Published: 2022
Series: N/A
Author: Bill Martin Jr and Michael Sampson
Illustrator: Nathalie Beauvois
Genres: Fiction, Picture Book, Animals, Storytime, Nature
Audience (Grade Levels): Pre-K, Elementary
Number of Stars: 5-Stars
Goodreads Link: Armadillo Antics
Triggers: None
Review By: Serena Waldron
Publisher’s Summary:
“Follows an adventurous armadillo through night time fun as dawn approaches. Children will love the rhythm and rhyme that are hallmarks of the beloved author duo of Chicka Chicka 1, 2, 3 as they follow the adventurous armadillo through nighttime fun as dawn approaches.”
Review:
From sundown to sunrise, we follow along as an armadillo does typical armadillo things. Along the way we learn what he eats, where he lives, what his enemies are and how he protects himself. The combination of bright, bold colorful illustrations and rhyming text combined with an unusual animal for a main character, is sure to draw in readers and would make for a fun read aloud. The repeating refrain of “Armadillo, armadillo, armadillo” followed by an action word would make for an engaging movement based read aloud experience. The book even includes “Armadillo Facts” in the back of the book making it a great starter text for a simple animal research project with primary students. A fun addition to any animal picture book collection. Join the Armadillo on His Nightly Romp!
Classroom & Curricular Connections:
- Science / Zoology: This title serves as an excellent introduction to animal behavior, nocturnal animals, habitats, and defenses. The “Armadillo Facts” in the back can easily be used to teach primary students how to gather simple research data.
- English Language Arts (ELA): Perfect for practicing rhythm, rhyme, and repeating patterns. The rhythmic structure makes it an exceptional tool for early literacy, phonological awareness, and word-pattern recognition.
- Physical Education / Movement: The repetitive action refrain can be utilized to integrate kinesthetic learning and physical movement into storytime.
- Interactive Storytime Movement: During a read-aloud, have students act out the action words following the repeating refrain of “Armadillo, armadillo, armadillo” (e.g., jumping, digging, hiding) to build motor skills and active listening.
- My First Animal Research Project: Use the back-of-the-book facts as a template. Have students choose another unique animal, find three quick facts about its nocturnal habits, and draw a picture of it in its habitat.
Diversity & Representation Note:
The book highlights an unconventional animal as its main character, broadening young readers’ exposure to wildlife beyond standard domestic or farm animals. Additionally, the vibrant collage-style illustrations represent nature and nocturnal habitats in a highly engaging, visually diverse manner.
Readalikes:
- Chicka Chicka 1, 2, 3 by Bill Martin Jr, Michael Sampson, and Lois Ehlert
- Ten Little Caterpillars by Bill Martin Jr and Lois Ehlert
- Armadillo Rodeo by Jan Brett
- Armadilly Chili by Helen Ketteman
- Mama Dug a Little Den by Jennifer Ward
