November 23, 2020 9:54 am
I’m a sucker for a good pun. And when that pun serves a holiday that I celebrate, well, I have to celebrate the pun, too! So author Laura Gehl is here today with her new book, HAPPY LLAMAKKAH!
Laura, what sparked your idea for HAPPY LLAMAKKAH?
This was one of those books where the title came first. What’s not to love about a llama/Hanukkah combination? Usually when a great title pops into my head, I discover a book with that title already exists. I was amazed to find that wasn’t the case with this one. My Internet search found plenty of ugly Happy Llamakkah sweaters (my entire family is getting matching ones for Hanukkah this year…shhhh!), but no books. Still, figuring out the right story to go with the title was harder.
So many to choose from! Who knew?
I started off in a completely different direction from where I ended up. My first draft involved a human family encountering a llama family while backpacking over Hanukkah. That draft included, among other Hanukkah/llama connections, using llama poop to start a fire to light the Hanukkah candles (based on my research, this is completely possible, and I recommend everyone try it). A few of my critique partners gently pointed out that the jaunty tone of the title didn’t quite match with the text, which actually had a fairly serious storyline despite poop playing a key role. They suggested perhaps a rhyming story aimed at younger readers, with Happy Llamakkah as a refrain, would work better. After that, the book came together quickly, with no humans and no poop—only llamas and latkes.
What a hilarious story! Now I gotta think of a follow-up question to that!
Do Llamas celebrate Hanukkah any differently than humans?
Short answer—no! Longer answer: the Llama family in the book enjoys all the same Hanukkah activities as my own family…including lighting candles, playing dreidel, eating gelt and sufganiyot, and exchanging gifts. The only key differences are that the llamas in the book make a snow llama instead of a snowman (one of my very favorite illustrations by Lydia Nichols!) and that the Llama family gets to have friends come over to celebrate with them, since COVID is not a part of their world. Speaking of which, when you are finished looking up “ugly Happy Llamakah sweater,” you should look up “llama antibodies COVID-19.” A truly fascinating rabbit-hole into which to descend. You’re welcome.
Now we all know coal, carrots and a scarf make good snowman decorations. Do you have any tips for building snow llamas?
Why yes, Tara, indeed I do!
But don’t forget the llatkes! (Did you see that clever spelling?)
Umm, sure.
And llighting the Menorah!
OK, Tara.
And spinning…wait for it…the driedellama!
Great.
Are we done here?
Yes! Thank you for stopping by and for offering a signed copy to one of our blog readers! (US only)
Please leave one comment below to enter.
A winner will be selected on December 1! Good luck!
And…if you order a copy of Happy Llamakkah by December 7 from any independent bookstore, send your receipt to Laura at AuthorLauraGehl@gmail.com to receive a personalized Hanukkah card, bookplate, and llama stickers.
Laura Gehl is the author of more than twenty picture books, board books, and early readers. Her 2020 releases included Baby Paleontologist, Judge Juliette, May Saves the Day, Cat Has a Plan, and The Ninja Club Sleepover. Laura loves to snuggle up with a llama while reading a good book. Or at least she would love to give it a try! Visit her online at lauragehl.com.
Posted by Tara Lazar
Categories: Picture Books
Tags: Hanukkah, Hanukkah Books, Holiday books, Laura Gehl, Lydia Nichols
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Loved this!
By Shutta Crum on November 23, 2020 at 10:03 am
What a cute book! Thanks for sharing!!!
By kelbelroberts on November 23, 2020 at 10:04 am
Llove your interview! This sounds llike so much llama fun! Congratullations! And Happy Llamakkah!
By Angie on November 23, 2020 at 10:05 am
The book sounds delightful. ❤️ I had a little dreidel, I made it out of hay, and when it’s chewed and swallowed, the llamas cannot play! Happy Chanukah, anyway, to all little Llamas who celebrate.
By Joyce Schriebman on November 23, 2020 at 10:18 am
Joyce! Ha ha. “I made it out of hay” indeed! 😀
By Cathy Ballou Mealey on November 23, 2020 at 12:14 pm
Fantastic book — love the story of its creation! And now I need to get one of those fun llama Hanukkah sweatshirts 🙂
By Alicia Z. Klepeis on November 23, 2020 at 10:19 am
This sounds fabulous! I just ordered my kiddos LLAMAKKAH pjs! LOL
By Charlotte Offsay on November 23, 2020 at 10:21 am
I love that your finished project was nothing like the first draft! A great lesson in how to take feedback and do something awesome with it.
By Sarah Skolfield (@SarahSkolfield) on November 23, 2020 at 10:34 am
Well this is adorable! Thanks for sharing!
By katiemillsgiorgio on November 23, 2020 at 10:39 am
Well this is adorable! Thanks for sharing!
By katiemillsgiorgio on November 23, 2020 at 10:39 am
I received an advance copy and it’s llamazing! I also bought Happy Llamakah PJs for all of my nieces. Happy llamakah!
By stiefelchana on November 23, 2020 at 10:49 am
Congratullations and Happy Llamakkah! I will delliriously llaugh as I enjoy reading your book, I am sure!
By Mary Lou Johnson on November 23, 2020 at 10:59 am
OMG, I love this already! I cannot wait to read it! Those llamas are ADORABLE!
By Debra Shumaker on November 23, 2020 at 11:04 am
What a delightful interview and who knew llamakkah was a thing?!
I wish my kiddos were still littles so we could share this book.
