A female nine-banded armadillo avoids predators (bobcat, human, canine) and sets up her burrow in preparation for childbirth. The easy-reader text provides interesting information (e.g., "Nine-banded armadillos always produce four babies, or quadruplets. These four pups are always exactly alike") but it doesn't flow well. The illustrations have a fuzzy-edged digital appearance.

This Step 3 title in the Step into Reading series explores the little-known insect-eatingand-digging machine that is the armadillo. Following one female nine-banded armadillo through a year, readers will learn where this mammal lives, how she protects herself, what and how she eats and how her armor is an asset. Seen as a pest by some in the southern areas they inhabit, she is chased away from homes by people who dislike the holes she digs and her smell. In the spring, she gives birth to identical quadruplets. Short sentences with pronunciation help for new vocabulary, and illustrations that support the text make this a good choice for newly independent readers. Mirocha's illustrations are realistic and treat readers to several points of view, including an aerial perspective of the armadillo as she tries to escape from a dog. The artwork has a digital look, enhancing the not-of-this-world strangeness of the armadillo. A good nonfiction choice for animal lovers testing the reading waters. (Informational early reader. 5-8)