TOO SMALL TOLA AND THE THREE FINE GIRLS

In this follow-up to Too Small Tola (2021), a Nigerian girl perseveres—and thrives—despite setbacks.

Over three chapters, Tola, the youngest of a family consisting of sister Moji, brother Dapo, and Grandmommy, confronts various problems. “Tola Saves the Day” sees the protagonist trying to get her quarrelsome siblings to do their fair share of cleaning rice, their Saturday chore. In “Tola Takes Control,” Tola assumes more responsibility in the household after Grandmommy falls ill from malaria. Tola goes to buy medicine, and the family, led by Tola, sells groundnuts, just like Grandmommy does, so they can afford food. In the final chapter, “Tola and the Three Fine Girls,” Tola feels jealous when she sees rich children shopping for luxuries but learns that having money and expensive things doesn’t necessarily make one happy. From the family’s inability to afford clean rice to their decision to use Grandmommy’s savings to buy medicine (for 5,000 naira, about US$12), this poignant book conveys great warmth and familial love despite the characters’ tenuous circumstances. Tola is an endearing and utterly relatable protagonist. The tale uses colloquialisms and references that will make Nigerian readers feel at home. Cartoon images full of whimsy bring to life this close-knit family.

Mighty fine!