Milo Armadillo

by Jan Fearnley

Tallulah’s present is not what she asked for. And it’s not what the other kids have. Would she be better off without him?

When no one can find a pink fluffy rabbit to buy for Tallulah on her birthday, Grandma gets creative with her knitting needles. But the surprise Tallulah lifts out of the box is not a rabbit, it’s a pink fluffy . . . thing, named Milo Armadillo. He’s athletic, musical, and great for sharing adventures, but Tallulah’s friends say he’s funny-looking. What can poor Milo do to make Tallulah happy? With humor, poignancy, and a nod to the out-of-the-ordinary, this sweet story shows that if you can’t be with the one you want, you can definitely love the armadillo you’re with.

Genres: Picture Books, Friendship, Childrens, Knitting, Fiction, Animals, Storytime

40 pages, Hardcover

First published October 1, 2009

Reviews

[Rose Rosetree · Rating 5 out of 5]

Learning to love things for what they are?

Hey, kid readers: This isn't just the moral of this story. You're just getting started on this task. Don't be surprised if you have to keep on practicing that particular skill... every single day for the rest of your life.

MY FAVORITE SCENE

That would definitely be the part when Milo Armadillo goes to the beauty parlor and asks for...

Hey, you Goodreaders will find out.

MAGNIFICENT ENDING, TOO

Thank you, author and illustrator Jan Fearnley.

[Erin Murray]

I thought this book was a great example of someone not appreciating what they've got when its right in front of them. It was really sweet how much Milo wanted Tallulah to like him and want him around. I think the messages in the book are strong but also apparent enough for children reading, to pick up on.

[adriana · Rating 5 out of 5]

this book changed my life, not a day goes by when i don’t think about this book and how it impacted me. It’s such a heart breaking thing to see how tallulah mistreated milo. I think that though this book is aimed at younger children it has a deeper meaning than just a girl wanting a rabbit, it represents how mill felt incompetent in his own skin and he showed signs of self hate and suicidal thoughts throughout the book. I was shocked to see that he almost made an attempt despite this book being aimed at younger audiences. I also believe that although all ended well, milo will suffer devastating consequences mentally for the rest of his life due to tallulah’s harmful words she said to him. All in all this is a good book.

[Katie Fitzgerald · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read at pink and purple preschool story time at the Tenley library on 8/30/13: https://storytimesecrets.blogspot.com...

[Laura]

This book made me want to buy copies and knit several pink armadillos to give to my friend's kids (and maybe keep one for myself to use in class...).
The book has a really lovely message, I felt so sorry for Milo trying so hard to get Tallulah (great name by the way!) to like him when there was nothing he could do to make himself a rabbit, and he had so many other good qualities. Thankfully it all works out in the end, and Tallulah realises how much she loves him, as an armadillo! This book would be excellent for PHSE, and the collage style of the illustrations could lead to some interesting art projects involving yarn and different textures.

[Anthony · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tallulah wants a pink fluffy rabbit for her birthday, but when one can't be found anywhere her grandmother decides to knit her one. When finished, the rabbit isn't a rabbit at all, it's an armadillo named Milo. Milo thinks he can't meet Tallulah's expectations, so he leaves, but in the end it's not always face value that makes a friendship.

[Chloe Turner · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story I enjoyed as it had a strong message of not appreciating something and then when it goes you want and appreciate it. Milo tried really hard to get Tallulah to like him as he wasn't what she wanted. There is focus on the characters so you could discuss how they might be feeling. I would use this in the classroom for PSHE.

[Kaethe · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the mixes media illustrations that incorporate textiles and lots of crochet. I also love the interaction between Tallulah and Milo, and her decision to nor make her grandmother feel bad about getting the fluffy gift wrong despite all that effort. And fond as Iamof bunnies, which are adorable, clearly Milo is way cooler.

