Llama

Animal Series

by Helen Cowie

Known for their woolly charm, sure-footed strength, and a propensity to spit at you if you bother them too much, llamas have had a rich and diverse history. Since their domestication high in the Andes, they have been farmed, smuggled, sacrificed, and sometimes kept around just to be petted. They have functioned at different times as luxury commodities, literary muses, and national symbols, and they have served by turns as beasts of burden, circus performers, and even golf caddies. In this book, Helen Cowie charts the fascinating history of llamas and their close relatives, alpacas, guanacos, and vicuñas.

Cowie illustrates how deeply the Incas venerated llamas and shows how the animals are still cherished in their native lands in Peru and Bolivia, remaining central to Andean culture. She also tells the story of attempts to introduce llamas and alpacas to Britain, the United States, and Australia, where they are used today for trekking, wool production, and even as therapy animals.
Packed with llama drama and alpaca facts, this book will delight animal lovers, fans of natural history, and anyone who just can’t resist these inimitable animals’ off-the-charts cuteness factor.

Genres: Nonfiction

224 pages, Paperback

First published September 15, 2017

Reviews

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Llama" is a must-read for all llama and alpaca lovers! This cute, little book was a birthday gift from my husband, who claimed "it's so hard to find a book about llama that isn't for children or silly". This book did it - short and sweet, but rich in anthropology and history, oftentimes humorous too. I'm not ashamed of all the llama trivia I've learned. The wonderful illustrations brought to life the whole llama world; it was as if I was visiting a museum about llamas the whole time while I was reading through the book.