An Annotated List of
Literature
About or Related to Llamas
Most of the books listed here
that are still in print can be ordered through your local bookstore;
some can also be ordered directly from the publisher. Some of
the llama books, as well as many of the non-lama books, are available
from Amazon.com and other
online booksellers.
THIS PAGE: Llama Books
General . . . Medical . . . Poisonous Plants . . . Training
Llama Packing . ...Driving Llamas in Harness .. LLlama Showing . . . Llamas as Guardians
Alpacas . . . Llama Wool and Fiber Use
Informational
Children's Books
. . . Children's
Stories
. . . Fiction
for Older Children
Fiction
for Adults
. . . . . . Nonfiction
for Adults
Page Two: Llama Videos, Magazines,
Chat Lists, and Organizations
Videos
Lama Magazines and Periodicals
. . . Magazine Articles about Llamas
Llama Chat Lists
National Lama Organizations
Page Three: Useful Nonllama
Resources
Health and Care . . . Performance . . . Biomechanics,
Gaits, and Scaling
Hiking and Packing .
. . Animal-Assisted Therapy . . . Animal Rescue, Rehabilitation, and Welfare
Training Philosopy
. . . Animal Intelligence
and Mental Nature
Companionship
. . . Communicating with
Animals
Page Four: Our Recommended Reading
and Resource List
General
Speechless Brothers
-- Andy Tillman, Early Winters Press, © 1981
Some information is dated. Out of print.
Animal Breeding and Production of American
Camelids -- Rigoberto Calle Escobar,
Talleres Gaficos de Abril, © 1984
A compilation of technical information for
South American alpaca breeders. Very little information on llamas,
also derogatory of guanacoes. Inaccuracies and dated information
on North American stock and breeding practices.
Best of 3L Llama --
Llamas Magazine, © 1985
A condensation of the earliest issues (1-20)
of what is now Llamas Magazine. Those back issues are no longer
available. Some information not otherwise readily accessible,
and of interest from a historical perspective.
Living with Llamas
-- Rosanna Hart, Juniper Ridge Press, © 1985
The first section is an account of how the
Harts got involved with llamas and is very encouraging for those
with no large animal experience. The second section is "practical
information."
Making the Most of Your Llama -- Cathy Crisman & Linda Beattie, Kopacetic Ink,
© 1987
Booklet that attempts to cover too much in
too little space. Recommends dangerous practices.
The Flocks of the Wamani -- Flannery, Marcus, and Reynolds, Academic Press,
© 1989
Wonderful resource detailing modern llama
herders' lives, practices, and customs.
Llamas are the Ultimate -- Doyle Markham, Snake River Llamas, © 1990
Subtitled Training, Feeding, Packing, Hunting,
Fishing, and Care. Emphasis on do-it-young and do-it-the-easiest-way.
Llamas--An Introduction to Care, Training,
and Handling -- Sandi Burt, Alpine
Publications, © 1991
Covers general care and training overview.
What About Conformation? -- Wes Holmquist, The Llama Connection, © 1991
Booklet compilation of published articles
and the author's observations.
Classic 2000 Llama Directory -- Wes Holmquist, The Llama Connection, © 1994
Compilation of articles, many previously published.
List of "Classic 2000" registry animals (a height registry
-- not to be confused with classic llamas).
Lama Registry Book, Volume 1 -- International Lama Registry, The Llama Link, ©
1994
A stud book listing llamas 45499 through 61098,
parentage, offspring to date, and date of birth.
In Search of the Ideal Llama: The Field
Guide -- Maggie and Richard Krieger,
© 1994
Print version of the video by the same title
and authors; deals with universally desirable soundness traits
only.
Gold of the Andes: The Llamas, Alpacas,
Vicuñas and Guanacos of South America (two volumes) -- Ochoa, MacQuarrie and Portus, trans.
Martinez, Francis O. Patthey and sons, © 1994
Beautiful (and spendy); many photos.