Library copy, picked for the cover

[Megan Bamforth · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet book about appreciating what you have. It also teaches children about being yourself and that being 'different' is not bad. The messages that the book exudes are clear for children of a young age to understand. Perfect for PSHE lessons. The use of illustrations/collage is clever too.

[Ruby Khan · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good example to children of tolerance and acceptance of people who may be different to them. The protagonist eventually learns to accept the uniqueness of her pet toy. This can be applied to the classroom in celebrating differences between children.

[Katharine Stone · Rating 3 out of 5]

The illustrations in this book were very enjoyable, combining drawings with a patchwork/collage style. I thought the theme of not taking things/people for granted was good, however I thought the story could be a bit difficult for some children.

[Molly Cluff (Library!) · Rating 5 out of 5]

My husband loves Armadillos and this was a big hit with my family

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good lord that got dark in the middle. Free Milo!

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gotta love a fluffy armadillo!

[Christine Grant · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tallulah wants a pink fluffy bunny rabbit--but that is not what she gets. Can she accept and even learn to love Milo Armadillo?

[skcocnaH · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s so sad milo felt like he needed to change. I’m glad Talullah caught him in time.

[Peacegal · Rating 3 out of 5]

Aww! A sweet story about friendship, changing expectations, and the unusual results that can result from knitting.

Humane parents note: The main character visits a pet shop in a quest for a bunny.

[Caroline · Rating 4 out of 5]

Summary: This book is about a girl who asks for a pink, fluffy bunny like her friends have, but her grandma made her a pink fluffy armadillo named Milo. Milo was smart, creative, adventurous, and a great listener, but Tallulah wasn't pleased at first because she wanted the toy that everyone else had. Milo comes to accept that he cannot change himself into becoming a rabbit unless he goes back to Tallulah's grandma's house and asks her to unravel him and turn him into a rabbit. On his way to her grandma's house, Tallulah calls his name and hugs him and takes him back home with her. Tallulah realized that she already had the best toy she could have and didn't want Milo to be a bunny anymore. She learned to love Milo just the way she is.

Major Themes: The big take aways from this book is to love what you have and that its okay to be different then the rest. Tallulah wanted a pink, fluffy rabbit because everyone else had one, but once she realized how special Milo was, she didn't want to change anything about him.

Personal Connection: I loved this book because it reminded me of the blanket I had when I was younger. It was warn down and starting to loose its color, but I loved it so much because of how special it was to me and when my friends got new blankets or toys, I didn't want to get a new one because I liked that mine was unique. This dynamic is very similar to Tallulah and Milo's special relationship because Milo is Tallulah's special and personal toy that no one else has.

Why I recommend this book: I would recommend this book because it highlights the importance of individualism and personal identity. It shows that you don't have to be just like everyone else to be happy and accepted and that being different isn't always such a bad thing.

[Emily Pozzi · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was almost Tallulah's birthday, and all she wanted was a pink fluffy rabbit. It was not easy though, to find a pink fluffy rabbit in the stores, so her Grandma had an idea that she would knit her a pink fluffy rabbit for her birthday. As grandma was knitting, she ran out of pink, so she added in scraps of other colors. She also got a bit tangled in her work, and did not have time to pull it all out and start again, so she kept knitting. When she had finished, she had made a pink, fluffy, armadillo named Milo. Although Milo was athletic, fun, and good to go on adventures with, Tallulah could not stop thinking about pink fluffy rabbits, so Milo tried to change himself by visiting the Beauty Parlor, buying a disguise, and eventually decide to go to Grandma and ask her to unravel him. But, when Tallulah came home from school and found he was gone, all she wanted was to be reunited with him. She no longer cared that he was a rabbit, she just wanted her friend back. The themes of this book are that it is ok to be unique and have you should not be embarrassed by what makes you different from others. I believe that this is a five star book because it reminds me of when I worried about having what everyone else had growing up. I felt embarrassed when I did not have the coolest toy, and became very insecure. I would recommend this book because teaches children that it is ok to be different and unique. It teaches children to cherish the toys and things they have.

