What baby pangolin wants to stay indoors being safe all the time? Not this one! Pangopup is convinced he is old enough to leave his burrow and explore the great big world outside. When his mother disagrees, the naughty pup waits for her to fall asleep and sneaks away. Outside, he meets a mischievous dik dik who is eager to show him some fun. However, dik dik’s idea of fun isn’t necessarily pangolin proof and Pangopup finds himself in more and more danger as their explorations of the African landscape take them further from his burrow.
“There was a little PANGOLIN whose name was Pangopup. He rode upon his mother’s tail and dreamt of growing up. He practiced all his pango ways to keep him safe and sound, yet mother wouldn't let them leave, their burrow in the ground. ”
Adventures of a Pangopup by Terri Tatchell has the cutest illustrations and excellent information about the endangered little creatures. A charming story about a baby Pangolin that wants to venture out by it self and meets a Dik Dik deer and realizes that there is danger like Pangolin mom said. The book gives the reader information about the Dik Dik deer and the Pangolins. Even how to draw them! Proceeds go to the endangered animal fund!
The illustrations were beautiful. Pangopup's adventures as it slipped away from home just to have some fun and the dangerous 'creature' it met, had hidden messages. The book would great for children to learn about the endangered creatures.
After I chanced upon the third book of the “Endangered and Misunderstood Animals” series—a book named Okapi Loves His Zebra Pants, I was so impressed that I immediately searched for the other two books. Luckily, both of them are on KU and this made my pocket happier.
This is the second book of the series. And it is just as cute as the third one.
Pangopup, a little pangolin, is fed up of being at home. His mother doesn’t allow him outside as there are many dangers and he is very small. One day, tired of his boring house, he sneaks out of the house while his mother his asleep. He discovers a beautiful world full of a variety of creatures. He has a fun time playing with them and even makes a new friend, a dik-dik deer, who introduces him to more adventures. Pangopup is quite confident now that his mother was wrong and that he can take care of himself. Just then, he runs into the most dangerous mammal of all – a human being. Can dik-dik help little Pangopup escape this terrible danger?
The story is quite heartfelt and shows more or less precise emotions from both the parent’s and the child’s perspectives. Pangopup’s need for adventure is the natural curiosity of any child. At the same time, his mother’s protectiveness and need to shelter her child from unseen dangers is justified. What the story could have dwelt a little more on is the need for open communication. (Or maybe, this is the takeaway that parents can discuss with their kids while reading this book to them.) There is always a reason behind why parents say something, but they don’t share this reason with their children often. Having open communication always helps in reducing frustrations from both sides.
The content is written in rhythmic prose that works wonderfully without feeling forced. There are at least two quatrains of verse on every single page, so though this is a typical 32 page picture book, it feels like it has much more content.
The illustrations are outstanding. Children will surely find the book a visual treat. Plus, they get to meet a whole load of fascinating African animals. There are some fun facts about pangolins and dik-dik deer at the end and also some tips on how you can help endangered animals.
This is perfect for read-alouds at home and school. Heartily recommended.
4.5 stars.
If you are looking for one more compelling reason to buy this gem, note that all proceeds from the sale of this book will go into the conservation of pangolin and other endangered creatures that are mentioned in this series.
Courtesy the author, there are free activity sheets, animal facts and resources for parents and teachers on www.endangeredandmisunderstood.com. Check it out.
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This is my second of the ‘Endangered Animals’ series of books. Not quite up there with the “Tarsier Sings His Song”, but still a wonderful book. Despite what his mother says, the tiny Pangopup is sure that he is old enough and wise enough to go outside his burrow alone. He sneaks out while his mother is asleep. Luckily, the first animal he meets is a friendly Dik Dik deer, who shows him a great time. The Pangopup says that his mother must have been wrong – the outside world is a fun and safe place. But Dik Dik says, it has only been safe because he has been looking out for the Pangopup, and danger could be around any corner. Of course, danger does appear – one that threatens them both. Can they escape in time? Can Pangopup get back to his mother? At the end of the book are some facts pangolins, and even some tips on how to draw one. All proceeds from sales of this book go to helping endangered pangolins. A great book, with a great message about safety, and listening to your elders.
As a mom, I'm consistently on the look-out for new and upcoming books and series to read-aloud to my kids or to have them read independently. I'm happy to have stumbled upon the Endangered Misunderstood series by Terri Tatchell via Reedsy Discovery!
This book comes to life, in part, because of the beautiful and delightful illustrations by Ivan Sulima. The illustrations make the words of Terri Tatchell shine, carry the story-line forward, and keep children engaged.
