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Anna Dewdney
1965 - 2016
Anna Dewdney
1965 - 2016
Obituary
Guest Book
BORN
1965
DIED
2016
Anna Dewdney Obituary
Dewdney had been battling brain cancer for the past 15 months. A spokeswoman for the publisher Penguin Young Readers said the author died Sept. 3 at her home in Chester, Vermont.
She started her career as an illustrator while holding various jobs including working as a waitress and a mail carrier. She illustrated many children’s books including “The Peppermint Race” by Dian Curtis Regan. She found success in 2005 with her book “Llama, Llama Red Pajama.” She wrote and illustrated the book. The funny story was about a baby llama who had trouble going to sleep at bedtime. The book was critically acclaimed and a New York Times best-seller.
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The series now features more than 10 titles and has sold more than 10 million copies combined. Her "Llama Llama" series is being adapted into a children's television series that Netflix plans to release in 2017.
Dewdney was an advocate for children’s literacy, and she wrote an opinion piece in The Wall Street Journal in 2013. She wrote, “When we read with a child, we are doing so much more than teaching him to read or instilling in her a love of language. We are doing something that I believe is just as powerful, and it is something that we are losing as a culture: by reading with a child, we are teaching that child to be human.”
Her publisher, Jen Loja, president of Penguin Young Readers, said, “The entire Penguin Young Readers family is heartbroken. And as we grieve, we also celebrate Anna’s life, in dedicating ourselves to carrying forward her mission of putting books into as many little hands as possible. We will miss her so, but consider ourselves so lucky to be her publishing family and her partner in her legacy.”
Dewdney requested that, instead of a funeral service, people read to a child. She is survived by her partner, Reed Duncan, and two grown daughters.
162 Entries
J William Henry
May 5, 2025
I just started to read her books to my 2 year old grandson DALTON The bonding i could feel when i "read"isn't the appropriate word It was sooo much more than thatWhen we would visit him he would get a llama llama book and say "PAPA read"I could feel something more than our grandson listening but experiencing abeautiful story thank you
Michelle Z
July 20, 2022
I have read your books to all three of my girls over the years. Your books have always brought joy to our family and provided connections in a way that even toddlers understand. We adore Llama Llama Misses Mama as it is a bedtime favorite in our home. I am saddened by your loss and think of your family each time we read one of your books. I hope that knowing how much joy your words provide to children all over the world bring some peace to your family. God Bless!
William Smith
November 3, 2019
Anna,
Thank you so much for the wonderful books you've created and shred with the world. I read your books often with my children, who'be enjoyed them for many years.
As a fellow author, and visitor of VT, I felt that I needed to share my appreciation and gratitude for your creative contribution.
God bless. And may your family know how special your works are to so many.
TT
December 29, 2016
I am sorry for the loss of Ms. Dewdney. She seems like a very inspirational woman. My prayers are with the family both now, and forever.
How you can show support
December 20, 2016
Thank you Anna Dewdney, for thinking of our children over your self. Gone too young, but left a legacy.
Victoria Holsky
October 20, 2016
Prayers for peace from Ohio.
September 17, 2016
My deepest condolences you were my son's favorite author..Sleep in peace
September 16, 2016
Please accept my condolences on the loss of your love one .
September 14, 2016
May the the Dewdney family find comfort and peace during this time of loss. May the words mentioned in the Bible at Isaish 25:8 find true meaning and comfort to you as those words surely will see its fulfillment in the coming future.
Stephanie Leukemia
September 14, 2016
Dear Berol and Cordelia,
I am so sorry for your loss. I know how much you love her and she loved you and I can only imagine the depth of your sorrow. I am glad that she did so much good that she has left you and I hope that her spirit is with you in your grief.
Much love,
Stephie
September 13, 2016
I am so sorry for Anna's death. Please know that her talented works will be enjoyed by many, many people. We all look forward when sadness will be things of the past.
ZL, Chicago
Linda
September 12, 2016
Though death can steal your loved one, it can never steal your love, it lives in your hearts, and it lives in your memories. May you hold fast those memories and they will help you to deal with this great loss. Life is so short and those we love are gone from our lives too quickly. May the God of loyal love comfort you during your time of sorrow. My sincere condolences on your loss
Russ Chappez
September 11, 2016
You were such a gorgeous woman! I believe you left us way to soon. Your books will help keep your memory alive. Now that you have your wings, you can call yourself a gorgeous angel. Rest In Peace.
