Llama Locomotion

a Readers Choice Five Star Award
part of Oprelle Publications, Making the Mind Body Connection

As a lifelong exercise ​enthusiast and a psychologist, Dr. Deb was inspired by best-selling ​authors Dr. Ratey and Dr. Hagerman’s book Spark: ​The ​Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and the ​Brain (2008), ​to encourage children to MOVE their ​BODY to BOOST their ​BRAIN. In Deborah’s book, ​Llama Locomotion, children have ​FUN as they learn ​with Sammy the llama the important ​connection ​between movement and brain health.

What happens when children learn to use physical activity to navigate daily life? Sammy, the llama, discovers she is less moody and can focus better after she gets moving. Follow along as Sammy and her friends play their way to building a healthier brain.  

  • Sarah Doran

    What an important message! Movement is not only important for our physical health but a vital way to cope and navigate emotions. Author Molchan brings her psychology background to this sweet story to encourage little readers to move their bodies to cope with big emotions. Illustrations were quirky and cute! We can all learn from this story how to incorporate more beneficial movement into our days!

    ★★★★★

  • Nichole Meachum

    My children absolutely loved this book! Llama Locomotion perfectly teaches an outlet, through movement and exercise, for children who struggle with anxiety, ADHD, or learning disabilities. It was so entertaining to my kids, and it was such a joy to watch them follow along with the llama's stretches and activities!

    ★★★★★

  • ANatale

    I love the bright cheery colors in the illustrations and the easy flow of the story. I think the scenes and the issues that the llamas encounter are relatable to both children and adults. I love that the story gives everyone easy, usable options for staying active and redirecting negative energy into positive energy! "I honor my feelings with kindness and care. My heart and my body are mindfully aware." This is my favorite line in the story.

    ★★★★★

  • Lucy

    This is a wonderful story about how moving your body and being mindful can help you through challenging moments like saying goodbye to a friend or sitting still in class. I love how the illustrations have fun details in the backgrounds like the possum hanging from the ceiling in the train station. This book will be a perfect addition to my classroom library for SEL!

    ★★★★★