Armadillo Ray

By Charlotte Holmes and John Beifuss

Book Overview

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.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0811821358
• ISBN13: 9780811821353
• Release Date: August 1998
• Publisher: Chronicle Books
• Length: 32 Pages
• Weight: 0.40 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.3" x 8.8" x 9.8"
• Age Range: 12 years and under
• Grade Range: Preschool to Grade 7

Customer Reviews

A wonderful book with beautiful interesting illustrations

Borrowed this from the library and am now buying it for our collection. The illustrations are so different and interesting. And the story is sweet, fun, and unique.

Reviewers missed the point

This beautifully illustrated book is the PERFECT introduction or supplement to a science lesson for primary or intermediate elementary-age children. The point of the book is simple: introduce children to a lesson on the Earth's moon. The actual explanation, listed at the end of the book, is purposely not included with the story, so that the teacher or parent can read it and guide the child into the scientific explanation. It also offers legends of the moon from other cultures which can also lead a child into a literature lesson - composing their own original folktale. The book will naturally lend itself to art interpretations after a child sees how gorgeous and simple the illustrations are. This book leads to creativity and knowledge!

A beautifully illustrated book with a simple story line

The illustrations carry this book along in its simple story of a little armadillo asking his desert friends about the moon. The pictures are bright, vivid, and appealing. The story line is simple, with the different desert animals offering their ideas of what is the moon, much as different cultures have different myths of the moon as well. The scientific explanation at the end is not too long for this age group. I would have liked for the text to have more about the desert life of Armadillo Ray, or his feelings, as the one shortcoming is that the text is not quite as involving as the illustrations.