Name: But Not the Armadillo
Availability: InStock
Author: Sandra Boynton

About This Book

“Boynton is the absolute master of board books.”—The New York Times Book Review For more than forty years, readers have wondered what happens to the armadillo on the last page of Sandra Boynton’s But Not the Hippopotamus. At last, comes the long-awaited sequel! The armadillo follows the less-traveled road: he picks cranberries, stops and smells the flowers, naps in the meadow, and at day’s end passes an overeager hippo sprinting in the other direction. Told with Boynton’s signature charm and unp

Our Review

This charming sequel finally gives the quiet armadillo his own adventure, exploring the joy of moving at one's own pace through simple, rhythmic text and expressive animal illustrations. Young readers who wondered about the solitary creature from the original story will delight in seeing him pick cranberries, smell flowers, and nap peacefully in a meadow. The book's gentle narrative celebrates independence and mindfulness, offering a counterpoint to more boisterous animal tales with its calm, deliberate storytelling. Boynton's signature board book style makes this journey of self-discovery accessible and engaging for the earliest readers.

What makes this story distinctive is its focus on quiet contentment rather than group activities, validating children who prefer solitary play or a slower tempo. The armadillo's peaceful day provides a wonderful model of self-assuredness, while the cameo from the hurried hippo adds a touch of gentle humor that series fans will appreciate. This is an ideal choice for sensitive or introverted children, or any young reader needing reassurance that it's okay to march to the beat of your own drum. The satisfying circular narrative brings the story full circle in a way that feels both complete and wonderfully thoughtful.