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IT'S AN ORANGE AARDVARK! by Michael Hall Kirkus Star

IT'S AN ORANGE AARDVARK!

by Michael Hall ; illustrated by Michael Hall

Pub Date: April 22nd, 2014
ISBN: 978-0-06-225206-7
Publisher: Greenwillow Books

Get ready for some hilarity and hijinks as five ants discover what’s really outside their stump home in this die-cut offering from Hall.

Rumbles awaken a handful of carpenter ants, and the debate begins. One ant believes an aardvark awaits, and three others follow along. But the fifth ant? He industriously drills a hole. Orange light filters in, and the alarmist proclaims it to be an orange aardvark. More holes, colors and silliness ensue, as the naysayer’s hypotheses run wild: “It’s a pajama-wearing, ketchup-carrying orange aardvark….” Five die-cut peepholes later, the levelheaded ant—and readers (if not reduced to giggles)—is ready to make a guess. As purple light floods in, four ants fly out to see a rainbow, while the pessimist remains, to further comedic effect. Digitally collaged illustrations, done with appealing, primary splashes of color, allow for easy identification of characters and colors. (The ants have color-coded hard hats.) Hall uses the die-cuts to great effect, playfully piquing the curiosity of readers while revealing both the real and the ridiculous.

Suspenseful and entertaining; all-around great fun.

(Picture book. 3-8)