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Armadilly Chili

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A blue norther's a-blowing', and Miss Billie Armadilly is hankering to make a pot of chili! Only she needs to fix it all by herself because Tex the tarantula, Mackie the bluebird, and Taffy the horned toad are too busy to lend a hand.

32 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2004

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112 people want to read

About the author

Helen Ketteman

44 books77 followers
author and mother of two grown sons. Texas, where she lived for 9 years, is one of her favorite places and several of her books are set there. She, her husband, and their two cats currently live in Sanibel Island, Florida--where plenty of armadillos live, too.

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5 stars
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64 (23%)
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11 (4%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
Profile Image for Manybooks.
3,819 reviews100 followers
May 31, 2023
Helen Ketteman's Armadilly Chili is a fun Southwestern United States take on the Little Red Hen folktale thematic, although with more of a message promoting sharing, kindness, friendship and the need for all parties to apologise than the cautions against laziness and shirking one's responsibilities that are usually part and parcel to Little Red Hen type of stories (and while I guess not really all that necessary here, the folklorist in me still misses the inclusion of an author's note, detailing history and genesis of the Little Red Hen tradition and how the author came to consider her fun and entertainingly poetic rendition and adaptation of the same, her own Armadilly Chili).

A sweet message regarding the importance of not only friendship (and that sharing and the need to apologise and act contritely when necessary are important), but also that the company of friends always makes eating more communal and fun, and I for one also much relish and appreciate that while Miss Billie Armadilly obviously learns and realises this important lesson, her friends also have done so, also have understood their own roles played, for when they return, after having been at first turned away from sharing Miss Billie's chili, they return with apologies, and bearing conciliatory gifts of food and drink (so that in the end, the armadilly chili is but the main course of a fun and entertaining dinner party). And as to Will Terry's accompanying illustrations, they are bright and expressive (and I do love the colour schemes used, especially how the many hues of red and brown so totally bring out the ambience and atmosphere of the American Southwest, the arid desert landscapes of the latter). However, I for one, have definitely found at least some of the depicted characters a bit aesthetically creepy and strange (not really all that frightening, but still a trifle potentially uncanny, especially Tex and Taffy, a tarantula and a horned toad). Three stars!

And finally, I do feel it most necessary to point out I would absolutely NOT IN ANY WAY recommend the Kindle version of Armadilly Chili, for while the illustrations have survived the transfer to an e-book format relatively intact (although a few of them do appear a bit out of focus), the text is so freaking tiny as to basically be illegible, even when zooming in, even when wearing reading glasses (I actually ended up purchasing a traditional paper copy of the book, because there was no way that I could read, that I could even adequately decipher the text on my Kindle for IPad, and I really do not want others to have the same issues and to be forced to basically purchase two copies of Armadilly Chili).
Profile Image for Cheryl.
13k reviews483 followers
June 28, 2024
Wow. My personal favorite fable of all time is The Little Red Hen. I *so* empathize with everyone gathering 'round the kitchen as the food is coming out of the oven, but not before. At the same time, it's in my nature to see all perspectives, to try to respect others' points of view. And yet, I could never find a way to forgive the lazy animals, or the family members. Until now. After 4 decades, I finally found a fresh take on a story that really needed it.

Thank you Helen Ketteman!

Lively illustrations, critters that aren't pigs and chickens, perfectly rhythmic text, bright colors.... Oh this is a wonderful book. Read it for yourself though, as I don't want to spoil the creative ending that makes it so perfect for me.

Reread... holds up; still highly recommended!
Profile Image for Kathryn.
4,784 reviews
March 23, 2017
This was a fun take on "The Little Red Hen" with lots of Southwestern "flavor" -- I half expected a recipe for "Armadilly Chili" but then, given that beetles is one of the ingredients in the story, perhaps it's better that we have no recipe to replicate! ;-)

I actually didn't like the beginning of the story. I couldn't understand why the armadillo was so miffed at the other creatures for going off and playing instead of helping her with the chili. In "The Little Red Hen" it seems pretty clear that all the animals live together and that the food is communal, thus, they should share the work load. Here, it just seemed like the armadillo had a whim to make some chili and expected her friends to help her out at the drop of a hat, even if they had other plans. But, of course, I have felt a little grumpy-jealous when my friends get to go off and play when I'm stuck work-work-working, and the sweet ending with its message of friendship makes up for the rather prickly beginning.
Profile Image for Dolly.
Author 1 book671 followers
March 10, 2017
This is an interesting take on the story of The Little Red Hen. It has a southwestern flavor and the dialogue has a twang.

The illustrations are colorful and fun and the story puts us in the mood for a big ol' pot of chili.

