Product Description

When an armadillo named Sasparillo wants to know where on earth he is, he leaves his home in San Antonio and travels north through the canyons and prairies of Texas. In Amarillo he meets an eagle and, with her help, finds the answer to his question—as well as lots of adventures.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #423717 in Books
• Published on: 1999-03-31
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 40 pages

Features

• ISBN13: 9780152019556
• Condition: NEW
• Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.
• Click here to view our Condition Guide and Shipping Prices

From Publishers Weekly
This armadillo's-eye exploration of Texan terrain (and beyond, into outer space) is noteworthy for the art, which, said PW, "does full justice to the country through which [the hero] roams." Ages 5-9. (May.
- roams." Ages 5-9. (May)
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal
Kindergarten-Grade 3-Spectacular watercolor and oil-pastel renditions of Texas scenes combine with the rhymed-verse explorations of a curious armadillo to form an excellent map-skills book for beginners. Sasparillo Armadillo decides to explore his native state, and travels from San Antonio to Amarillo. He's still not sure where in the world he is, so he catches a ride on the back of a golden eagle and eventually boards the space shuttle for an even larger perspective. Cherry's love for the environment, shown in The Great Kapok Tree (1990) and A River Ran Wild (1992, both Harcourt), is evident in this book as well. Fields of bluebonnets and Indian paintbrushes sprawl across borderless, two-page spreads, giving credence to the grandeur of the countryside. Indigenous plants, animals (some endangered), and unique geographical formations are introduced via inset postcards that Sasparillo sends to his cousin Brillo in Philadelphia. An author's note is packed with more cultural, historical, and scientific information, disclaiming some of the fantasy elements but assuring readers that "the geographical information in the text is accurate." An ecological jewel that sparkles with multifaceted spin-off possibilities.
Claudia Cooper, Ft. Stockton Independent School District, TX
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist
Ages 5-8. Sasparillo the armadillo wonders where he is and how he fits into the scheme of things. He hikes from San Antonio to Austin, from Abilene to Lubbock, in woodlands, through canyons, and across prairies, to Amarillo. There he talks a passing eagle into carrying him upward for a better view. They fly up until the atmosphere thins, then hitch a ride on the space shuttle and view earth from space. Returning home, Sasparillo rejoices that at last he knows where he really is. Teachers exploring the "where am I" concept will appreciate the increasingly distant views of city, area, state, continent, planet, and solar system. Dedicating the book to Dr. Seuss, Cherry flatters him with an imitation of his evidently inimitable verse. The text is too long, the order of words is sometimes contorted to meet the needs of the rhyme scheme, and internal rhymes are occasionally thrown in, possibly in hopes that more is more. On the other hand, the illustrations are appealing and effective: detailed ink drawings brightened with watercolor washes that celebrate the cityscapes and landscapes of Texas and, eventually, the earth itself. A must-have for Texas libraries and an attractive addition to other collections. Carolyn Phelan

Customer Reviews

A must for everyone who loves childrens books
I checked out this book from our local library because of the colorful illustrations, but as soon as I got it home I knew I had discovered a treasure. My children loved the rolling, tumbling word play and I loved the fact that they were learning as I was reading. Ms Cherry does a wonderful job of drawing you into the story and her illustrations are delightful. I have added this book to our home library and look forward to seeing new stories from this wonderful authoress. I highly recommed it to any one with children or a love for Texas. A must to own.

Great book!!
My daughter loves armadillos, so when I saw this book at the library, I had to bring it home. It is great. It took her interest in armadillos and combined it with geography. The author did a great job of intertwining the fact that there are 50 states and linking that with the continents and our place on earth and the planets in the solar system. For us, this is definately worth purchasing!!

Emma says....
it's a very good book but it needs more details about other places. I really liked the postcards because they looked so real. If I was going to places, I would write postcards to my friends.

Signed, E.J.W.