AN ARMADILLO IN NEW YORK

An intrepid armadillo feels that special itch that tweaks his curiosity and leads him to new places.

Arlo has been to Paris (An Armadillo in Paris, 2014) and now seeks new adventures. Reading his grandfather Augustin’s travel journal about New York City inspires him to see that exciting metropolis for himself. The journal guides him to one sight after another, giving clues along the way about the mysterious Lady Liberty that will be his final destination in the city. Continuing the format of the previous work, each sight on the itinerary is given a double-page spread with an excerpted page from Augustin’s journal, an oil-and-graphite illustration softly hued with pops of color, and a description of Arlo’s experience at each destination. He visits the Top of the Rock, the New York Public Library, Grand Central Terminal, and more. He tastes lots of ethnic street food and sees a baseball game at Yankee Stadium. He gathers the clues about Lady Liberty and finally sees her, the Statue of Liberty in all her towering glory. (An appended page of facts on the statue provides further information.) Kraulis’ double narration forms a neat package, combining Augustin’s enthusiasm with Arlo’s reactions. A large-scale Arlo is always center stage in the illustrations, and the humans seem to be OK with this stranger in their midst.

A fun trip to the Big Apple.