Armadillo Tattletale

This is certainly a unique book, or, probably a better word would be "odd." When I first read it, something I ALWAYS do before presenting a new book to the kids, I must admit to having been a bit stunned and put off. The critters in this story are mean, just simply mean, and not all that loveable. Actually, they acted like quite a number of people I run across every day, i.e. like the majority of humans in this day and age. This is the beauty of this book. Kids need to learn to cope with people who are sometimes mean. They also need to learn not to be mean themselves. The story is basically about a Armadillo, who secretly listens to the other creatures talk, then goes around tattle-taling to the other critters, those being talked about and telling them what was overheard. To make a long story short, the Armadillo eventually has his ears chewed of by one of the other animals. The animals are somewhat cruel, and treat the Aramadillo rather badly throughout the story. Anyway, this set me to thinking. This book is a wonderful book to read to the children and gives the parent or teacher an opportunity to teach them many lessons. First of course is the evil of telling stories and gossiping about others, and the harm it can do. Secondly, it illustrates the question, is it right and proper or just to solve problems by throwing "hissy-fits" and treating others badly just because they have treated us badly? Thirdly, is it best to solve problems through violence, through intimidation and meanness? Of course not, to all three. This gives the parent and/or teacher hours and hours worth of dicussion, page by page, on just how NOT to act! It gives the teacher or parent and opportunity to point out the many alternatives to the problem and an opportunity to discuss those various alternatives. It gives an opportunity to show just how a simple problem can get out of hand if not handled in a civilized manner. I like that! Now if you want a front to cover "happy book," then indeed, you should probably look elsewhere. This book is also one of those that certainly illustrates the fact that parents and teachers should probably review the books their children are reading from time to time, and if it is felt the child cannot handle it, then the child should be guided else where...that is one of the functions of being an adult, when you really think about it. All in all, I found the book to be great and very, very useful. Recommend this one highly, depending of course, if these are the lessons you want to teach and the method you want to use to teach these lessons.

For all children with imaginations and anyone who could learn something, this is a great little book about exaggerators and how to catch them, with a whimsical side to a mythological fact of how the armadillo got his ears. As a children's librarian I love this for storytimes.

We loved it - the pictures, the story, the ending. The "we" includes mom and an eight year old - but it's suitable for preschool and up. Wonderful book.

This is a wonderful porquoi tale that could be subtitled "Why Armadillo Has Small Ears." The humor in both the language and illustrations harmonize perfectly. The story might introduce young readers to the concept that it's not nice to listen in on private conversations nor to spread gossip (especially if it's false!). This book is perfect as a read-aloud; it flows much better than a similar book, "Why Mosquitoes Buzz in People's Ears."

Another wonderful book from Ketteman. My kids just loved it. The story is wacky but heartwarming. Great pictures. I recomend this to anyone with kindergarten age children.