THE PANGOLIN REVELATION

A student imagines an animal that already exists.

In science class, Loran learns about animal adaptations, defined as “body parts and behaviors” that help animals survive. The teacher’s assignment: choose or invent an animal and give a presentation. Animal- and art-loving Loran gets right to work on this “dream assignment” and invents. First, he draws a rounded half circle that reminds him of an armadillo. Next, he draws overlapping scales like those on the Asian dragon fish. Then comes a long tongue, claws, a tail, and so much more. Loran even adds a baby version of the animal to his drawing, too, for the “final touch.” As Loran surveys his work he realizes his animal isn’t imaginary—it’s a pangolin! Schildwachter’s debut picture book effectively compares pangolins with other animals by framing the narrative with a classroom assignment. Klein’s earth-toned pencil art adds rich detail, at times too much to believe it’s Loran’s hand. Though the generously large type is mostly easy to read, oversized text blocks and justified text placement make the words and pictures feel misaligned. The appended “For Creative Minds” section includes additional information about pangolins, a prompt to design an animal, and a quiz. A slim bibliography appears on the copyright page. Shown mostly from behind, the children are diverse in skin tone; Loran has pale skin and straight, black hair. A Spanish edition, La revelación del pangolin, publishes simultaneously.

An adequate introduction to a worthy subject.