Robyn
September 11, 2016
Sorry for your loss. I hope that all will have comfort from God. He cares about the things you all are suffering through. Pray to Him & He will help you. (1 Peter 5:6,7)
My daughters next llama llama birthday book"
Jen and Corrin Burrell
September 10, 2016
I love the llama llama series. I met Anna Dewdney in 2013 and I will never forget.
Louise
September 10, 2016
Ann will be very much missed. I read her books to my toddlers and preschoolers- the children loved them. During this difficult time, may Anne's family and friends gain strength by drawing close to God in prayer. Give him your burdens and he will sustain you --Psalms 55:22.
Adrian Neils
September 10, 2016
Sorry to her family and friends. My Aunt passed on the same day and I didn't find out until 2:30a.m. on Facebook. My wife and I did go to her funeral. I'm also sorry I never knew much about her childrens books. I have 8 grandsons.
Marilyn Overcash
September 9, 2016
Anna your love for children will always be remembered
Mary Anne Deer
September 9, 2016
Berol and Cordelia,
I am so sorry to read of your mother's passing. Her kind and loving spirit shone through her books, but even more so, it shone through the two lovely ladies she raised. You are her most important legacy, and I know how proud she was of you. As you go through these difficult days ahead, try to remember the good times, the laughter, the gift of this mother you had. She lives on in you, and the world is a better place because of that. My thoughts are with you and your family in the coming weeks. Hugs to all.
September 9, 2016
Dewdney Family
I'm so sorry to hear about the passing of your dear love one. May the God of all comfort give you the strength to endure during this most difficult time.
KC/New Jersey
peter horton
September 9, 2016
I was so sorry to read of Anna's death from brain cancer. What a shock. I knew her back at Putney as a friend although I never taught her. As a teen-ager she was already mature way beyond her years. Reed, I hope you and she had a productive and active life together.
Peter Horton
New Gloucester, Maine
Shirley Baker
September 9, 2016
Read your books to my wee little one....and we'll read them again this weekend in your honor. Thank you for sharing your gift with us.
September 9, 2016
I am sorry to hear of the recent loss of this talented individual. She will be greatly missed. May the God of all comfort be with your family at this difficult time. Please take care.
Laura "Lalu" Miller
September 9, 2016
Thank you for creating a wonderful world for my grandchildren. They love your books and now love llama's as well. We are looking forward to your television series when it is released next year.
We have decided to name one of the llamas at our local zoo after you Anna and adopt it in your honor.
We will take a photo of her and post it here soon.
Cait sullivan
September 9, 2016
Anne will live on in every child...or adult...that falls in love with the characters in her books <3
Erin
September 8, 2016
Rest in peace! Your books inspired my 10 year old to like reading as a Kindergartener. Prayers for the family and friends.
john morrell
September 8, 2016
The world lost a beautiful person who cared about teaching our children valuable lessons of life. Peace be with you and your family.
Liz
September 8, 2016
REST IN PEACE.
randy distefano
September 8, 2016
The world has lost one of it's most beautiful people.
Mitchelle Ramirez
September 8, 2016
My sincere condolences to the family in this difficult time. Your books mean so much to my son and myself. The impact they have made was tremendous. We truly lost a beautiful person. I will read to my son tonight..with tears but know that your books mean so much and touched so many. With love and respect,
Mitchelle Ramirez & Son Frank
Llama Llama misses mama is our forever book.
Michelle Imber
September 8, 2016
I was so sorry to hear about this terrible loss. She touched so many lives; my young niece is a big reader and a big fan. My thoughts are with all of you.
Tammy Templeton
September 8, 2016
I will never forget the first liama liama book I read to my granddaughters, it was the red palama one. They absolutely loved it. Anna will be missed by so many.
Bette
September 8, 2016
Thoughts and prayers go out to Anna's family .
As a retired teacher I don't know who enjoyed her books more .. Me with my animated voices or the responses of the children .
She touched many lives with her books !
Grateful she shared her gift of writing wiith us .
