Oh, Armadillo!: This Party's All Wrong!

by Ellie Irving, Robert Starling (Illustrator)

Oh, Armadillo! is a hilarious tale exploring the endlessly humorous mishaps of an Armadillo who wants to host the most amazing party. 

Armadillo sets out to please the jungle animals with classic party treats and games, but everything turns out a little peculiar... like a sponge cake made of sponges and an actual musical chair! Oh, Armadillo! will provide hours of laughs for little readers, while reminding us that thinking differently is good and can lead to the most fun of all!

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens

32 pages, Hardcover

Published February 7, 2023

About the author

I was born in Bristol, but raised in a hamlet on the outskirts of Southend-on-Sea, by a family of avid readers. So avid, in fact, my mum enrolled me in the local library before I'd even emerged from the womb. Which was awkward for all concerned. As a child, I had an unhealthy obsession with 'Murder, She Wrote' and aged seven, convinced my parents to buy me a Petite Super International typewriter for Christmas, so I could be just like Jessica Fletcher.

After studying a 4 year Broadcasting Degree at the University of Leeds, I realised there were too few home makeover shows in the world, and worked on a number of DIY and Garden programmes for UK Style. I then returned to studying and graduated from an MA in Screenwriting course at the London College of Communication in 2008. I live in North London. I have yet to solve any murders...

Reviews

[Natalie all_books_great_and_small · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advance reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review via netgalley and the publishers.

Oh, Armadillo!: This Party's All Wrong! is a fun and colourful story for children with a great meaning behind it. Armadillo is sad because he has no friends. He decides to throw a party and invite all the jungle animals in the hopes they will become his friends. Each animal tells him what they hope he will have at his party and Armadillo goes home to make what they hope he will have; a sponge cake, balloons, pass the parcel, musical chairs. The problem is, Armadillo always gets things wrong. When the day of the party comes the animals are shocked as everything they hoped for is there, but not at all what they expected. This is such a fun story and really made me smile. Armadillo sees things and imagines things differently to everyone else. This is highlighted into a positive quality to have and shows that being quirky or creative or thinking differently isn't a bad thing and we should embrace our uniqueness.

[PetalsAndPaperbacks · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love when a children’s book has a bit of a lesson to it. In this book, Armadillo learned that being himself is what matters most. The illustrations were very colourful and eye catching. Such a cute story to read to the kids!

[Kaye · Rating 4 out of 5]

Armadillo plans a party and wants to make every guest happy. He gets things wrong, like a sponge cake made of sponges but it is all going to work out. The illustrations are very cute with bright bold colors. I love the message of thinking differently is good and that Armadillo figures that out for himself. The book is geared to be read to younger readers. And I love when books have messages that can be talked about to listeners. I did check that Armadillos live in the rainforest and the book is correct, they do. Thank you to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group - Frances Lincoln Children’s Books, Happy Yak for a temporary ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Dylan | itsthelymanlibrary · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a cute book! It was an Amelia Bedelia for younger audiences. My 4 year old thought it was cute and funny. I loved the illustrations and that the discovery of “thinking differently is good” was by the armadillo himself rather than an outside perspective. I didn’t realize until reading this book that there’s very little self discovery in young children’s books. Loved that aspect so much!

[Dana Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, Armadillo by Ellie Irving. This is a very cute book for children Armadillo decides to have a party to make friends but he does things the wrong way. Armadillo thinks sponges cakes are 🧽 sponges. So his cake becomes a trampoline they can all bounce on. His crazy ways become fun. Read the book and what fun you will have.

[Mehsi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book from Netgalley/the publisher in exchange of an honest review.


I fell in love with that cover and the title, but then I read the blurb and was even more convinced! I just had to have it!

In this adorable and fun looking book we meet Armadillo. He is a bit weird, sometimes jumbles things up, but he wants to do something big. So he decides to hold a party. I loved seeing him make some very pretty invitations. I had fun seeing which animals he was going to invite (apes, lemurs, and more) + see if they were going to come or not. Plus, they had some questions on things that they were looking forward to at the party. From cake to musical chairs, but as you may guess, this is Armadillo and things go hilariously wrong. Well, OK, it was hilarious for me, but I could also imagine that the Armadillo’s feelings may be hurt when he figured that out (or when animals would tell him). But I was surprised at what happened next and how Armadillo reacted. It just made me smile and I was so delighted. That is one way to go for it~ And I wished I could have been part of this party, dang!