[Emily Morgan · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book Milo Armadillo by Jan Fearnley was a story about a girl who did not appreciate what she had right in front of her. Tallulah wanted a pink rabbit like everyone else, and although her pink armadillo was great at everything, she did not appreciate Milo like she should have. Finnally Milo did the only thing he thought he could, and tried to change himself to please her. Finally, Tallulah realized she only ever wanted a Milo, and from then on she realized he was the toy for her.

Theme: The story is about appreciating what is in front of you, instead of looking for all the flaws in people/things.

This story made me really happy that Milo wanted to please the little girl so badly. It made me sad when she kept comparing him for what he could not do instead of what he could do, which was to be the perfect toy for her. I enjoyed reading this book, and was glad she realized what was important to her.

Recommend: I recommend this book because it ends with a solid message that can be interpreted by children. I think it shows a strong message about acceptance, and how not everyone is perfect, but they care for you deeply and that is all that should matter.

[Tasha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tallulah wants a pink fluffy rabbit for her birthday. But it wasn’t easy to find a pink fluffy rabbit. They could find other pink stuffed animals, but not a rabbit. They could find rabbits, but not a pink one. Then her grandmother had a great idea! She would knit Tallulah one. She started with pink fluffy yarn, when she ran out she added other colors, and in the end she had created something very different from a pink fluffy rabbit. She had created Milo Armadillo. Tallulah was disappointed, but got to know Milo. When she got together with her friends, they all had pink fluffy rabbits along and Tallulah longed out loud for one too. Milo heard her and tried to be more bunny-like but it didn’t work, so he left. Will Tallulah realize the value of Milo before it’s too late and he’s gone forever?

Fearnley has created a book that is a delight to read. Her illustrations and text work seamlessly together, both working to tell the complete story. She tells a real story without being too wordy. The pacing is nicely done with just enough humor to keep it moving in a sprightly way. The pages where Grandma creates Milo are very funny and will have anyone who knits or has failed at knitting laughing aloud. Fearnley’s illustrations are a brilliant combination of mixed media featuring cut paper, paint and fabrics that really support the story and offer a vibrant and creative look.

A book about individuality, creativity and favorite toys, this is a book that will speak to a lot of children. Appropriate for ages 4-6.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mommas who knit will enjoy reading this story to their little ones. Tallulah really wants a pink fluffy rabbit but can't find one at the toy store or pet store. Her grandmother decides to knit a pink fluffy rabbit for her but the project goes just a bit awry and Tallulah ends up with a charming, hodgepodge armadillo named Milo instead. At first, Tallulah is disappointed with her armadillo but gradually comes to realize that she loves his unique and caring character. Just as Tallulah comes to value her friend, Milo decides to ask grandma to reknit him into the rabbit that Tallulah covets. Fortunately, Tallulah finds her charming friend before grandma has a chance to frog him and the two realize they are made for each other.

I love that Jan Fearnley incorporated knit materials and fabrics into the illustrations. It gives the book a charming feel and is the perfect look for Milo.

I'll readily admit that as a knitter, I bumped this charming picture book up a star. Recommended kids who love their own knit toys; at school, for kindergarten and grade 1 or for classes reading friendship books.

[Angie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Synopsis: "When no one can find a pink fluffy rabbit to buy for Tallulah on her birthday, Grandma gets creative with her knitting needles. But the surprise Tallulah lifts out of the box is not a rabbit, it’s a pink fluffy . . . thing, named Milo Armadillo. He’s athletic, musical, and great for sharing adventures, but Tallulah’s friends say he’s funny-looking. What can poor Milo do to make Tallulah happy? With humor, poignancy, and a nod to the out-of-the-ordinary, this sweet story shows that if you can’t be with the one you want, you can definitely love the armadillo you’re with.'