Llamas and Alpacas as a Metaphor for Life -- Marty McGee, Clay Press, © 1994
Mostly photos with some introspective text
by the author. The photo captions tend to be inaccurate reflections
of llama nature.
Lama Down Under
-- Berry Carter, Agmedia, © 1996
Of historical interest. First details the
history of lama farming in Australia followed by a general section
on lama raising. That the chapter on reproduction is longer than,
and precedes, chapters on feeding, diseases, and routine care
says a lot. North American readers may be confused by Aussie
terminology, and certainly the lama "underpopulation"
in Australia bears no resemblance the current North American
situation.
A Guide to Raising Llamas -- Gale Birutta, Storey Publishing, © 1997
Structured around the highly outdated philosophy
of maximum llama multiplication and the allure of future profit.
So, You Share Your Life with a Llama ...
What Now? -- Susan Peterson, Pine
Grove Publishing, © 2002
The high proportions of both oversimplification
and misinformation makes this text a very dangerous one. That
the chapters on breeding and crias precede those on training
and grooming also speaks volumes.
Medical
A
veterinary dictionary is a useful companion volume to any of
the technical veterinary texts.
Llama First Aid for the Barn -- Joy Morris and Myra Freeman, © 1988
A good percentage of this slim volume is devoted
to neonatal (birthing and newborn) care.
Heat Stress-Prevention, Management and
Treatment in Llamas -- Myra Freeman,
© 1988
A non-technical pamphlet on heat stress.
Llamas CAN Beat the Heat -- Dottie Rotter, R & R Press, © 1991
Small booklet that focuses on prevention.
Caring for Llamas-A Health and Management
Guide -- Clare Hoffman, DVM &
Ingrid Asmus, Rocky Mountain Lama Association, © 1989, second
edition (titled Caring for Llamas and Alpacas) ©
1996 . . . . ** * * RECOMMENDED ! ! ! * * *
The most complete book on basic llama care
currently available to the layperson. Recently revised.
Medicine and Surgery of South American
Camelids -- Murray E. Fowler, DVM,
Iowa State University Press, © 1989, second edition ©
1998
A medical text for veterinarians and veterinary
students.
The Veterinary Clinics of North America:
March 1989 - Llama Medicine -- W.
B. Saunders Company
Technical articles of medical interest; out
of print
The Veterinary Clinics of North America:
July 1994 - Update on Llama Medicine
-- W. B. Saunders Company
Technical articles of medical interest; out
of print
First Aid for Llamas and Alpacas -- Murray E. Fowler, DVM and Audrey C. Fowler, Clay
Press, © 1995 . .
. . ** * * RECOMMENDED
! ! ! * * *
Best and most complete reference on the topic
in print.
Llama and Alpaca Neonatal Care -- Bradford B. Smithm DVM, Karen I. Timm, DVM, and
Patrick O. Long, DVM, Clay Press, © 1996
Aimed at breeders only; firmly entrenched
in the old philosophy of "breed 'em as soon and as often
as you can."
Llama Babies: Up, Dry & Nursing -- Barbara Norris Anderson, A+ Llamas, © 1996
For breeders. Not intended to be a medical
reference, but does contain useful information IF you are willing
to search for it.
Veterinary Lama Field Manual -- C. Norman Evans, DVM, Lama Wellness Service, ©
1997
Self-published loose-bound volume aimed at
practicing veterinarians.
The Merck Veterinary Manual, 8th edition -- Merck & Co., © 1998
Revised to include llamas and alpacas (among
other species). Lama-specific information lags behind current
knowledge, but the general information is a sound background
for the owner who would like to become better informed.
All About Llamas: A Guide to Breeding,
Birthing, and Newborn Care -- Taylor/Gavin
Communications, © 2001
A summary of the video by the same title.
Outdated information and popular misinformation abound; the gems
aren't easily identified ... unless your knowledge already surpasses
this outline.
Llama and Alpaca Husbandry and Medical
Care -- Suzi and Robert J. Pollard,
DVM, © 2002
Self-published collection of handouts. Fairly
regional-specific (central California). The "homeopathy"
section is not helpful, and seems very out-of-place in a text
that recommends extreme medication, inoculation, and prophylactic
measures.
