Kinnaman Ranch in Alaska is home to many llamas, bears and JT. Joey loves caring for the llamas, and he is thrilled when Granddad says that he can have the first cria of the season to train. Pure-white Snow delivers a black baby with a white star on his forehead. JT names the llama Elmo, and he is thrilled to take care of all of the baby's medical and training needs. He is careful to not interfere with Elmo's imprinting upon Snow.

Grandad and Dad call "Come, llamas" in order to get the herd to enter the barn. They use biscuits as treats, and teach the llamas to "cush" (lay down) and be haltered and led around. The llamas work as packers or guard llamas on the farm, and JT eagerly anticipates providing Elmo with an education.  

Tragedy strikes when a bear rampages through the herd, killing half of the llamas, including Snow and a few crias. Joey is frantic with worry, and he searches fervently for Elmo in the wilderness. He is lucky to find Elmo and Bessie, a dam whose cria was killed. Joey carefully milks Bessie, and he encourages Elmo to drink. Nicky, always JT's best bud, helps as much as he can. Meanwhile, Granddad is very sick and in the hospital.

Come, Llamas by Jennifer Morris, 2005

I have visited a llama farm, and I wanted to learn more about them, so I investigated this book.

Books about llamas