Armor and Animals

This engaging book explores the connections between protective armor and animals, making art accessible and fun for young readers in Armor and Animals.

What do knights in shining armor have to do with slimy snails and porcupines? A lot, actually. Armor and Animals brings together two things kids love to provide an entryway into the world of art. The armor collection at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, beloved by its young visitors, provides the remarkable helmets, shields, and more in the book, which experienced museum educator Liz Yohlin Baill compares to the shells, scales, and spikes that protect animals.

Lively text paired with bright, modern graphics and real-life armor informs kids about art and animals in tandem. A rhino crashes into a knight, teaching kids that a group of rhinos is called a crash—so stay out of the way! Dragons may be imaginary, but a fire-breathing dragon etched on armor can still make a horse look extra tough. Kids can consider the helmets, goggles, and other armor they use that help make their activities safer, and connect art to their world as they learn.

Armor and Animals not only entertains but also educates young readers about the fascinating connections between art and nature. Through engaging illustrations and relatable comparisons, children are encouraged to explore their surroundings and recognize the protective features in both the animal kingdom and their own lives. This book is a delightful blend of creativity and knowledge, inspiring a new generation of art enthusiasts and animal lovers alike.