Our youngest compared this story to Manana, Iguana, which I thought was pretty observant. We liked that one better, but all in all, we enjoyed reading this story together.

This story was selected as one of the books for the March 2017 - Humor reads at the Picture-Book Club in the Children's Books Group here at Goodreads.
Profile Image for SamZ.
821 reviews
April 18, 2017
A cute retelling of "The Little Red Hen" with a Southwestern flare! I also loved the way everyone came together at the end to share a pot-luck meal and some friendship.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Jenny.
3,374 reviews39 followers
March 27, 2017
This is such a fun and fresh take on The Little Red Hen, albeit one with a completely different lesson. The armadillo is grumpy because none of her friends will help her cook her chili. When her friends return, chilled and hungry and hoping for some chili, she doesn't feel like sharing when they didn't help make the chili. But eating the chili just isn't the same when you are eating it alone.

While the original is a cautionary tale against laziness and encourages industry, this tale encourages compassion, sharing, and kindness.

I really enjoyed the illustrations and the book.
Profile Image for Mary.
3,630 reviews10 followers
May 18, 2017
A Texas style relling of The Little Red Hen. In this version, Miss Billie, an armadillo, is gathering the fixings for her homemade chili. She does get annoyed with her friends for not helping, but they all reconcile at the end and share a delicious feast together. A fun read aloud with a positive message.
Profile Image for LauraW.
763 reviews20 followers
December 14, 2018
If I were still teaching, especially in the lower grades, I would certainly add this book to a unit on re-writing folk tales. This is basically The Little Red Hen, translocated to the SouthWest. It would be an interesting book to read along with The Little Red Hen and then have the students write their own take-off version: Marie the Moose's Mousse, Aspic for Astronauts, whatever. Very colorful illustrations.
Profile Image for Beverly.
5,958 reviews4 followers
March 3, 2017
This is a very cute take on "The Little Red Hen," Texas-style. Miss Billie Armadilly's friends are a tarantula, a bluebird and a horned toad. Now I have lived in Texas most of my life and have never laid eyes on a bluebird here yet. Maybe the bluebirds lived in whatever part of Texas Helen Ketteman used to live. In the story, Miss Billie regrets turning her friends away in a huff when they didn't help with preparing the chili; but at least, when they show up at her house later, they come with apologies and don't come empty-handed. I really liked the story and the very colorful artwork, with the bulging-eyed animals.
Profile Image for Maggi Rohde.
922 reviews16 followers
June 25, 2010
I'm a big fan of fractured fairy tales, and this one is done well. It's another retelling of The Little Red Hen, with a southwestern slant. Not as well written as Mañana Iguana, but I appreciated the tarantula, and the ending is a welcome modification to the original you-didn't-help-so-you-can't-have-any. Also, the illustrations are absolutely gorgeous. A welcome addition to contemporary fairytale retellings.
Profile Image for Mikayla Young.
Author 4 books9 followers
November 28, 2025
The characters in "Armadilly Chili" by Helen Ketteman are well-developed, each possessing distinct traits and quirks that contribute to their individuality.

The settings throughout the book are not only beautiful but also immersive, transporting readers to a vibrant world filled with colorful landscapes and lively environments. Each scene is meticulously crafted, allowing readers to visualize the surroundings as if they were stepping into the story themselves.

The writing style is approachable and easy to understand, making it accessible for a wide range of audiences, including children and adults alike. The prose flows smoothly, and the language is engaging, which works harmoniously with the illustrations. The synergy between the text and the artwork creates a seamless narrative experience, inviting readers to delve deeper into the story.

The plot itself is well-structured, providing a satisfying conclusion that ties up loose ends while leaving readers with a sense of closure. It follows a clear trajectory, making it easy to follow along with the events as they unfold. The pacing is well-balanced, allowing for moments of tension and excitement, as well as quieter, reflective scenes that deepen the emotional impact of the story.

The illustrations are a standout feature of the book, being both vivid and stunning. They not only enhance the text but also serve to bring the narrative to life in a way that captivates the reader's imagination. Each illustration is filled with detail and color, adding layers to the storytelling and inviting readers to explore the pages further. The visual elements work in tandem with the narrative, enriching the overall experience.

Embedded within the story are valuable lessons that resonate with readers of all ages. Themes of kindness, friendship, and the importance of sharing meals with loved ones are woven throughout the narrative, providing meaningful takeaways that encourage positive values. These lessons are presented in a way that feels organic to the story, allowing readers to absorb them naturally without feeling preachy.