2003 Winter Camelid Conference for Veterinarians -- New England Animal Health Institute, © 2003
Unlike some conference proceedings, the material
stands alone.
Poisonous
Plants
A general plant identification
text should be used in combination with any toxic plant book.
Poisonous Plants of the United States and
Canada -- JM Kingsbury, Prentice-Hall,
© 1964
THE reference for information on plants dangerous
to all livestock (unfortunately predates the popularity of llamas).
Out of print.
Know Your Poisonous Plants -- Wilma Roberts James, Naturegraph Publishers, ©
1973
A popular reference for years; toxicity information
is primarily on humans.
Poisonous Plants ... which may be dangerous
to llamas or other livestock -- Mount
Lehman Llamas
A handy compilation of information contained
in other works; drawings of each plant.
A Reference Guide To Poisonous Plants -- ed. Linda Hoyt, GALA, © 1995
Pocket-sized reference to eastern US toxic
plants.
Field Guide to Plants Poisonous to Livestock -- Shirley A. Weathers, Rosebud Press, © 1998
Handy 4.25 x 8.5" book; refers to llamas
and alpacas, but does not add much lama-specific knowledge to
the available literature. Probably the most complete and useful
source currently in print.
Training
Llama Training--Who's In Charge? -- Jim Faiks, Phyllis Tozier and Jan Faiks-Lyon,
Faiks Llama Farm, © 1984 (2nd ed)
Covers a broader scope of animals (includes
adult llamas and select problem situations) than most training
books. Includes a chapter on driving training.
Llama Training on Your Own -- Helen Bodington, Polite Pets, © 1986
Thorough treatment of basic training procedures,
applicable for normal, unhandled weanlings and yearlings.
Llama Handling and Training--the TTEAM
Approach -- Marty McGee with Linda
Tellington-Jones, Zephyr Farm Press, © 1992
A very popular "pre-packaged" beginner
method.
Llamas and Their Personalities And Expressions -- Bill Cushman, © 1993
Title is misleading; text is unclear.
The Waldo Chronicles -- A Training Log -- Gwen Ingram, Lost
Creek Llamaprints, © 1996
. . . . * * *
* RECOMMENDED ! ! ! * * *
True story of an unwanted, untrained llama's
transformation into a valued packer, show animal, and companion.
Enjoyable reading even if you are not interested in training.
A Well-Trained Llama -- 3rd Edition -- Betty Barkman, © 1999
Like the second edition (published in 1989),
this is now almost completely unrelated to the first edition
-- entirely basic training, with better editing and a gentler
approach.
Ruminations from the Back Forty -- John Mallon, John Mallon Clinics, © 2003
A hodgepodge of training tips, philosophical
"sound bites", and basic farm sense. If you've never
had large animals before, this could be invaluable for you. If
you already have a lot of large animal savvy, it's way overpriced.
Llama
Packing
Packing with Llamas
-- Stanlynn Daugherty, Juniper Ridge Press, © 1989
An overview for those interested in learning
about llama packing.
Introduction to Llama Packing -- Wes Holmquist, © 1989
A small booklet of tips for llama packing.
Llamas on the Trail
-- David Harmon and Amy S. Rubin, Mountain Press Publishing Co.,
© 1992
Fairly comprehensive except for pack selection.
Evaluating a Llama Pack for Comfort and
Function -- Gwen Ingram, Lost
Creek Llamaprints, © 1995 . . . . * * * * RECOMMENDED ! ! ! * * *
Most comprehensive treatment of the subject
in print; also includes information on saddling and fitting.
Llama Packing with Rudy -- Rudy Stauffer, © 2000
This 30-page booklet contains outdated information
and potentially dangerous misinformation, both of which are impossible
for the target audience (new and prospective llama packers) to
separate from "the good stuff." Sadly, the original
sections of the text do not convey any gems from the author's
extensive experience.