By Maryanne (mfantaliswrites) on November 23, 2020 at 11:08 am
So cute! Great idea. Congrats.
By Dee on November 23, 2020 at 11:12 am
Fun book. Fun interview. Thanks, Laura and Tara, for adding a llittle llight to the season!
By Judy Y on November 23, 2020 at 11:32 am
Congratulations, Laura! Love the title and play on words. Your books looks wonderful!
By Kim A Larson on November 23, 2020 at 11:38 am
What a clever way to change a traditional celebration into something unique and funny yet still keep the traditional flavor. I’d love to read your book as would my grand kids. Happy Llamakkah!
By betlw on November 23, 2020 at 12:17 pm
Happy Llamakkah to you!
By rindabeach on November 23, 2020 at 12:30 pm
Wow – that rabbit hole is infectious! I’m frustrated that timing [to me] of this discovery is limited by a dr. appointment, to skimming at present. So weird and interesting!
Cheers to a new Hanukkah book that’s fun! The illustrations are clearly adorable.
By bonnie fireUrchin lambourn on November 23, 2020 at 1:25 pm
What a hilarious idea. Can’t wait to read it! Happy Llamakkah!
By Sara Matson on November 23, 2020 at 1:28 pm
Fantastic concept! Love the snow llama. So glad to know about this book. And congratulations, Laura!
By marty on November 23, 2020 at 1:30 pm
I have been waiting for this book! I am a fan of Lydia’s work. 🙂
By Mirka H on November 23, 2020 at 2:00 pm
Love the cleverness of the book.
By readmybook2002 on November 23, 2020 at 2:38 pm
Thank you for sharing
By Kassy Keppol on November 23, 2020 at 2:47 pm
Adorable idea! Looking forward to a cozy Llamukkah!!
By Galiah Morgenstern Lotwin on November 23, 2020 at 3:17 pm
This looks adorable! I can’t wait to read it. Thanks for the post, Tara.
By Lisa Gerin on November 23, 2020 at 3:17 pm
Oh, my goodness…what a beautiful collection! I love the idea, the cuteness and the pride!
By Mitchell Linda on November 23, 2020 at 4:02 pm
This sounds like a book that will appeal to children (and adults!) of all faiths. That brown and white llama is especially adorable.
By Janet Sheets on November 23, 2020 at 4:44 pm
This is such a sweet story! Great illustrations, too.
By kathydoherty1 on November 23, 2020 at 5:11 pm
I’ve been looking forward to getting my hands on another great Laura Gehl book!
By Amy Harding on November 23, 2020 at 6:01 pm
Interesting to know it started out as a completely different story!
By supermario6 on November 23, 2020 at 8:57 pm
Such a fun read-both the book and the interview!!
By Karan Greene on November 23, 2020 at 9:31 pm
This is making me so sad that we won’t be going to our friends’ house for Hanukkah this year…..And I could have taken them this book….double sadness. Maybe I’ll just have it shipped to them.
By Jilanne Hoffmann on November 23, 2020 at 10:45 pm
I llove this, Llaura!
By Rebecca Van Slyke on November 24, 2020 at 10:22 am
I llove Llaura’s picture books!
By KATHLEEN WILFORD on November 24, 2020 at 12:09 pm
Haha! And what fun! Congratulations!
By Darcee Freier on November 24, 2020 at 1:48 pm
Congrats, Laura, and happy Llamakkah!
By Susan Johnston Taylor on November 24, 2020 at 3:36 pm
This sounds so cute! I sometimes come up with titles before the story too. Sometimes it works out, sometimes it doesn’t. I’m glad yours did–congrats!
By Heather Stigall on November 24, 2020 at 3:41 pm
Loved your interview about how this story came about!
By Lynn Becker on November 24, 2020 at 4:01 pm
What a great title. And who doesn’t love llamas! Congrats!
By amyrsinn on November 24, 2020 at 6:00 pm
This looks wonderful. Thank you both for the llaughs!
By LenoraBiemans (@BiemansLenora) on November 24, 2020 at 6:35 pm
Wow!! What a llovely idea!!!! So many interesting play on words! Llooking forwards to ordering this book from our Indie book store! Thanks Lladies for sharing! 🙂
By seschipper on November 24, 2020 at 8:08 pm
This post is hysterical and I llove all the llama-inspired spellings. This definitely llooks llike a book I need to add to my Hanukkah collection!
By Laura Fineberg Cooper on November 25, 2020 at 12:33 am
What a fun post. Congratulations on the book, sounds llamalicious!
By Nancy Riley on November 28, 2020 at 9:46 am
Llama Mia ! Llama Mia ! I got to get this book you Know!
By Stephen S. Martin on November 28, 2020 at 2:59 pm
How fun! Thanks for sharing — Happy Llamakkah to all who celebrate!
By Lynne Marie on November 28, 2020 at 6:54 pm
Congratulations, Laura! Your book sounds adorable!
By Shaunda Wenger on November 29, 2020 at 1:44 pm
What a lovely idea for a book…Thanks for bringing a much-needed smile to my day with just the title and art work!
By Jenna on November 30, 2020 at 4:45 pm
What a fun story! I’d love to add a copy to my bookshelf.
By Bea Brown on December 2, 2020 at 12:38 pm
December is a special month, with full of hope, I enjoyed with the family llamas big celebration!!!
By Gaby Lagos on December 3, 2020 at 12:04 pm
Thanks, you made me llaugh!
By Nancy Ferguson on December 6, 2020 at 5:00 pm