That last message was just perfection! It made me smile~

I loved that the book was all in rhyme! It made the story more fun, more original, and more silly! It made me smile.

The art in this book was so much fun and I loved how brightly coloured the armadillo was but also his surroundings.

All in all, a silly and fun book about an Armadillo who wants to hold a party and all that happens next. It made me smile, laugh, giggle, and many times I wanted to just step in the story. Recommended.

Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/

[Storywraps · Rating 5 out of 5]

Armadillo is throwing a party because he is lonely and wants to make friends. He is a kind and gentle creature and wants to belong. His one problem is, instead of right, he always gets things wrong.

"He brushed his teeth with cheese,
He jumbled apples with zucchini.
He asked, "Do pineapples have names?
Would sharks wear a bikini?"

He creates some invitations and personally delivers them. He wants to please all his guests. He asks each one what they would like to include to make the party a great.

Jaguar wants a springy sponge cake, the animals in the House of Apes request a variety of games and three lemurs ask for BIG balloons for the party celebration. Armadillo is very happy to fulfill their wishes and quickly starts to set things in motion for the happiest... best... party... ever!

When his attendees arrive they are shocked at what they encounter! Armadillo does everything WRONG! Will Armadillo's party be ruined or will all the animals work together and make the party a smashing success?

"Oh Armadillo!" has bright engaging illustrations and kids will love the silly humour and learn a valuable life lesson... thinking differently is a good thing. The book is about imagination, creativity,
acceptance and friendship. I highly recommend it.

[Katherine Schauer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book through Netgalley. This is my honest review.

This is a fun little rhyming story about an armadillo who sees the world a little bit differently than everyone else. He takes things quite literally (sponge cake made of sponges, musical chair made of various instruments) which makes the other animals confused at the very least. But then Armadillo realizes that the way he views things makes him unique and awesome, and the other animals try to take a page out of his book and try some new things.

The illustrations were really bright and colorful, making it easy to see the unique things that Armadillo was coming up with based on the things the animals all said they wanted to see at the party.

I felt like this book had two important messages for kids. One, if you can be anything the best thing you can be is uniquely you. And two, trying to please everyone else can often result in failing to please anyone, yourself included. I would absolutely read this book a few times without being annoyed by the requests to do so.

Overall I give it 4.2 out of 5 stars.

[Theediscerning · Rating 4 out of 5]

Exuberant, and almost painfully colourful, rhymed story of an armadillo who wants to make some new jungle friends. So when he hands out party invites to all the animals, and they give him requests in return, he's very eager to comply – it's just he's a complete muddle-head and gets it all wrong. Now, clearly this book is encouraging diversity in thinking – so what if you think a sponge cake is made of literal cleaning sponges, when it might come to a different use than you thought – and that's on-point, modern and welcomed by many. Yeah, until they see the result of everyone doing just what they want. ("I ran a red, officer? Well, when I was young a kids' book told me to be idea-divergent, so I thought I'd let a red mean 'do what you want' today…") The impracticality of us all following the book's moral aside, however, this is a fun and very lively little read, and if we limit the scope of the message to 'making the best out of our mistakes' as opposed to 'being a bloody great walking mistake' then we're on to a winner.

[Ag · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolutely hilarious story of a weirdo Armadillo, he never got anything right! All the listed things he always did wrong are laugh-out-loud funny! He decides to throw a party and there are all sorts of mishaps, all laugh-out-loud funny also. Armadillo is such a cute socially awkward little thing in this book! Somehow the teaching moment in this book is a little bit weird, but weird in a cute way also. Armadillo learns that all his weird, too-literal failures might be his strength, his uniqueness, and his quirkiness that make him the person he is. Although I absolutely love this premise of embracing your authentic self, your quirky persona, I find this to be a liiiitle bit too exaggerated and a liiiiitle bit too far-fetched. I feel like this book definitely calls for a follow-up talk with the little one that every quirkiness does have a limit in fact, and that at some point too much is just too much, which might be a wonderful result of reading this book. Also, the drawings! The Armadillo IS so cute, so quirky and so unique, the artist has done a fantastic job!

