Book Review: Armadillo Rodeo
Age Range: 5-8
Author/Illustrator: Jan Brett
Puffin Books
New York
1995
ISBN: 9780142401255
List Price: $6.99 (amazon.com)
Bo the armadillo has a tendency to wander off, which is exactly what he does despite his mom telling him to stay close. When he spots a bright red armadillo he thinks is a new friend, it’s too much temptation. Bo takes off after the new friend …which turns out to be Harmony Jean’s new cowboy boots! Luckily, Bo’s mom has doggedly pursued Bo all day long and finds him in time to bring him home safely.
This book is not new, but it was quick to become a favorite at our house. And despite it being by a very popular picture book author and illustrator, I have found that not as many people have heard of it as I would expect. My kids love the western theme and illustrations. It also has the bonus of highlighting an animal not frequently found in other books (with some fun facts about armadillos, too!). As with other Jan Brett books, the panel illustrations add even more to the story and are worth a pause to point out and discuss with lap readers. Though it seems that Bo doesn’t get in nearly enough trouble for wandering off (kind of like Curious George seems to get off easy most of the time), I love that the mom armadillo patiently looks for him all day.
Buy it on Amazon here.
Buy it on Barnes and Noble here.