Driving
Llamas in Harness
Llama Driving
-- Ron Shinnick, Able Publishing, © not shown
A thin (64p) booklet that combines common-sense
basics, a few harmful practices (such as driving llamas too young),
and a large dollop of marketing propaganda (primarily the midguided
notion that your "extra" llamas -- and alpacas! --
should be trained to drive to attract novelty buyers and higher
selling prices). Expensive for the size and without much llama-specific
information, but if you have no other driving manuals, this will
certainly get you started.
For greater understanding of fundamentals
and practices complimentary to driving your lifelong companions
for the sheer enjoyment and physical benefits, we recommend Carriage Driving.
Showing
Showmanship and Halter Class Competition -- Averill Abott, © 1986, 1987
Basic training goals and general procedures
developing for showmanship, which is also applicable to effective
halter class handling.
The Llama Show Handbook -- Sonja Moe, © 1990
The publisher's literature indicates that
it is strictly a handbook for putting on shows, and does not
discuss showing llamas.
Performance Classes: A Manual for Designing
Obstacles -- Howard Kerstetter, Alpaca
and Llama Show Association, © 1995
Potentially useful for performance class preparation.
Some obstacles and activities listed are controversial for various
reasons, including safety, and may be altered or deleted.
Llamas
as Guardians
Guard Llamas
-- William L. Franklin, Iowa State University Extension, ©
1994
Booklet; candid information backed with statistics
Alpacas
Secrets of the Andean Alpaca: The Field
Guide -- Maggie and Richard Krieger,
© 1994
Print version of the video by the same title
and authors
The Alpaca Book: Management, Biology, and
Fiber -- Eric Hoffman and Murray E.
Fowler, DVM, Clay Press, © 1995
Handling practices and behavior descriptions
leave a lot to be desired.
Llama
Wool and Fiber Use
Spinning Llama and Alpaca -- Chris Switzer, Switzer Land Enterprises, ©
1994
. . . . ** * * RECOMMENDED ! ! ! * * *
Thin book packed with harvesting and spinning
information specific to llama and alpaca fiber.
Aunt Millie's Guide to Llama Fiber -- Mike Brown, © 1997
The use of "two-l" llama in the
title is no mistake. This thin book deals with llama fiber in
the South American sense -- clearly double-coated fleeces. The
information on managing animals for the production of clean fleece
is applicable to all lamas. The post-shearing preparation and
use tips are only for those who want to use the (by definition)
inferior quality fleeces from crossbred llamas that must be shorn.
No information on use of combed fiber from classic llamas.
Children's
Books -- Informational
Llamas: Woolly, Winsome, Wonderful -- Susan L. Jones, © 1987
A photographic picture book with simple text
and a short "adult" informational blurb in the back.
Llama -- Caroline
Arnold, Morrow Junior Books , © 1988
Primarily color photos
Llamas -- Helen
Kienlen and Lois Sandercock, © 1989
Simple text with color-pencil type drawings.
The Llama --
Gail LaBonte, Dillon Press, Inc., © 1989
Beautiful color photographs with text unfortunately
researched from out-of-print (and outdated) predecessors
Llama Farms
-- Lynn M. Stone, The Rourke Corporation © 1999
Nice color photos; unfortunately quite fiber-biased
with no photos of packing, driving, or even showing llamas. Actually
states that fiber and companion llamas are "more valued"
(which they are not).
Children's
Books -- Stories
My Little Llama
-- Patricia May Hakkarinen, Wegner-Llama Lines, © 1984
Abigail -- Ruth
M. Stephenson, © 1988
The Little Dirt Boy
-- Patricia May Wegner, © 1989
Is Your Mama A Llama?
