The armadillo who came for dinner

An armadillo discovers that he may be armor-plated, but he doesn't have to be thick-skinned. This unusual friendship trio--Little Lamb, Wolf, and Omelet the alligator--get an unexpected visitor, yet again. The three have just sat down to a lovely picnic when suddenly a boulder crashes through their tasty spread. But it's not a boulder--it's a rolled-up armadillo who smacks into a tree. Little Lamb invites the dizzy friend home for dinner to recuperate. She offers a hug as well, but Dizzy refuses, peevishly replying, "I'm a tough armadillo, so I don't need hugs, thank you very much." During Dizzy's stay, Little Lamb offers more hugs, with tiny woolen arms stretched out wide--comforting ones and congratulatory ones--but Dizzy rebuffs each hug. He's too tough for those. Until, that is, Little Lamb finds herself in a tight spot, with a real boulder crashing toward her. Dizzy saves the day and just might accept a grateful squeeze from a friend. The sixth installment in this U.K. series is a bit meandering, but it's sweet nonetheless. The expressive animals display a range of emotional states, from joy at one another's company and unsteadiness after a bonk on the head (complete with unsteady eyes) to concern when one of them takes a tumble. A lighthearted lesson in letting down barriers. (Picture book. 4-7) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.