Armadillo Antics

This colorful book will make for a vibrant nature-focused storytime.

Starting with lines reminiscent of the hymn "Now the Day Is Over," this hitherto unpublished work by prior collaborators, the late Martin and Sampson (Chicka Chicka 1, 2, 3), salutes the titular bony-plated, roly-poly armadillo's nocturnal escapades. Beauvois (Who Is Henry?), whose elaborately textured, highly dimensional surfaces recognize the paper collage legacy of Eric Carle and Lois Ehlert, creates a series of striking contrasts to the repeating text's simple rhymes. As the mammals appear, ready to "romp and play till the night is done," they're shown in deep jewel tones with patterning reminiscent of a Missoni sweater. Eye-catching images introduce the animals in various states: when text observes that one is "dressed in armor like a knight," an armadillo in steely shades of purple shoots a beady-eyed glare that seems to say, "Back off!" Some images are set against white backgrounds, which readers may find confusing given the book's nighttime setting; that quibble aside, tagging along with this self-possessed, graphically stylish critter and chanting its name (each stanza begins "Armadillo, Armadillo, Armadillo") as it leaps, digs, and dines makes for a memorable outing. Armadillo facts end the volume. Ages 4-8. Authors' agent: Ron Zollshan, Kirchoff Wohlberg. Illustrator's agent: Deborah Wolfe, IllustrationOnline.com. (Apr.)

Copyright 2022 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

K-Gr 3--Boldly colored and patterned collage captures the escapades of an armadillo as it awakens as the sun goes down and has an adventurous night. Rhyming verse ("Armadillo, armadillo, armadillo run. Romp and play till the night is done") capture the physical abilities and challenges for armadillos in their environment as well as the fun to be had with a snout as strong as steel and the ability to leap ten times one's height. Back matter includes a single page of armadillo facts that accompany this engagingly illustrated tribute to the fascinating critter. VERDICT Especially useful for libraries in parts of the country where there are armadillos, this is an energetically illustrated introduction to a fascinating creature.--John Scott

Copyright 2022 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

"Armadillo Antics pays tribute to the night creatures that roamed the woods outside [Martin's and Sampson's] houses in Commerce, Texas. It's this nocturnal aspect that the talented Argentine collagist Beauvois captures so beautifully. While highly influenced by the painted, cut-paper style of Eric Carle, Beauvois's brush strokes are more rough-hewn, her textures more raised, her backgrounds darker. And sometimes - yes, it's true - she intentionally strays outside the lines."-The New York Times