[RainyDayReader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh, Armadillo is about a unique armadillo that does things his own way. He brushes his teeth with cheese and wonders things like if sharks should wear swimsuits. In an attempt to make some friends, he invites several animals around the rainforest to a party. They each ask him if he will have something at the party like balloons or games. Armadillo goes home and does his best to make the items each animal wants.

If you enjoy "Amelia Bedilia", you will enjoy this new story. This character is similar in the hijinks that he goes through by taking words and phrases so literally. The color scheme is bright colors that make you think of summer and fun. But the best part of the story is the message that being different is amazing.


(Thank you to the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.)

[TL Westlake · Rating 4 out of 5]

We all have those people in our lives that go above and beyond to make everything great! While they’re trying to make sure everyone’s needs are met to ensure everyone is happy, they wind up making a mess of things and doing everything wrong. Because truly, you can’t make everyone happy. Meet Armadillo, the master of wanting to do everything for his friends but really does everything wrong. Ellie Irving has created a hilarious, laugh out loud picture book, sure to make kids squeal with excitement as they venture down Armadillo’s party planning failures. He takes requests from all his jungle buddies as to what they’d like to have at his amazing shindig. Sadly, he misinterprets all the requests and let’s his buddies down. The lesson for children to take away from this wonderful story is there’s truly nothing wrong with doing it things outside of the box. Illustrator Rob Starling incorporates the most vivid and vibrant colours into his charming jungle animals. The animals jump right off the page. Celebrate with your children that different is good!

[Carla Welch · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this a few times and loved it. I read it to my almost 5 year old and she thinks it’s brilliant.
I loved how the book rhymes, giving the reader a chance to engage with their child/ren and share the story. This book made me laugh out loud, I read a lot of children’s books and I really have enjoyed this one.
The message this book gives about friendship is beautiful. The comedy aspect is brilliant. The armadillo is such a wonderful character who just wants to make friends.
The illustrations are lovely too. Really vibrant colours and great detail on every page. Really help to bring the story alive.
I will be buying this for my own home plus others once it’s released.

[Jill Downs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, Armadillo! is an amusing new book you will want to add to your child's bookshelf. Captivating illustrations and rich, bold language make this humorous story a delight for young readers.

Armadillo wants to throw a party for his jungle friends. Along the way he encounters mishap after mishap which makes for a very interesting party! Armadillo and his friends discover that everyone is unique and there's nothing wrong with thinking outside the box.

This story is laugh out loud funny and is one little readers will reach for more than once.

Thank you to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group for allowing me an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

[Susanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to the author, Frances Lincoln Children's Books and NetGalley, for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This fun and colorful book was a big hit with the kids I read it with. The message of being yourself, even if you make mistakes, and maybe have a different view on life than others, is on point - but for us, we needed a talk afterward to clarify that there are certain ground rules that everyone does have to abide by to make friendship and society work. The illustrations are wonderful, vibrant and jumping off the page, and the little details make reading this again (and again) fun for everyone.

[NerdyWordyReviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Synopsis:

Follow Armadillo on his journey of setting up the best party. Unfortunately, plenty of mishaps are encountered along the way, making the story funny, and the illustrations add to that effect. In the end, the party goes on and is roaring with laughter and disaster.

My Review:

The illustrations were busy, colorful, and comical. Which added to the continued mishaps that Armadillo encounters while trying to plan the party.

The story is fun, lively, and entertaining for younger readers. It shows children that everything doesn't always go as planned in life, but you always make the best of it, and everything will still turn out fabulous.

[Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is really silly, and kids are going to love it. Armadillo is lonely he throws a party for his friend, and they ask will there be cake? Will there be music? Will there be games? When Armadillo says yes, he thinks of these party items differently than the other animals do. But everything works out in the end. There is a cadence to this book which is nice, but sometime is a little tongue twisty, and it rhymes really well, but there are a few harsh rhymes, like every time they rhyme jaguar. This is because while the rhyme works, it throws the cadence off but overall it works. The illustrations are wonderful and fun and I could see going back to this book over and over again.

[Anita Salát · Rating 5 out of 5]

This picture book is great for kids who feel like the odd one out. Thinking differently is not a problem - it's an asset. The armadillo has different idea of several things, and his friends laugh at him at first, but then they all realize that it's more fun to experience new things than doing everything the same old way all the time.

