MILO ARMADILLO

Tallulah wants a pink fluffy rabbit, just like all her friends. But when one cannot be found, her grandmother knits up something in its place. Milo Armadillo, complete with a multicolored back and a pink knit tail, will have to do. As Tallulah and Milo get to know each other, the little girl cannot help comparing the armadillo unfavorably to a rabbit: “Rabbits jump higher.” Milo really wants to make his little girl happy, so he tries getting a makeover and wearing a costume. Nothing works, and his sadness and sense of self-sacrifice are palpable. With a cheerful palette and a large font (often in a distinctive script), the illustrations are as charming as the characters. The mixed-media artwork includes photocollaged knitting, sequins and other fabrics, providing texture. Has Tallulah let her friendship with Milo unravel? Appreciating what you have is not a new story, yet Fearnley has knit together a sweet yarn of selfless love in the unlikely person of a sweet stuffed armadillo. (Picture book. 3-6)