However, it is worth noting that the book could have benefited from being slightly longer. An extended narrative would have allowed for a more thorough introduction to the characters, fostering a deeper connection between them and the reader. Additionally, more space for character development and plot intricacies could have enriched the story, providing a more nuanced exploration of the themes presented.

Overall, "Armadilly Chili" is a delightful quick read that appeals to those who enjoy stories centered around cooking, food, and animals, all beautifully illustrated. It is a charming tale that not only entertains but also imparts meaningful lessons, making it a worthwhile addition to any bookshelf.
Profile Image for Amanda.
695 reviews5 followers
June 13, 2017
Full disclosure: on my own I'd probably give this book 4 stars, but with my kids input (they LOVED it; so much so that we read it approximately 39 times in the three weeks we had it on loan from the library...) I had to bump it up another. Any book that so completely captures a child's imagination deserves another star, dangit, and this one seemed to capture the interest of all four of my kids (ages 4-11). The illustrations are so vivid and colorful that I was immediately drawn in (plus, Miss Billie's angry expressions are CLASSIC), and the story didn't disappoint. It was a great balance of re-telling and new perspective with plenty of style thrown in which made it an easy one to read aloud in funny voices. :D
Profile Image for Elizabeth Edwards.
5,548 reviews9 followers
March 22, 2020
(look at those book cover??! wow, just amazing!!) where has Helen's reads been all my life ... i got to read "The Three Little Gators", "There Once Was a Cowpoke Who Swallowed an Ant", "Senorita Gordita", "Armadilly Chili" & "Waynetta and the Cornstalk: A Texas Fairy Tale". these reads really are amazing, if you have never had a chance to read Helen's books please do so ... add them to your book shelf ... gift them to your kiddie friends. families. asap!! so fun. amazing illustrations. just so so fun!!
Profile Image for Lynn  Davidson.
8,201 reviews35 followers
November 12, 2018
This is a southwestern twist on the story "The Little Red Hen." Miss Billie Armadilly can't get help making her chili, so when those friends come by later expecting to eat it they get turned away. Everyone has a change of heart which makes for an especially lovely ending. Great illustrations in bold colours.
Profile Image for Tirzah.
1,088 reviews17 followers
May 31, 2023
It's great fun reading this in a Southern drawl. I read it to 2nd graders during a folktale unit and they enjoyed it. It is also a good book to use for compare/contrast as it is a twist on "The Little Red Hen."
959 reviews2 followers
March 10, 2017
A retelling of the "little red hen" story, with a southwest flair. I particularly like the redemption story that this version tells at the end. It shows that the other characters have learned the value of friendship and sharing after having been punished for their initial laziness.
Profile Image for Sandy.
2,331 reviews16 followers
May 18, 2021
A fun Southwestern twist on the classic Little Red Hen tale. Vibrant illustrations and a story my child enjoyed.
23 reviews
February 2, 2015
Armadilly Chili is very cute story about an armadillo named Ms. Billie who is making some special homemade chili to eat on a cold and windy night. As she goes out to pick her fresh ingredients, she spots her friends along the way, and she asks them if they would like to help her cook the chili. As all of her friends come up with excuses not to help her, Ms. Billie goes home and cooks the chili by herself. Once she is done, all her friends show up again asking for some of the chili. This time, Ms. Billie tells them no because they did not help her. Eventually Ms. Billie realizes that eating the chili is no fun without her friends and all her friends show up again each apologizing for not helping and then they all enjoy the chili with Ms. Bilie.
The first thing I started to notice was the how the characters were portrayed. The author had given unique qualities to each character in order to give the reader something to connect to. Each of the characters has a different activity that they were occupied with on the day that Ms. Billie was making her chili. The characters were seen as inconsiderate and somewhat rude because they all turned down helping Ms. Billie. Some of the characters rejected Ms. Billie with a rude reply as well. The facial expression seen on Ms. Billie’s face can also express the author’s intention of getting across specific feelings to the reader. Towards the end of the story, the views of the characters changed as they apologized and as Ms. Billie stopped being upset with her friends. The portrayal of the characters in the story plays an important role in making the story impacting to the readers.
Another interesting thing that I wanted to point out was the use of onomatopoeia in the story. When one of Ms. Billie’s friends turned down her offer to help her make the chilli, the illustration would show a very upset or angry emotion on Ms. Billie’s face followed with a phrase like “ ‘then I’ll fill my box with beetles myself’ Harrumphed Ms. Billie”. This word and others such as snorted, chippity chop chopping, and plunked really bring the story to life allowing the readers to interact with the true emotions of Ms. Billie. The onomatopoeia’s also allow the reader to experience the story vicariously through the characters.
The whole story really tells a lot to the reader and especially if the reader is a young child. There is a very important moral to the story that teaches children a great life lesson. Ms. Billie was making chili by herself until she ran into her friends who she thought might want to help her make it. When they all told her they can’t, she went home to make the chili alone. She was not expecting to share it since she was the only one who put effort into the process. When her friends came back around to ask for some chili that they did not help make, Ms. Billie got upset. She was upset that her friends did not care about the effort that went into making the chili, rather they only cared about eating the chili. When Ms. Billie said no to all of her friends, it shows that you only get rewarded for the effort you put in, and if you put no effort in, then you do not get rewarded. The lesson goes on to explain that forgiveness is essential to keep friendships. Ms. Billie’s friends apologized and they all ate the chili together.
Profile Image for Amy.
1,132 reviews
September 27, 2011
My niece and I are both familiar with The Little Red Hen, and Armadilly Chili certainly has echoes of that story. While I usually find the kids' reactions to the stories we read to be interesting and educational, I am really surprised by *my* reaction to Armadilly Chili!