-- Steven Kellogg, Scholastic Company, © 1989
Mountains to Climb
-- Richard M. Wainwright, Family Life Publishing, © 1991
The Llama's Secret
-- Argentina Palacios, Troll Associates, © 1993
Llama in Pajamas
-- Gisela Voss, Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, © 1994
If I Was A Llama
-- Ann Madison, LRL Ventures
How Llama Saved the Day -- Retold by Janet Palazzo-Craig, Troll Associates,
© 1996
Llarry the Llama Learns to Hike -- Diana Lyons, Maverick Publications, © 1996
Paradise Hill Farm
-- Susan Lindsay and Lana Santamaria, Galapagos Books, ©
1997
Alaska Llama Far North Hero -- Helen von Ammon, Doodlebug Books, © 1998
Llama Hiking with Katie -- Bob Wynia, © 1999 * * * RECOMMENDED ! ! ! * * *
Hats on for Polka Dot
-- Kathleen Sampson, The Robin Company, © 2000
Harley -- Star
Livingstone, SeaStar Books, © 2001 * * * RECOMMENDED ! ! ! * * *
Mama's Llamas
-- Janice Kuharski, Richard C. Owen Publishers, © 2002
The Lavendar Llama
-- Tandy Braid, Trafford, © 2003
Older
Children -- Fiction
Secret of the Andes
-- Ann Nolan Clark, Puffin Books, © 1952
Set in modern South America. Geared to junior
high level, but a story that adults can also enjoy.
Along Came a Llama
-- Ruth Janette Ruck, Weavers Press, © 1978
True, autobiographical story of an British
family that acquired a llama as a pet. Charming -- and a horrible
model for raising your own llama.
Llamas on the Loose
-- Jeri Massi, Bob Jones University Press, © 1988
Mystery novel for junior high age group; Christian
theme.
The Myth of the Llama; A Ghost at Horse
Creek; & The Lesser Brother --
Jeri Massi, Llama Books, all three © 1989
Junior high age group
Nightmare Mountain
-- Peg Kehret, Pocket Books, © 1989
A Llama in the Family
-- Johanna Hurwitz, Morrow Junior Books, © 1994
. . . . ** * * RECOMMENDED ! ! ! * * *
Llama Pajamas
-- Susan Clymer, Scholastic, © 1996
Stop Spitting at Your Brother -- Diane White-Crane, Aspentree Press, © 1996
A Llama in the Library -- Johanna Hurwitz, Morrow Junior Books, © 1999
. . . . ** * * RECOMMENDED ! ! ! * * *
Nowhere, Now Here
-- Ann Howard Creel, American Girl, © 2000
. . . . ** * * RECOMMENDED ! ! ! * * *
Sara Dares to Dream
-- Susan Lindsay, Galapagos Books Press, © 2000
Llama on the Lam
-- Jane Briggs-Bunting, Black River Trading Company, © 2001
. . . . ** * * RECOMMENDED ! ! ! * * *
Fiction,
adults
Montana Gold -- Northwest Adventures Afoot,
Afloat, and with Llamas -- Fred Neil,
Lost Creek Llamaprints,
© 2003
. . . . ** * * RECOMMENDED ! ! ! * * *
Llamas are integral to three of the five well-written
short stories in this volume (in fact, they are the protagonists
of the hilarious "Training with Llamas"). While you're
engrossed in the entertaining prose, the interwoven portrayals
of pack llamas do much to align your conscious and subconscious
expectations with the reality of what llamas are really like,
both at home and on the trail.
Non-fiction,
adults
The Waldo Chronicles -- A Training Log -- Gwen Ingram, Lost
Creek Llamaprints, © 1996
. . . . ** * * RECOMMENDED ! ! ! * * *
True story of an unwanted, untrained llama's
transformation into a valued packer, show animal, and companion.
Enjoyable reading and valueable insights into llamas.
The (Mis)adventures of the Llamas at Hunter
Hill -- Sharon Hubbard, Hunter Hill,
© 2001
. . . . ** * * RECOMMENDED ! ! ! * * *
A delightful collection of true stories. The
author conveys her llamas' intelligence, responsibility, sense
of humor, and individuality very well.
This annotated list is
not intended to be complete and comprehensive. Inclusion does
not constitute endorsement; exclusion is not a criticism.
Page Two: Llama Videos, Magazines, Chat
Lists, and Organizations
Page Three: Useful Nonllama Resources
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