Allie the Alpaca – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

Allie the Alpaca

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

book2017

86%

WISE Score

4.8

Amazon

An alpaca trying to fit in with the 'cool' llamas—basically a fluffy, rhyming lesson in diversity and self-worth.

Allie the Alpaca

book

2017

86%

WISE Score

4.8

Amazon

An alpaca trying to fit in with the 'cool' llamas—basically a fluffy, rhyming lesson in diversity and self-worth.

4.8

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4.8

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Where to Read

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Libby

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Screenwise Verdict

Allie the Alpaca is a sweet, purposeful little book. It’s not going to win a Caldecott for groundbreaking high-art illustrations, but it does exactly what it sets out to do: help kids navigate the 'first day' jitters and understand that equality doesn't mean being identical.

If you're looking for a quick read that reinforces kindness and curiosity—especially if your kid is obsessed with farm animals—this is a solid addition to the bookshelf. It’s short, punchy, and hits the right notes for early elementary kids without any of the 'brain rot' you find in some modern digital media.

Age Fit

Best for ages 4 to 8. It’s perfect for the 'I'm starting school and everyone looks different' phase when kids are first noticing social hierarchies.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

The story focuses entirely on kindness, equality, and finding one's place in a new environment. It models healthy self-esteem and social acceptance without any snark or mean-spiritedness.

Imaginative

Using the physical differences between alpacas and llamas to discuss diversity is a clever, tactile way to explain a big concept to little kids, though the 'first day at a new school' trope is well-worn territory.

Safe

100

It is a gentle children's picture book about fluffy animals. There is zero risk of inappropriate content, scary imagery, or mature themes.

Enriching

Written by a social innovator, the book specifically targets social-emotional learning (SEL) and empathy. It encourages kids to ask questions and think about social impact from an early age.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Teaches kids that being 'different' isn't a bug, it's a feature.
The rhyming structure makes it an easy, rhythmic read-aloud for bedtime.
Introduces social impact and empathy concepts without the usual heavy-handed lecturing.
The alpaca vs. llama distinction is a fun way to talk about biology and diversity at the same time.

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What to Watch For

The message is very 'on the nose'—don't expect a subtle plot; it's a book with a clear mission.
As a self-published title, it has a simpler aesthetic than big-budget Disney or Scholastic books.

Conversation Starters

"Why did the llamas think Allie didn't belong at first?"
"Have you ever felt like an alpaca in a room full of llamas?"
"What is something 'fluffy' or unique about you that makes you awesome?"
"If you saw someone new at school who looked different, how could you make them feel like Allie felt at the end?"

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