Pistes d'exploration

Prior to reading, brainstorm a list of famous places and structures located in Paris, France. Add to the list as you read the story. 

Discuss the techniques the author used to create a climate of mystery and excitement surrounding Arlo’s adventure. Find three illustrations which hint at the true identity of the Iron Lady. 

What is the difference between the literal and idiomatic meanings of the phrase “itchy feet”? Identify the sentence in the story that refers to Arlo’s desire to travel. Write a journal entry about a place you have visited and the activities you did there.

Use a map to follow Arlo‘s journey through Paris. With a partner, practise giving directions from one place to another. 

In the same style as Arlo, prepare short texts about some famous places or landmarks in your city Take photographs of these places. Add instructions on how to get there. 

Compare the city of Paris with your own city. What is similar? Different?

Toot & Puddle

Mots-clés

Picture book , armadillos , France , illustrations (pencil) , letters , Paris (France) , travel

Commentaire descriptif

Like his grandfather, Arlo the armadillo visits Paris, France, from his home in Brazil. This story conveys Arlo’s response to the great city, while his grandfather’s journal-letters offer interesting facts, as well as clues to the mysterious “Iron Lady,” who waits in the city for Arlo. Illustrations use gorgeous pencil effects and a sophisticated colour palette to convey the sights and scenes. In one spread, the architectural details of the massive Arc de Triomphe rise above a traffic-circle whirl of stylized cars. Another contrasts the intricate armour of the armadillo against an abstract background of floor-to-ceiling books in an old shop. Arlo strolls the Champs Élysées, eats macaroons, visits the Louvre and more. In each scene, Grandfather’s letters offer clues about the Iron Lady. Readers may guess her true identity before Arlo does: “The Iron Lady is so tall that sometimes she seems to dance in the clouds.” The pencil work aptly depicts the frets and tiers of the Eiffel Tower, as Arlo gazes in admiration: “VOILÀ!” Facts about the Eiffel Tower are summarized at the end and include thumbnails from related scenes from the story.