This will be great when my kid is a little older and goes through the learning about different animal phase. It is a great pretty comprehensive book on all things armadillos and I personally learned a lot as an adult!

Thanks to Netgalley and WW Norton and Company for the ARC of this book!

This was an interesting look at an animal that I don't think has gotten enough love so far in our homeschool. Plenty of new information about the "official small mammal" of the state of Texas was included, including; timelines of their history and evolution, climate change and the impact that it has on the range of the armadillo's habitat, descriptions and lovely illustrations of many types of armadillos, and how they interact and fit into their habitats, including with humans. Overall, my children (8 and 11) were both interested and engaged with this book, and we all learned something new.

As someone who knew little to nothing about armadillos, I found this book fascinating. Who knew that researchers study them to help cure leprosy? As a fifth grade teacher, I am excited to share this book with my students. The book has so many connections to different science standards, and provides great context for certain concepts. I could see myself using this book as a springboard to look at the role differnet animals play in ecosystems, and the impact of climate change on ecosystems.

The language used in this book was rich and varied. Complex vocabulary was used. The illustrations were beautiful and engaging, while supporting the text.

I would highly recommend this book for upper elementary students.

In this educative, current, and comprehensive text, Shreeve gifts readers with insight into the impressive world of armadillos. Traveling from South America all the way to North America, escaping a zoo and a circus, becoming the official state mammal of Texas, and influencing scientists, the armadillo is a one-of-a-kind species that is constantly adapting, evolving, and amazing. With twenty-three species predominantly living in South America, its unique characteristics make it one of the “wonders of life on earth, present and past.” As the only mammal with a protective suit of armor designed with a unique pattern, some have the ability to birth four genetically identical offspring, while others can hold their breath underwater for 6 minutes! Retaining important traits from their prehistoric ancestors, they were an inspiration to Darwin and his theory of evolution. Now, the armadillo finds itself in a changing world, in need of protection and advocacy. As Shreeve ponders, “Life on earth is constantly changing. So what does the future hold for armadillos?” Rich with details, myth-busting and art that exudes the beauty, strength and delicateness of the armadillo, readers will be left wondering and wanting more. A list of resources and timeline is found at the end of the book, along with tables throughout providing species-specific information. A book made with expert knowledge and attention to detail, this is highly recommended for all young readers and classrooms.

Out Sept. 3, 2024...Thank you to @Netgalley and Norton Young Readers for sharing an advanced digital copy with me to review. All opinions are my own.

From the creators of The Upside-Down Book of Sloths, this delightful new picture book traces the history of one of Earth’s strangest animals.

Thank you Norton Young Readers & Netgalley for this
digital ARC! I enjoyed reading this book.
I learned so much. I live in TX and I learned that our official state mammals are the Longhorn and the Armadillo.

The Oddball Book of Armadillos isn't just about armadillos. Along with numerous facts about this fascinating creature you will also learn about archeologists and the adaptations of this mammal throughout history. Those scientific studies could be applied to any animal, extinct, endangered or flourishing. A great book for interested readers, packed full of information for curious minds.

I have learned much about Armadillos in this book. For your "oddball", they will love it. It is filled with fun facts and interesting information. One that I found inspiring is that Armadillos are ecosystem engineers. They are needed in our world.

A special thank you to W. W. Norton & Company | Norton Young Readers and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.

As a long term Floridian I love armadillos! Sooo adorable! I really did not know much about them and this book fixed that. They are such a unique mammal. I had no idea there was a tiny one living in the cold of South America as well as a giant one on the same continent. This is a well done, informative, and fun children’s book that belongs in every school library around the country. I’d buy a copy for an animal lover in my life.

Thanks to the authors and publisher for the e-arc I received via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.

This informative and special book certainly taught this adult some fascinating armadillo facts!

Children are sure to be delighted with the beautiful illustrations, kid-friendly text, and well presented information in this book.

The length of information presented is just right, not too long or too short, and this book about this captivating and shy creature could easily become a much loved child's favorite.

I am looking forward to purchasing a copy for the children in my family.

This pleased reviewer rates this book an enthusiastic ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ s!