Pangolina

Thoughtfully taps our natural capacity for empathy and kindness in caring for all creatures and our planet. 

Who can resist a book about an endangered animal by renowned conservationist Jane Goodall?

Primatologist Goodall (The Eagle & the Wren) protests the endangered species trade with the story of Pangolina, a wide-eyed, thoughtful pangolin, who describes her mother's care ("Every night she went out to get food, always returning so I could drink her rich, warm, delicious milk"), wild animal friends, and the tan-skinned human girl she encounters in the forest ("She seemed excited and her eyes were kind"). Then tragedy hits: Pangolina and her friends are captured and brought to a market by a man who "thinks we are just things that have no feelings." The next day "there were screams of pain, and there was blood, and the smell of fear was all around me," but Pangolina is saved by the girl she met earlier, whose empathy gives her the courage to do what's right for the pangolin and results in telling "more and more children about the animals of China." Illustrator Ma (Leaf, for adults) creates simple, engaging creatures with huge eyes that are full of feeling. Passages that describe Pangolina's capture are both sudden and graphic in a telling from the animal's point of view that leaves no doubt about the harm caused. Though extensive back matter at times elides cultural context, it includes information about this endangered species and steps to fight the trade. Ages 4-8. (June)

Copyright 2021 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

"Fascinating....Young listeners and readers will adore Pangolina....Pangolina herself seems practically cuddly due to the exquisite artwork from illustrator Daishu Ma.....Teachers, students and librarians will fall in love with Pangolina. Everyone will want to add this title to their collection. Highly Recommended." — School Library Connections

★★★★★ "Excellent / Starred. Would make a nice readaloud for a unit on animals as many people have not even heard of pangolins or their plight. Any child between the ages of six and ten might enjoy this book." — Youth Services Book Review

"A celebration of naturalists, authored by the one and only Jane Goodall! .... a heartwarming and gripping story of friendship and conservation.....Goodall includes detailed notes at the end of the book so children can learn all about the pangolin and how to protect it." - The Silvan Reverie

"Powerful, true, age-appropriate.... tells a sad, tragic story about what happens in certain parts of the world to wildlife... in a way that's age-appropriate, without watering down the content or making it unrealistic. The story could ... lead to questions about morality, animal care, or cultural differences." - Daddy Mojo

"Pangolina imparts a wealth of information about pangolins and their habitat...Thought provoking....the art is striking."- Youth Services Book Review

"Fantastic! And thank you Jane Goodall for continuing to do a lot of work on behalf of wild animals." - Pragmatic Mom