An Armadillo in Paris

Kraulis's (Whimsy's Heavy Things) drafting talent makes Arlo, the armadillo hero of this travelogue, an endearing fellow. His floppy ears and inquisitive snout contrast charmingly with the classic lines of the monuments of Paris, which she renders with care and skill. Arlo's grandfather Augustin has left him a journal about the things he should see in Paris, all leading, scavenger hunt%E2%80%93style, to someone called the "Iron Lady," whom he is anxious for Arlo to meet. In recommending that Arlo visit one of the bridges over the Seine, Augustin writes, "They are a great place for people-watching, one of the Iron Lady's favorite things to do." Older readers may perceive early on that the Iron Lady is the Eiffel Tower. The famous tower's form is picked out in red and blue macarons in a sweet-shop display and on a dress in a shop window, among other hints (an afterword supplies more information). On the other hand, younger readers puzzled by the repeated references may be too distracted by the suspense to savor Arlo's adventures and Paris's attractions for their own sake. Ages 5%E2%80%939. (Oct.)