My 9-year-old daughter and I were introduced to pangolins for the first time via this book! The fictionalized tale goes into detail about how the young sometimes think they've outgrown their parent's rules and that their parents are over-protective. However, in the end, the story is brought back around to show that parents are usually right in their assessments and brings home the point that "there's no place like home" snuggled up with one's mum.
When the pangolin, Pangopup, first sneaks away he waits for his mom to fall asleep and start snoring. My daughter laughed out loud because I've been known to snore from time-to-time myself. From snoring to the "noxious smell" that sometimes escapes the pangolin's behind there's plenty to smile about! All words written and shared are done so in a fashion I'm able to label as "Mother Approved." Nature is described honestly but in a refined manner that's enough to elicit laughter from the kids among us. Kudos to the author; well done!
The one critique I have is in relation to the wording of this book having been broken into stanzas. The rhymes are, for the most part, presented within 4-lines that are meant to be complete thoughts within themselves; however, on page 15 the words and thoughts of Pangopup's friend, Dik Dik Deer, break the pattern. One line leads to the next with a thought that ends up being separated between stanzas. This breaks-up an otherwise flawless flow and becomes a distraction.
High praise for the ending of this children's book that goes from fictionalized tale to factual truths! The last pages of this book include "how to draw" sections of the main protagonists, fun facts; and, an action plan of how we may all do our part to save the pangolins from extinction.
I highly recommend this book for parents to read aloud to their children and/or for elementary aged children to read independently. It's a good read!
*I received an advance review copy, via Reedsy Discovery, in exchange for my honest review.
Adventures of a Pangopup is a picture book by Terri Tatchell, and illustrated by Ivan Sulima. The book begins with a mother trying to be cautious and teaching her son, Pangopup, about how to be safe in the world. However, he sneaks out while she’s asleep. He meets a few new friends and then gets into a bit of trouble. It’s a book told through rhyme.
I like the added bits and pieces of information in the story, that give little facts about the life habits of pangolins. The basic storyline and premise of the book is okay, though a little generic, if I’m blunt. It’s about a parent wanting their kid to learn about safety, and wanting their kid to be cautious, but the kid going against their parent(s)’s wishes, then getting into trouble. I think the rhymes sometimes felt a little forced, honestly. There are places where it feels like the sentences are a bit muddled, but have been deliberately put like that in order for it to rhyme. And it’s kind of a story about peer pressure; though Dik Dik is a friend at first, he convinces Pangopup to go with him and get into trouble. So I didn’t particularly like Dik Dik; he knew there were risks, but deliberately put Pangopup into a dangerous situation. Otherwise, I thought it was a pretty reasonable book.
So far I’ve read two of the others books in the series, and the illustrator has put an incredible amount of work into them, and this one as well. The artist does incredible double page spreads, with some pretty gorgeous scenery. They’re really good at presenting the characters, with many good action scenes, and all sorts of emotions. They’ve done a bunch of great work in this book. I loved seeing Pangopup meeting all the other creatures, and getting to explore the area.
Overall, I thought the book was pretty okay. The story itself had a reasonable theme, and I feel like it might teach one or two kids to be cautious. The primary thing I enjoy about it is the illustration work; there’s some absolutely stunning pieces of art in the book. The illustrator is incredibly talented.
Sometimes the best children’s books are the ones that introduce young readers to animals they might never have heard of before. Terri Tatchell’s Adventures of a Pangopup, illustrated by Ivan Sulima, does exactly that by bringing the little-known pangolin to center stage in a way that is both fun and educational.
The story follows a curious pangopup — a young pangolin — as it explores the world beyond its den. Through its journey, children learn what makes pangolins such unique creatures: their protective scales, their shy nature, and their important role in the environment. The book does a wonderful job of blending storytelling with facts, giving young readers both a character to cheer for and knowledge to take away.
Ivan Sulima’s illustrations are lively and full of character. He captures the pangopup’s wide-eyed curiosity, the texture of its scales, and the vibrant surroundings it explores. Each spread feels like an adventure in itself, drawing children into a world that is rarely seen in picture books.
What makes Adventures of a Pangopup stand out is the way it sparks curiosity about wildlife conservation. While the story is accessible and playful, it also gently hints at the importance of protecting rare species like pangolins. It’s a book that entertains while planting the seeds of awareness — a combination that can make a lasting impact on young readers.
For families and teachers looking to expand children’s knowledge of the natural world beyond the familiar lions and elephants, this book is a treasure. It’s an engaging, eye-opening adventure that shines a light on one of the most extraordinary animals on Earth.
The Adventures of a Pangopup by Terri Tatchell is about a very very cute and an endearing character called Pangopup, a Pangolin. We not only get to read about the baby Pangopup and his adventures but also, the pictures in the book won my heart.