With sympathy ,
Asha Washington
September 8, 2016
She will continue to live on, when a child reads her book. she will always be remembered , as an angel, a angel who loved children, and there happiness, i am so sorry for your lost, at this time. she was the best mother, one could have,. Her dreams came true, in this world. and for the next life, they will be paved with gold. that shines life, into the hearts of children.
Sheila Burd
September 8, 2016
I am so sorry to hear this. My granddaughter is one year old and dearly loves her Llama Llama books. She was fantastic fun for children, and we will certainly miss not having any new work from Anna. May peace and comfort find her family. :(
A. Maier
September 7, 2016
My son was born with Down Syndrome. From the minute we were blessed by him we read to him. Benjamin especially took to & loved the Llama Llama books. We have several book covers framed on his wall. Thank you, Anna for the gift of this series. Ben learned how to site read with these. You will be missed. God bless - may you rest in peace.
Debbie Phillips
September 7, 2016
I am so sorry for Anna's family and am sending prayers and condolences. The Llama Llama books were favorites of my son when he was little and again for my little granddaughter. We have read them all many, many times!! Anna's thoughts on reading with children stir a cord in my heart as I am a retired elementary teacher. Once again, I so sorry for the world's loss.
Elizabeth
September 7, 2016
Thank you Anna for creating some of the toddlers in my preschool classrooms favorite books. We read Mad at Mama on a regular basis and my kids were thrilled to find out we had Home with Mama in our library as well.
Thank you for the light you brought into this world with your funny stories and illustrations. Rest in peace.
September 7, 2016
I am so sorry to hear of Anna's passing. I did not know Anna but was a meter reader for the power company and wanted to meet her one day . I too hope to illustrate a children's book and wanted to talk with her about her experience getting published. She accomplished a great deal and inspires many. My condolences to her family.
Karen Bozek
September 7, 2016
So very sorry for your loss.
I have read all the llama llama books to my granddaughter and they love them.
Thanks for so many great memories for me with them and our hours of reading. You will be missed and remembered forever.
Laura H
September 7, 2016
Llama Llama sad for this mama! Anna's books rocked preschool storytime!! I used them at my public library. Patrons always checked them out after I read them aloud. She will be greatly missed by so many people. :'(
I always looked forward to a new book from her. I made sure to buy multiple copies. I'm so glad that I was able to discover and share her work with my patrons. I wish that we had more time with her! This mama will be one sad llama for some time.
September 7, 2016
Whenever I read to my granddaughter I will think of you. Her name is Anna also. May you rest in peace. Sincerely, A Ct. Grandmother
Kathy Wernert
September 7, 2016
So sorry for your loss lots of prayers the gift that Anna gave will be a gift that gives forever .
Marc Rucquoi
September 7, 2016
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Ms. Dewdney's family. Llama, Llama Red Pajama was my absolute favorite book to read to my son. In a sea of books that sometimes left me numb, the Llama books made us laugh together and add phrases to our home life that linger to this day. We are greatful for that gift and grateful for its author.
Leonie Rogers
September 7, 2016
Mad at Mama is my favourite. That set and determined pouty mouth on the cover always has me chuckling.
Thank you so much for such a brilliant series. Today is a sad day for children's literacy.
Sheila
September 7, 2016
God bless you Anna and all those who loved you.
Mary Lou Howland
September 7, 2016
Thank you for sharing your talents with all generations in the stories you created and illustrated. You made the world a better place.
Libby Harrison
September 7, 2016
So sorry for your loss. I am a retired teacher and read the books to my classas well as to my grandchildren. They have a special meaning since my maiden name is Lahm everyone called my mom "Mama Lahma". Therefore we were attracted to the books for a personal reason as well as them being such great books for kids. We LOVE them!
Maryanne Burkholder
September 7, 2016
We are so sorry to hear of Anna Dewdney's passing. Our family loves the Llama Llama series, my oldest child even has me listed as "Mama Llama" in his phone. Thank you for your precious books.
Joanne Rains
September 7, 2016
So sad to hear such news, her legacy with Llama Llama stories will last forever. What a great loss to society.
Llama llama books giving comfort.
