Harley

by Star Livingstone, Molly Bang (Illustrator)

Harley is learning to be a pack animal, but he kicks, he screamsand he spits! Then a shepherd, who needs a llama to watch over her sheep, decides to take a chance on young Harley. Through the seasons, a series of challenges both great and small turn the temperamental llama into a loving leader. with poetic, easy-to-read language, and captivating artwork by Caldecott Honor-recipient Molly Bang, this acclaimed book (and true story) will speak especially to those who march to the beat of a different drummer.

Genres: Animals, Childrens, Fiction

64 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 2001

Reviews

[Nikki in Niagara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Molly Bang is a Caldecott Award-winning author and her illustrations in this unique easy reader are absolutely beautiful. Star Livingstone actually camped out in a tipi in eastern Massachusetts to observe Harley and his sheep while she wrote this book based on real-life events. This is such a beautiful easy reader I was just charmed by it! A lovely tale of a sheep ranch owned by a female shepherd who buys a guard lama to protect her sheep after they are attacked by coyotes in the night. The story then goes on to describe the life of the llama (and the sheep, the ram, a herd dog) as they go about their day to day routines and the special bond that is formed between Harvey and the sheep as he quickly becomes their protector. Such a unique story! This is an easy reader, suitable for very beginner readers so the text is simple and all the sentences are subject/verb format. It is not easy to write in this simple style and still tell an engaging story. I ended up being entirely smitten with Harley, and the ram! I'm going to keep this book for my collection.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

In fascinating detail, Star Livingstone tells the true story of Harvey the llama as he becomes a guard for sheep. My 6-year-old and I thoroughly enjoyed this story and the wonderful illustrations by Molly Bang. We learned many things about llama behavior without having to read lists of facts. For the first time, I felt like I understood and cared about a llama.

[Krista the Krazy Kataloguer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I couldn't resist that cute face on the cover! I also learned a lot about the use of llamas as shepherds. Combine this with Johanna Hurwitz's two books, A Llama in the Family and A Llama in the Library.

[Beverly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Written for beginning readers, but never condescending. Good story; beautiful illustrations.

[Maelee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I never knew much about llamas until I read this book! Harley is a heartwarming tale of a very special llama. He starts out as a failure but overcomes his personality quirks and spitting outbursts and succeeds as a sheep protector. Who knew? I especially like when he throws a tantrum in the middle of the field. Harley seems very human - he's not perfect - just special.

[Jennifer Oaks · Rating 2 out of 5]

I thought that this book is definitely for younger children because of the use of so many simple sentences. I felt that the book just did not flow. I did think it was funny how a llama protected and led the sheep in this story. The little girl made the right choice because the llama hept the wolves away.

[Katie Jackson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wasn't a fan of this book. I didn't like how animals were killed and eaten. Young kids reading this book might fear animals at night. I like how Harley protected his sheep like they were his family. He did his best to make sure all of his sheep were safe.

[Marilyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bought this book a couple of summers ago to do as a puppet play. Reread it the other day when I was missing our llamas.

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

It isn't a good read aloud really because the sentences are so choppy. Maybe it is supposed to be an early reader? Anyway - the story is cute and the illustrations are really fun.

[Erica · Rating 2 out of 5]

The stars are just for the llama.

[Connie T.]

No rating because I honestly can't remember a thing about this book, which is NOT a good sign.

[Prabhat sharma · Rating 4 out of 5]

Harley by Star Livingstone Illustrator Molly Bang- Children’s book- Harley is a Llama. He lives with other Llamas in ranch with other llamas. Their owner is training to become beasts of burden, a pack animal. Harley is new. He wishes to run and enjoy according to his wishes but his owner puts a reins on his neck. He has to carry burden and walk with other Llamas in a line. Harley does not like this. He is angry with this situation. He kicks other llamas and sometimes pushes, kicks and he spits on them. On the other side of Harley’s ranch, there is a grass ground. On the opposite side, sheep barn. These sheep are owned by a lady. In this area Coyote, a canine native North American wolf also live there. On full moon night, the coyote jump the barn catch the sheep and run away. In order to protect the sheep, her neighbours suggest that she must raise the height of the barn, mix poison with food and leave outside the barn, or lay a trap for the coyote, employ a guard, purchase a gun or to buy a Llama to protect the sheep. She finds that Llamas are available near her farm. She visits them and observes the llamas. She takes a chance, selects Harley and brings him to the barn on a truck. Soon, Harley becomes friends with the sheep. Coyote strike at night but Harley is able to save them and Coyote run away hearing his hoof sound. By the end of winter, more sheep are born. Owner lays fresh grass for the mother sheep. As the winter ends, hair of sheep and Llama are cut and brought for sale and competition. Harley’s hair is found of high quality and a ribbon is awarded as a prize. Jet is the name of the owner’s dog. During summer, both Harley and Jet take the sheep to grasslands. They both take care of the sheep. Message/ lesson from this story is that by love a temperamental animal can be turned in to a leader and protector of his group. I have read this book in Hindi. The coloured picture frames are helpful to convey the geographical area, snow, grassland, Coyotes, barns, dogs, Llamas tot the reader.

[bearmin_07 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amazing 10/10