My Review: I thought this was a very cute story with a great message (and of course it doesn't hurt that it features my favorite animal). I really, really love the lesson taught in this story about loving unique gifts and showing appreciation for them even if they aren't what everyone else has or wants. The illustrations were brightly colored and definitely caught Munchkin's eye and even though this book is suppose to be for kids a little older than him he was very happy to sit and listen to the whole story.

[Miz Lizzie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Talllulah wants a pink fluffly rabbit for her birthday. When this proves difficult to obtain her Grandma decides to knit her one. Unfortunately the knitting takes on a life of its own, in the shape of a cute, pink, fluffly Milo Armadillo. Tallulah is disappointed so Milo Armadillo does everything he can to make himself into the pink fluffy rabbit of her dreams. That's when Tallulah realizes that Milo Armadillo is exactly what she wants. A cute picture book that is especially enjoyable for the illustrations that include swatches of knitting. The explosion of yarn as Grandma knits Milo Armadillo into being is priceless.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is really adorable, as Jan Fearnley's books tend to be.

Tallulah wants a fluffy pink rabbit like all her friends have. When one simply can't be found, Grandma decides to knit one, but she gets carried away and the end result is the adorable Milo Armadillo.

Tallulah and Milo have great fun together, but Tallulah can't shake the desire for a fluffy pink rabbit. That is, until Milo packs his bags and disappears.

This book has the "don't know what you've got till it's gone" message that's present in my all-time favorite children's book: Elizabeth.

For you crafty knitters out there, how cute would it be to pair this book as a gift along with a cuddly knitted armadillo?!!

[Jess Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

Aw, I really liked this book! Although all Tallulah desperately wanted a fluffy pink bunny for her birthday, no one could find one! So grandma sits down to knit her something special which turns out to be a pink, fluffy...armadillo? Despite her initial disdain, Tallulah plays with the armadillo, all the while reminding him that bunnies can be this fun, too. The armadillo tries desperately to become a pink bunny, but nothing works. He leaves, sadly, and that's when Tallulah realizes how much she loves and misses him. Luckily, they are reunited, never to be separated again. Adorable story about friendship, and the love between child and stuffed animal.

[Danica Midlil · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm not yet sure what to say about this one. I'm conflicted because I think I would have been disappointed to not get the rabbit TOO! The whole part of her friends all having the pink rabbits seems sort of tacked on. Apparently, we are supposed to be completely fine with her not getting what she asked her grandma to make just because there is peer pressure involved here? I don't know. I'm not convinced. I felt a little cheated when grandma can't be bothered to fix her knitting mistakes and then knits something completely different. :( Her mismatched peace sign and yin yang earrings lead me to believe that grandma is quite the flighty old bird.

[Gwen the Librarian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Had I seen this book in 2009, it would have made my favorites list. It's a sweet story with adorable illustrations about a girl who wishes for a pink stuffed rabbit, but her grandma knits her a pink stuffed armadillo instead. While slightly embarassed, Tallulah is a well-mannered child and strives to love her new friend. Milo Armadillo hears all the snide things that are said about him, though, and runs away from home, leaving Tallulah to understand how much she wants him after all. I'm a fan of all of Jan Fearnley's books and this one made me smile.

[Shelli · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tallulah's birthday is fast approaching and all she desires is a pink, fluffy, rabbit. Only there appears to be no pink, fluffy, rabbits anywhere to speak of. Will Tallulah be happy with any other gift? (Spoiler) What I loved about this story what how she grew to love her rabbit substitute over time. Being happy with what we have and appreciating the efforts of others are qualities everyone needs reminded of.

[Alice · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one hit me in a weird way, I don't know if I should rave, or if it is an okay. I love the knitting and yarn detail in the pictures. The story makes me a little sad. She wants a pink bunny but none are to be found so Grandma knits her once, but it turns out to be an armadillo. We all don't want to hurt our Grandmas feelings so we just say "Thanks I love it" A sweet story with nice pictures.