Deborah Costa
September 7, 2016
One of the first books that I read to my first grandchild when visiting him in NYC from VT was Llama Llama-Red Pajama. I didn't realize Anna lived in nearby Chester, VT. Both of my grandchildren continued to read all of her books. I've added a very recent photo of my grandson reading the Llama Llama books to his sister who was sick that particular day. Anna, we will all miss you terribly!
September 7, 2016
So sorry for your loss. I have read several Llama Llama books to my granddaughter who is only 7 and will read with her tonight to honor Anna.
Jean McCormick
September 7, 2016
This is so very sad. We should all donate a book to our children's/grandchildren's schools in honor of her. Of course one of her Llama books would be great. Such a talent and help for children reading. She will be missed.
Kim Mills
September 7, 2016
My son and I have shared many laughs over Baby Llama getting into a tizzy. Anna gave us something special to share. I hope her family and friends can find peace at this sad time.
Debbie Balompapueng
September 7, 2016
I read your book to the children, they are awesome stories!. Thank you!. R.I.P Anna.
Harry Simpson
September 7, 2016
Godspeed, and thank you for sharing a part of your life with us.
Jackie King
September 7, 2016
I would like to express my condolences to the family. Although I didn't know your mother and partner, I believe her work as an advocate for children is definitely worth remembering. I think reading to children as she said is so very important.
Theresa Emory
September 7, 2016
So sorry for your family and friends. I've always love her books. Anna will always live in the hearts of her readers! May God hold her in his arms and many blessings on her family ❤Amen
My grandson, Elder Logan Payne, leaving on his lds Mission. Saying goodbye to his mama.
Sandra Burt
September 7, 2016
Amelia Atwill
September 7, 2016
We are so sorry for the loss of this special author, mom and friend. Rest in peace.
JP
September 7, 2016
You were so beautiful! Thank you for bringing more stories to our children, I'm sure your books will live on and on for a long, long time. Your legacy is one that people will remember. RIP
September 7, 2016
I am so sorry for the loss of your loved one. Please find peace and comfort in Psalms 119:76.
September 7, 2016
thank you for the wonderful llama llama books my granddaughter loved them...you will be missed God Bless you and your family..
September 7, 2016
Dear family, you have my deepest sympathy in the loss of your loved one. Ms. Dewdney was the epitome of an author of children's book. I personally loved her books and reading them to my grandson. I will be praying for her family and friends.
Rhonda, MD
Pattricia Williams
September 7, 2016
The first book I read to my first grandchild when she was just a newborn was Llama Llama Red Pajama. I loved reading the book so much I bought every book Anna wrote and have loved reading to my grand baby every since! I truly believe she has been inspired to read because of the beautiful illustrations and story lines in each of her books. May God bless your family. My heartfelt sympathy to your family.
Carol A.
September 7, 2016
To the family of Anna Dewdney,
Our Granddaughters love her books and still continue to read them.
My only wish is that you know the joy that here books brought to so many and will continue to do so.
May your family find some peace and comfort in the coming days.
Glen Hausfeld
September 7, 2016
Peace.
September 7, 2016
Sincere condolences to family and loved ones. May the God of all comfort be with you.
Jeanne Batalia
September 7, 2016
Thank you for your wonderful books for children. You will be so missed. I hope you are at peace now. My heart goes out to your loved ones.
Jane Dowling
September 7, 2016
God bless you and your loved ones, Anna ~ Rest in peace.
September 7, 2016
I am sad and my Heart is broken. I am an alumni of greenwood school and she my friend and art teacher who taught us all. You will have a place in my heart. Carter Wilson
Claire
September 7, 2016
I'm so sorry to hear this. I know that Anna's family must realize the enormous impact she had on millions of parents and children. Rest in peace, Anna.
September 7, 2016
Here at Kensington Park library in Maryland, we are very sad and our heart goes to her two daughters and family.
Johanna Kilroy
September 7, 2016
What a wonderful legacy she left in her children's books and her love of reading
September 7, 2016
As a retired teacher,the memories of the children in my classes ,enjoying her books,bring back to mind the beauty of her gift My prayers are the Dewdney family and friends May the God of comfort help during this time
Karen Brown
September 7, 2016
I'm a reading tutor. I totally resonate with your ideas, vision, and concern. Thank you for your wonderful contribution to children's literacy.