Pangopup is a baby Pangolin, who one day, decided to take a tour around just to prove his mum that he is all grown up and can do short visits outside his burrow all alone. What follows after is a beautiful tale of friendship, unity and having one's back in times of need. I simple loved the book and couldn't really stop thinking about these little creatures.
The deep message given out by the author touches my heart in various ways. We as humans are responsible for saving the lives of these endangered species and if we do our part, they will be safe.
I highly recommend this book to everyone out there, irrespective of the age group.
A charming picture book written in rhyme that teaches readers to heed their mother's advice, while also educating them about endangered animals.
The book is part of a series about endangered animals. In this one readers learn about the pangalong an the dik- dik deer. When Pangopup decides to sneak away from his mom, he meets the deer who persuades him to go on an adventure. Will the two new friends survive?
The soft colors and exquisite rhymes teach without being preachy. Preschoolers and primary grade readers will delight in reading the book over and over. Lots of bonuses include drawing activities and information about these two unique animals.
Highly recommended for both home and school libraries.
I love a good educational kids' book and Adventures of a Pangopup takes you to the world of endangered animals!
A baby pangolin befriends a dik dik deer and they end up in some trouble. The adventure excellently ties in facts about the pangolin and dik dik so that young readers can walk away from story-time with knowledge. This would be a great classroom lesson resource, too, because at the back of the book, there are additional facts about the animals, why they're endangered, and a step-by-step guide to draw both a pangolin and a dik dik.
Overall, this is a well-illustrated, well-written, and just a fun book to add to a kids' library!
This is the second book in the 'Endangered Animals' series I have read, featuring a young pangolin named Pangopup who believes he is ready to explore the outside world. He sneaks out of his burrow and meets a friendly Dik Dik deer, who initially shows him a fun time but warns him about potential dangers. When a threat arises, they must work together to escape. The book also includes facts about pangolins and drawing tips, with all proceeds supporting endangered pangolins. It conveys important messages about safety and listening to elders. As a future elementary school teacher and a mother, I recommend this book.
I read this with my 5 and 8 year old children. They were drawn to the beautiful and very well done illustrations. They were engaged with the story and very concerned about the pangopup. My youngest learned what “endangered” means.
From a parent’s viewpoint, this was a cute story with a good moral. Additionally, the story is important to help children understand more about endangered species. The illustrations were great. The book was easy to read, with perfect rhyme and meter.
Love this children’s book and series and how it introduces kids to endangered animals in a fun, approachable way! Wonderful story and illustrations!! Highly recommend! Also love the fact spread at the back of the book.
Love this series! I bought this book on a kindle because I wanted it quickly for the kids. Even in black and white the illustrations were charming and the lyrical story has such good messages. I’ll buy the print version now to have on the shelf.
i think it is interesting that i had not heard of a pangopup before, maybe 2 yrs ago and then suddenly we learned about them on the news, because of folks wanting their scales, so sad ... very interesting read.
Terri has done it again! I say I bought this book to read to my cousins but I love it just as much as them. These books have a voice that captivates the kids (and me) so well that we are itching for the next! Illustrations are amazing. Great book!
I got this book for my grandkids. It stood out to me because I’d never seen a kid’s book about pangolins before. It’s a great story and we loved the illustrations. It’s great to spread awareness of endangered animals.
The pangopup is like my own children were: why can't I go; why can't I stay there; why can't I do that!!!?? The world can be dangerous if you aren't prepared, as the little pangopup learns.
A pangolin goes out of his home when he is not supposed to, to see what he is missing. He has an adventure with a little deer, some of which is very scary.
Such a good way to teach children about a lesser known by kids animal and the dangers they face. Also has a good guide in the back for educational purposes!
In this edition of the Endangered Animals series, a young pangolin disobeys his mother and leaves the den. He sees many sights and has many fun adventures. Some are great and some are scary! Then he sees the scariest sight of all.
This informative picture book comes to life with the brilliant illustrations.
In the back of the book, are facts both about the pangolin and the dik-dik. There are also ways listed to help the pangolin as well as directions to help your little one draw a pangolin!
At first it seems like a long book for my 3 year old son but the book was an easy read with a good flow that it didn’t seem that way at all. The illustration is beautiful and my son loved it too. Such a great book for little ones to learn about endangered animals and animals that are not common to bear about. The facts at the end of the book is such a great bonus too.
Adventures of a Pangopup – Terri Tatchell -- Looking for a book with a cause? This series of picture books donates profits to animal conservation! Pangolins are the cutest things! Nice story and illustrations! Happy Reading!