An Armadillo in Paris

Absolutely adorable travel adventure that will introduce young readers to Paris -- and, incidentally, make older ones like this reader long to go back. The illustrations are wonderfully detailed and evocative of some truly iconic scenes, such as the Seine with its bateaux mouches. (My wife and I went "Ohhhh" with nostalgia and sadness that we weren't there at this moment.) The story is a cute concept too -- I love the idea of Arlo the armadillo following in his grandfather's footsteps and experiencing Paris for the first time. With luck he will get to have more adventures!

The book is reminiscent of Toot and Puddle. by Holly Hobbie. The armadillo is a charming character and Paris is a lovely setting. The story is a cross between a mystery with clues and a travel journal. A wonderful book for elementary children. I hear that there are already plans for a second book to New York. Can't wait!

Delightful!! The illustrations are so charming, and Arlo is a lovable character through which we can experience the City of Lights. Children likely will not understand the hinting about the Iron Lady, but adults will :) Worth a re-read; gorgeous.

I got this as part of Librarything Early Reviewer program. Arlo, the Armadillo, goes to Paris with his grandfather's journal to explore the city and find the Iron Lady. The illustrations, done in graphite and oils, were well done and visually interesting. The text, with a piece of the journal from the grandfather on each two page spread, accompanying the narrative of what Arlo did, was a bit heavy handed, but mostly worked. My main wish was that the Eiffel Tower had been "hiding" in more of the pages, because it was fun to spot when it did show up. I have a feeling, from the pile of journals Arlo got from his grandfather, that this will not be the only Arlo book!

While not exactly a travel guide for Children, an Armadillo in Paris written and illustrated by by Julie Kraulis definitely comes close. Told as a story of a young armadillo traveling to Paris for the first time, guided by his grandfather's travel journals, Arlo, the armadillo, sees the exciting sites in Paris, all while attempting to find the elusive Iron Lady.

Ultimately, the book was predictable, but also cute. My young daughter loved it when I read it to her, and either I or my wife have read it to her several times since. So, while you may immediately know "who" the Iron Lady is, your child may be able to see past that, and actually enjoy the book. Definitely worth checking out if you have a little one who likes armadillos or Paris.

'An Armadillo in Paris' is an adorable book about traveling the world by Julie Kraulis. Arlo, the armadillo, tours through Paris with the direction of letters from his grandfather. The writing is includes select French names for buildings and food, but does not go into too much non-fiction detail that kids will gloss over anyway. The letters from the grandfather are a clever way of playing with readers expectations.

The illustrations are really what make this book great. The drawings are absolutely gorgeous and combine cartoon-like figures with more realistically rendered buildings. The colors and lines feel Paris-like and artsy, but are also easy to understand.

This book would be good for elementary aged kids who like learning about show more different countries, have dreams of traveling, or as an introduction to a school section on France or Paris. show less

The design value of this lovely travel picture book is high, and its pages are replete with gorgeous illustrations. The format of the story itself, though, flirts with awkwardness. Arlo makes for a loveable protagonist. This would be a delightful series.