Joyce M Papera

Dilly the Armadillo Joyce M Papera

Dilly, the armadillo, was determined to be independent. He wanted to roam and explore flower and vegetable gardens; search for bugs to eat and nap when he wished. He did not want his family to tell him when and where to do things. One morning, he left his borrow while his mom, dad, and brothers were still asleep. He was off in search of breakfast and to explore his world.




Ahead was a beautiful garden with lots of plants that had snakes, worms, and bugs living within the roots. He began to dig and gorge on these yummy treasures. What a feast!




Suddenly, an angry woman approached, swinging a large object at his tail. He fled!




It was a surprise to Dilly that leaving the garden was not enough to bring him to safety. Instead, new dangers seemed to be lurking around every corner! He would have to be smart and rely on his special armadillo traits, like his hard, bony armor, in order to get home. He would have to walk and swim forever if it meant seeing his three brothers, his Mama, and his Papa again! Dilly knew that the journey would be long and hard, but he also knew that getting back to his family was the only thing that mattered.




He had escaped the woman, but then turned to face a huge green snake!




After attacking the snake, Dilly came to a large river that he must cross to get back home. On the other side of the river were friendly armadillos he could join for lunch. While feasting, the armadillos were confronted by a mean, growling coyote. Dilly's new friends left him to face the coyote alone!




Will Dilly ever make it home?