Armadillo Ray

by John Beifuss, Peggy Turley (Illustrations)

Ray is a curious armadillo, and what he is most curious about is the moon. Ray wonders how it can have so many shapes and why it sometimes disappears. He decides to find out the answers to his questions by asking his desert animal friends, from the prairie dog to the desert grouse, each of whom has his own fanciful idea. But it isn't until Ray meets a wise old owl that he learns exactly what the moon is—and discovers that sometimes the truth is the most unbelievable explanation of all!
This enchanting story is brought to life by stunning oil pastel illustrations. Also included is an afterword giving a brief explanation of the phases of the moon, as well as a note about the role that the moon has played in legends around the world.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens

32 pages, Hardcover

First published October 1, 1995

About the author

A a child, John Beifuss enjoyed capturing crawfish, fishing for doodle bugs, drawing with sand soap and watching movies that featured giant insects and birds.

He lives in Memphis, Tennessee.

Reviews

[J · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a charming book that is similar in many ways to Kipling's "Just So" stories although in this case the main character is trying to find an explanation as to why the moon is the way that it is and what makes it to go through the changes. In his search he finds that many others have also come up with their own explanations even if they don't sound right to him.

This is basically a wonderful little book that would be a good introduction to either teaching your children about mythoi and/or history. After reading it and the part that includes the various stories of the moon a parent or adult can explain how different groups of people have seen the same thing although in different ways. Or the story can be kept to as an introduction to the moon.

The illustrations are beautiful and include that nice Southwestern look that combines beautifully with the bright colors. My only complaint is the silly shaped creatures that are included as characters but in the end I think that is one of the reasons why my niece ended up stealing the book from me.

This is definitely a book that children will enjoy looking at and one that can be a beautiful addition to a child's collection.

[Ailsa Mackay · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my favourite out of all my childrens' books at the moment. Ray the Armadillo wanders the desert asking his friends, the other desert dwelling creatures, 'what is the moon'? Stuffed full of charming animal myths and legends, Ray eventually learns the truth from a wise owl. Lovely, vivid illustrations too. I love this book.

[Mrs. Ruigrok · Rating 4 out of 5]

Armadillo Ray is about a little armadillo who wonders about the moon and keeps asking other creatures about the moon. They all have their own interpretation but it's the wise old owl that seems to have the most truthful. This book is also filled with information at the back all about moons and moon folklore.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great little story about an armadillo that starts wondering about the moon. I really liked the illustrations. The owl's words (which Ray didn't understand) are in the back, explaining about the moon.

[Colleen]

Moon Light, Moon Bright - unit 3
Leveled books - Intermediate

[Corrine · Rating 3 out of 5]

The artwork is great, I can see why he picked it. Lots of vibrant, Southwest-style graphics.

[Carole · Rating 4 out of 5]

I got this book from the author and illustrator who are local people. The illustrations are very colorful, and it's an interesting story.

[Beth · Rating 3 out of 5]

When Armadillo Ray wants to know about the moon, he goes on a quest to seek the answer. This book is filled with lots of similes and so would be a good mentor text for writing and identifying them.

[Deborah Harris]

AR Quiz No. 21415 EN Fiction
Accelerated Reader Quiz Information IL: LG - BL: 3.5 - AR Pts: 0.5
Accelerated Reader Quiz Type Information AR Quiz Types: RP

[The Book Box]

My daddy read this to me tonight when he got home from work.