The vivid and bright colours make you feel alive and put you in a cheerful mood.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group, Frances Lincoln Children's Books for an Advance Review Copy.

[PurrfectPages · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a cute adaption to the song, " Down by the Bay" and I ate it up! oh you silly Armadillo, you! This Armadillo knows how to partaaaay and planned everything from decorations, guests, and food down in the bay. Alas, life happens, and everything doesn't go as planned, but did the Armadillo cry? of course not! He laughed it off and made it part of the party. I adored this story and can't wait to gift it for future birthday gifts.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the Arc of this book in exchange for my honest review.

#OhArmadillo #NetGalley

[Kris Vance · Rating 5 out of 5]

How awesome! Lots of fantastic illustration and rhymes about a little armadillo who just cannot do anything right, but he is determined to make friends with the other animals in the jungle. He decides to throw a party, and when everything turns upside down and sideways, everyone learns to love him for his quirks. They all end up happily ever after! I LOVE the theme of the story and the armadillo is so cute. The prose is great as well, and any child would love to listen to or read the lyrical story.

Thank you, NetGalley!

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you netgalley for an arc copy on exchange for an honest review.

Jungle Armadillo wants to make some friends, so he decides to throw a party. But Armadillo has his own way of doing things. His new jungle friends tell him their favorite things about parties but when he tries to do them... It doesn't quite turn out right. Can the party be saved so Armadillo can make new friends?

This was a cute story with fun, colorful pictures. The writing had a rhythm which always makes it more fun when reading aloud. My son enjoyed the book.

Release date is 2/9/23

[Morgan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I accessed a digital review copy of this book from the publisher.
Armadillo always does everything wrong, so no one wants to be his friend. When he decides to have a party, he invites everyone he knows. He asks them each what they think would make a great party. Then, when he does as they asked, he gets it all wrong.
This book shows it is ok to be yourself, even if it is "all wrong" compared to everyone else. What is wrong to them can just be another way of doing things or looking at the world. The book is good for teaching acceptance of yourself and others to young readers and pre-readers.

[Angie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This rhyming picture book tells the story of a very interesting armadillo. Using stylized fonts and intriguing pictures to help tell the story, this is a book that will definitely draw in reader's attention. I do find that texts with unusual fonts can be hard for younger or struggling readers to comprehend, but it also adds character to the story. I would recommend this book primarily as a shared reading story (ie a bedtime story) for families of children in the age 3-6 range. Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for giving me the chance to read and review this book!

[Nicola Richardson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very sweet story about an armadillo who gets everything wrong. It all works out though as getting it wrong makes everything more interesting in the end! The armadillo throws a party to try to make friends and for a while it looks like it won't work out, but there is a happy ending! A lovely book about acceptance and being different for young children.
(And genius to rhyme zucchini with bikini!)

[Shawn-Joy Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very cute story about an Armadillo who is pretty quirky and wants to make friends. This story had a message in accepting the differences in the way people think and act.

Thank you to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group for the opportunity to read and review this book.

Keep an eye out for its release February 7, 2023.

[Katherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

A colorful book written in rhyming verse with fun illustrations for young readers to search. The book provides a powerful message about accepting and celebrating our differences. Armadillo models how to reach out and take risks making new friends. A great book with reread value and connections to SEL, science, and art.

[Lisa Gisèle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you netgalley for this ARC. I am leaving an 100% honest review.

I will start off by saying this is the cutest book I have read so far this year. The sponge cake made me laugh out loud and armadillo is just perfectly him. As someone who always thought a bit different I can appreciate his approach to life and would love the hot air balloon more then the party balloon any day

[Maaike Bateson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am reviewing this book with my 7 year old daughter.

We both really enjoyed this book. My daughter immediately understood the underlying message - that it's important to be yourself and there's nothing wrong with being different.

She was amused at Armadillo's antics and frequently laughed.

We both really liked the high quality of the illustrations, which were extremely well done.

[Trina · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a silly little armadillo. This cute book has beautiful illustrations showing all of the silly things armadillo does as he tries to impress all the other animals tho he has misunderstood exactly what they mean.

[Gina · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was funny and creative. The illustrations reminded me of Spongebob (probably because the book is about a party). I loved the message of being yourself and encouraging others to burst out of their own comfort zones by being yourself.