K. Brown of Brookfield, CT
September 7, 2016
My condolences to the family or Anna Dewdney I'm sorry for your loss. May the God of comfort, the entire group of family and friends during this sad and difficult time.
Sharon Casey
September 7, 2016
Our prayers are with your family through this difficult time. May the wonderful legacy of your sweet Llama, Llama books continue to bring joy to many generations yet to come. My own grandchildren have loved and enjoyed your books since they were infants . Thank you
Kymra Kurinskas
September 7, 2016
I had the pleasure of working with Anna a couple of times when I hired her to speak at my events back in 2013. I was so sorry to hear this news last night. She was such a lovely, talented woman. As a parent of a 5 year old I've also enjoyed reading all of her books over the years. We will read one tonight in Anna's honor. Much love and peace to her girls and to Reed.
Sha Dishong
September 7, 2016
As a children's librarian I see how much joy
your books give children and parents. Thank
you for your lasting legacy.
September 7, 2016
I offer my deep condolences for your loss. May your family find peace and comfort in knowing sickness, pain and death will one day be no more.
S. Jenkins
September 7, 2016
To the Dewdney/Duncan Families, there are no words to convey our sorrow for you during these trying times. Anna left a legacy of memories for all (parents and children alike) to reminisce on; treasure those memories and be assured that the God of Comfort has him tucked away in his memory as well.
Julie Chamberlain
September 7, 2016
I am saddened to learn of Anna's passing. Her Llama Llama books are a part of our nightly bedtime routine, and my sons always grab one of their Llama books as their first choice for story time. My thoughts and prayers are with Anna's family.
Carol Bibeau
September 7, 2016
May Anna continue to read her stories in heaven to those little angels who have us.
Love,
Bea, Maggie and Gram
September 7, 2016
So very sorry for the loss of such a great talent.
Raechelle
Chicago
September 7, 2016
Thank you for the wonderful treasures you left behind for our children. You will be very much missed. Heartfelt condolences to your loved ones.
Mrs. K. Jackson
September 7, 2016
Such a loss for the child reading world. May the future hold bright for seeing Anna again without any health limitations.
Karla Chrzanowski
September 7, 2016
Anna, thank you so much for your many gifts to the world. The "Llama llama" series was our family's favorite. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Megan Smithers
September 7, 2016
Anna taught my son James at Greenwood. Anna was a wonderful person and teacher. James is now 25 and his daughter Danielle has most of the llama llama books and she requires that llama llama be read daily ♡. Thank you Anna. Much love to your family and friends. Our little llama will miss your mamma♡♡♡♡
Love, light and healing
Megan Smithers, James Holmes and Danielle ♡
Patty Adolph
September 7, 2016
Heartfelt condolences to Reed Duncan, daughters,
Jen Loja (publisher), the entire staff at Penguin Young Readers, her family and all the readers and admirers of her work and spirit. Wish you well !
R J
September 7, 2016
We love the Llama Llama book series. Thank you for sharing your talent with the world.
Sherry Sarvis
September 7, 2016
To Anna's family,
I bought several of the Llama Llama books for my niece when she was young. It's hard to say who enjoyed them more, Jenna, or Aunt Sherry. We smiled and laughed at the cheerful, rhyming tales, as well as the beautiful illustrations.
Deepest sympathies to you all.
Adrian Barnette
September 7, 2016
We'll miss you !
E,S
September 7, 2016
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Cynthia Gottlieb
September 7, 2016
Thank You for bringing joy and humor to our family! May all the wonderful memories and your books bring pride to everyone whose lives you touched. God Bless!
Life in the Future
Karla
September 7, 2016
To the family of Anna, my deepest sympathy for your loss. May you cherish the memories you shared with your loved one and may you find comfort from knowing that one day soon the words at Matthew 9:35b will be fulfilled and life can be enjoyed as God originally intended, without sickness and death.
Julie Neaderthal
September 7, 2016
Thank you for the wonderful gifts you shared with all of us.
We took our 2 1/2 year old granddaughter to the zoo a few
days ago and when we saw the llamas we said your book
titles. Later that afternoon I read you had died. A coincidence?
Probably not.
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