Review by Booklist Review
This previously unpublished title is the result of a collaboration between Sampson and his regular partner Martin, prolific creator of classic children's titles such as Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?, who passed away in 2004. Rhyming couplets introduce young readers to this unusual and intriguing nocturnal mammal that they likely have never encountered. A variety of facts about the armadillo are presented in the easily understood rhymes, which are accompanied by richly colored pictures. Mixed-media illustrations, which offer both texture and movement, are reminiscent of those created by Lois Ehlert and Eric Carle. Watercolors, collage, and digital work combine to produce bright, captivating graphic illustrations. The book concludes with a few fascinating "Armadillo Facts," accompanied by fun, tongue-in-cheek vignettes. Children will learn that the snout of the armadillo is as strong as steel, that its two major enemies are dogs and cars, that the armadillo can jump up to 10 times its height, and other extraordinary things. Delightful, informative, and visually arresting.
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
Starting with lines reminiscent of the hymn "Now the Day Is Over," this hitherto unpublished work by prior collaborators, the late Martin and Sampson (Chicka Chicka 1, 2, 3), salutes the titular bony-plated, roly-poly armadillo's nocturnal escapades.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.)
(c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
Review by Kirkus Book Review
Cheerful encouragement for a curious nocturnal creature. This ode to an odd yet appealing animal opens with an introduction to its nighttime world: "Now the day has ended… / Shadows of the evening / dance across the sky." Then, in couplets, the authors address the armadillo directly, suggesting actions: run, leap, dig, eat, and retreat into its burrow before sunrise. The beats don't always line up in the second lines of the couplets; those reading the book aloud for an audience should practice. In a nod to previous illustrators of Martin's many popular titles, Beauvois uses a combination of collage on painted paper and digital collage. One page is entirely brushwork (with adjustments made in Photoshop), mostly blues, with a few fish: "look, / or you may fall into the brook." The next is a close-up of the armadillo "dressed in armor like a knight." The figures are large and colorful. In spite of the animal's nocturnal habits, the backgrounds are often white, the better for showing to a group. Some armadillo facts are summarized on a final page, with illustrations in an entirely different style. Those who read to preschoolers will welcome the appearance of this new work by these frequent collaborators, the first of several to be published in the coming years. (This book was reviewed digitally.) This colorful book will make for a vibrant nature-focused storytime. (Informational picture book. 2-5) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
