Armadilly Chili

Author Helen Ketteman and illustrator Will Terry's 2004 Southwest-set picture book update of the popular story of the Little Red Hen comes to life in this colorful adaptation, backed by an accordion on the soundtrack. Armadillo Miss Billie has a hankering for some of her famous chili, but she's forced to assemble all the ingredients by her lonesome when pals Tex (a tarantula), Mackie (a bluebird), and Taffy (a horned toad) rebuff her requests for help. When the gang shows up later that cold night for some warm vittles, the miffed Billie tells them “no workin' with Billie, no sharin' the chili.” But in a zesty twist on the original tale, the trio attempt to make amends here by rustling up fixings for the meal. An optimistic tale of fairness in friendship, the vibrant and colorfully illustrated Armadilly Chili also features an audio conversation with the author. Highly recommended. Aud: K, E, P. (J. Williams-Wood)