewdney (born Anna Luhrmann; December 25, 1965 – September 3, 2016) was an American author and illustrator. She created many popular children's books. She is most famous for her Llama Llama series.
Her first book, Llama Llama Red Pajama, was published in 2005 and became very popular. Many other books in the Llama Llama series also became New York Times bestsellers. Her stories have been turned into plays, dances, musicals, and even an animated TV show for Netflix. Many groups, like the Library of Congress, use her books to help kids learn to read.
Contents
About Anna Dewdney
Anna Dewdney grew up in Englewood, New Jersey. She went to The Elisabeth Morrow School and later graduated from The Putney School in 1985. She then studied Art at Wesleyan University, earning her degree in 1987.
Before her books became famous, Anna worked many different jobs. She was a waitress and a postal carrier. She also taught art, history, and language to young boys with Dyslexia, a learning difference that affects reading. Anna lived in Vermont with her partner, Reed Duncan, and their two children. She passed away at age 50 after an illness.
Her Career as an Author
Anna Dewdney started her career by drawing pictures for other people's books. In 2005, she wrote and illustrated her own book, Llama Llama Red Pajama. This book quickly became a big hit.
Her books are known for showing strong feelings and family relationships. They often deal with everyday problems that young children face. Anna often wrote her stories using rhyming words. Because of this, and because she loved helping kids learn to read, her books are often used in reading programs.
The Llama Llama series is very popular with parents, teachers, and bookstores. Her books have been translated into more than thirteen languages, including Chinese, Spanish, and German. Some of the money from her books helps protect animals like pangolins in Southeast Asia.
In 2016, it was announced that her Llama Llama books would become an animated TV series for Netflix. The show stars Jennifer Garner as the voice of Mama Llama. Anna Dewdney and Reed Duncan wrote the words for the show's theme song. The series has about 50 episodes and is shown in many countries around the world.
What Inspired Her
Anna Dewdney was inspired by many other famous authors and illustrators. Some of the people who influenced her work include Tasha Tudor, Maurice Sendak, Russell Hoban, Garth Williams, and E. B. White. She looked up to these writers and artists who created wonderful stories for children.
Awards and Special Recognitions
All of Anna Dewdney's Llama Llama books have been New York Times bestsellers. Several of them even reached the number one spot on the list!
In 2011, Llama Llama Red Pajama was chosen for Jumpstart's Read for the Record event. This event set a world record for the most readings of one book on a single day. Anna's work was even read live on the Today show!
Her books have also been turned into plays, dance shows, and musicals. Dolly Parton even used her books for her Dolly Parton Foundation's Imagination Library. This program gives free books to young children. The Library of Congress also featured Anna's work at their National Book Festival in 2012.
Other Awards for Her Books
- Llama Llama Red Pajama: Won the Scholastic Parent and Child "100 Greatest Books for Kids" award.
- Llama Llama Home With Mama: Was nominated for the Children's Choice Book Award for "Illustrator of the Year" in 2012.
- Llama Llama Time to Share: Was nominated for the Children's Choice book Award for "Illustrator of the Year" in 2013.
- Llama Llama Mad at Mama: Won the Missouri Building Block Award.
Selected Works
Here are some of the books Anna Dewdney wrote and illustrated:
- What You Do Is Easy, What I Do Is Hard (she illustrated this one)
- Grumpy Gloria
- Llama Llama Hoppity-Hop
- Llama Llama and the Bully Goat
- Llama Llama Holiday Drama
- Llama Llama Home With Mama
- Llama Llama Mad at Mama
- Llama Llama Misses Mama
- Llama Llama Nighty-Night
- Llama Llama Red Pajama
- Llama Llama Time To Share
- Llama Llama Gram and Grandpa
- Llama Llama Zippity-Zoom
- Llama Llama Wakey-Wake
- Llama Llama Sand & Sun
- Llama Llama Easter Egg
- Llama Llama I Love You
- Llama Llama Jingle Bells
- Llama Llama Trick or Treat
- Nelly Gnu and Daddy Too
- Nobunny’s Perfect
- Roly Poly Pangolin
- Llama Llama Birthday Party!
- Little Excavator (published after her death)
- Llama Llama Gives Thanks (published after her death)
- Llama Llama Television Show (published after her death)
- Llama Llama Loves to Read
- Llama Llama Mess, Mess, Mess
- Llama Llama Loose Tooth Drama (coming soon)
- Everything Will Be OK (coming soon)
- Animalicious
- Llama Llama Yum, Yum, Yum
- Llama Llama Hide & Seek
- Llama Llama 5-Minute Stories
- Llama Llama Mad Libs Junior
- Llama Llama & Me: My Book of Memories
- What’s Your Favorite Color? (she contributed to this book)
- Christmas in the Barn (she illustrated this book by Margaret Wise Brown)
See also
In Spanish: Anna Dewdney para niños
