Book Review: “Tell the Truth, Pangolin” by Melinda Beatty

Recommended reading age: 4 to 8 (though kids of all ages can enjoy reading this with their families)

What Makes This One of the Best Children’s Books

Rarely do I open a children’s book and immediately catch my breath at the intricate illustrations – but that was exactly my initial reaction to Melinda Beatty’s endearing book, “Tell the Truth, Pangolin.”

And once the richly colored pictures hooked the interest of my son and I, the amusing story kept us both wondering what to expect on every page.

Through lush artistry and a charming, straightforward narrative, this story firmly impresses one of the top lessons every family strives to hammer home with kids: always tell the truth, even when you don’t really want to.

Author Beatty and illustrator Paola Escobar take a novel approach to this lighthearted fable.

Set at a medieval castle populated with a zoo’s worth of animals (all of whom wear authentic apparel for the time period), the story stars an animal I admit I’d never heard of before: a pangolin. Beatty chose this scaly mammal from the anteater family for a reason, as it currently sits on the brink of extinction.

As it turns out, pangolins boast an admirable moral code.

The pangolin in this story finds himself in a predicament while playing with the queen’s swing, which he accidentally breaks. Plagued with worry about how the monarch will react to his mistake, he runs to animals throughout the castle for advice.

Each animal in turn proposes a different lie to weave for the queen. Their ideas range from goofy to grandiose, including jump-rope capers, flossing incidents and even alien invasions.

Pangolin feels conflicted about each suggestion, and this provides an honest portrayal of how difficult telling the truth can be. By showing Pangolin’s inner battle, the book reminds young readers that it’s OK to feel this way.

Beyond the humor of the animals’ suggestions, each of Pangolin’s appeals for guidance offers another page full of visual splendor.

Every animal works at a different part of the castle – the stables, the front gate, the extremely well-stocked kitchen – and the illustrations are rife with detail.

The book’s finale offers a double serving of good advice for kids (and adults). First, that telling the truth is always best… and second, that showing forgiveness will keep friendships strong.

This book will leave families with warm-hearted feelings, and that’s the truth.

How My Child Reacted to This Book

My son was energized by so many aspects of this book.

He found the animals’ suggested lies hilarious, especially the idea involving aliens. He also enjoyed poring over the illustrations and pointing out the numerous delightful details, like the daunting amount of rungs on the mouse queen’s ladder, and a kitchen cat gripping a spoon with her tail.

He proved his enthusiasm for the story after first finishing the book, when he immediately scampered off to regale another family member with every detail of the plot.

Potential Conversations to Pair with This Book

“Tell the Truth, Pangolin” offers a surprising variety of topics for families to discuss.

Obviously, families can use this as a chance to chat with kids about telling the truth, and can also discuss specific circumstances where telling the truth might be hard, but still important.

This can also serve as a fun opportunity to discuss the medieval era, as the story and illustrations feature so many aspects of this era. As my son and I progressed through the book, I found myself explaining about jousting and knights and court jesters, and why people once approached royals for requests and aid.

Finally, this book can lead to learning about a new animal, and the meaning of endangered species.

My son and I explored photos and information online about pangolins, which I was surprised to learn is the most trafficked animal in the world.

More Children’s Books Like This

‘Sofia Valdez, Future Prez’ – An Empowering Story of Kid Activism

‘The Big Beach Cleanup’ – A Girl Rallies to Protect the Environment

‘Bats in the Band’ – Introducing Kids to Musical Instruments with Furry Friends