At first, I was *not* down with this book. I didn't like the main character, I didn't like her attitude toward her friends when they were unable to drop whatever they had going in order to help her, and I didn't understand why she was being so demanding of her friends in the first place. Helen Ketteman turned this story right around and made it so simply profound, and so heartwarming and wonderful! She really took this story and made the adult reflect on what's important in life, while delivering a deep and important message to kids. Her fusion of the lesson we're taught in The Little Red Hen with the lesson we're taught in this book is just masterful, and really, I think it is a much more accurate reflection of what most of us find to be true of our gatherings with friends and family in real life.

I commented to my niece that I really liked the message in this story (we discussed what that message was), and she said, "Yeah. And things worked out better for the friends in this story than for the friends in Gator Gumbo." Those who have read Gator Gumbo will recognize the truth in that statement. :-)
Profile Image for Mundie Moms & Mundie Kids.
1,956 reviews208 followers
April 3, 2015
Little Red Hen, meet Miss Billie Armadillo. The Texan Armadillo who can make a mean pot of chili. Full of southern charm, given a slight southern twang for it's dialogue, and it's brightly colored illustrations, give this book the perfect southern twist on a beloved fable.

Much like the Little Red Hen, Miss Billie invites her friends to help her make her delicious pot of chili. Just like Little Red Hen's friends, Miss Billie's friends all of other things going on, and are too busy to help. When the cold winds start blowing, and Miss Billie's chili is done cooking, her friends come for dinner. Having no help in cooking it, Miss Billie reminds her friends that if they don't help her cook the meal, they don't get to eat her chili. Luckily Miss Billie's friends realize their mistake, as does Miss Billie. They realize that dinner is best served with friends.

I'm huge a fan of fractured fairy tales, and this one was great!
Profile Image for Jennifer.
21 reviews1 follower
February 24, 2015
Miss Billie the Armadillo is wanting to make chili because it's getting rather cold in the desert. The story is definitely a fable as it is meant to instruct to readers. Without working for your own share, or offering to help those in need...nothing is given in return.

Miss Billie sits down to a pot of chili but realizes that something is missing in her famous chili...friends! This is a very cute book with vibrant colors popping right off the page! It also adds value to the setting of the book as it is set in the desert with many south western colors & pictures.

This would be a great book when introducing class rules, or teaching about working hard for something you want! I would recommend this book!
50 reviews
July 19, 2015
Ketteman, Helen, and Will Terry. Armadilly Chili. Morton Grove, Ill.: Albert Whitman, 2004. Print. Picture book. Age 3-8. Armadilly Chili is about an armadillo who is trying to make chili with the help of her friends, however no one will help her. Armadilly Chili is a very fun read. The story has to be read out loud with a southern accent to really get the full effect. The illustrations in this book are very vibrant and work well with the text to really convey the story. This story teaches a wonderful lesson on sharing and helping others. The armadillo asks all her friends for help, but no one helps her. Despite the fact that she got no help, she invited her friends to enjoy her chili with her. For children struggling to share with friends, this could be a very useful book.
Profile Image for Linda.
1,283 reviews5 followers
November 7, 2011
You will want to "skit-skat-skitter" through this retelling of the Little Red Hen! The colorful illustrations add to the story of Miss Billie Armadilly as she makes her famous armadilly chili on a cold, blustery night. Her good friends tarantula, bluebird, and the horned toad refuse to help her gather the ingredients but show up to eat. After telling them "no workin' with Billie, no sharin' the chili" she realizes that something is missing from the recipe....sharing with friends. Perfect for Reader's Theater or a puppet performance you can also look for other versions of the classic tale to compare.
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