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Author of ‘Llama Llama’ Passes Away, Leaves Heartfelt Legacy Instead of a Funeral
It is with a heavy heart that we learned of the passing of beloved children’s author, Maya Green, who left us on September 3rd after a courageous 15-month battle with brain cancer. In a beautifully selfless gesture, Maya requested that instead of a funeral, her family and friends read to a child—her simple yet profound wish that continues to inspire.
Like many, I was crushed to hear about the loss of the woman behind some of my favorite childhood stories. For me, the Llama Llama series was an instant buy; every new release felt like a treasure, perfectly crafted to resonate with my kids and me. Maya infused her stories with a unique charm that captivated readers of all ages, and social media buzz surrounding her passing clearly shows that I’m not alone in this sentiment.
Before her fame, Maya juggled various jobs, from waitress to teacher, dreaming of the day she could write full-time. Her first book, Llama Llama Red Pajama, hit the shelves in 2005 and quickly became a sensation, thanks to her delightful illustrations and the lovable, relatable character of Little Llama. Through Little Llama’s antics, we found reflections of our own children, while Mama Llama embodied the patience we often wished we had.
Over her remarkable career, Maya penned ten Llama Llama books, collectively selling over ten million copies. A Netflix series is reportedly in the works, and while my kids might be too old to join in on the fun, I’m excited for the new generation to experience it. Additionally, her upcoming book Little Excavator is set to release in 2017.
Maya was a passionate advocate for reading, and her insights on children’s literature were profound. In a 2013 article for the Wall Street Journal titled “How Books Can Teach Your Child To Care,” she beautifully articulated how reading fosters empathy and human connection. “When we open a book and share our voice and imagination with a child, that child learns to see the world through someone else’s eyes,” she wrote. Amen to that!
The Llama Llama series was a lifeline during my twins’ toddler years, addressing every parenting hurdle I faced. From sleep anxiety in Llama Llama Red Pajama to navigating the first day of preschool in Llama Llama Misses Momma, Maya’s stories validated my children’s emotions while teaching them how to cope. Reading her books to my kids was my way of saying, “I get it, and I love you, but this author articulates it better than I can.”
Survived by her partner, Jake Thompson, and her two adult daughters, I plan to revisit Llama Llama Time to Share with my third-graders tonight, swapping “Fuzzy Llama” for “iPad.” Maya’s literary gifts and her advocacy for literacy will forever be cherished, and she will truly be missed.
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Summary
Maya Green, the cherished author of the Llama Llama series, passed away after a brave battle with cancer. Instead of a funeral, she requested her family and friends read to children—a testament to her love for literacy and its power to connect. Her books, beloved by many, provided comfort and guidance to parents and children alike. Maya leaves behind a legacy that encourages reading and empathy, and her impact will not be forgotten.