You’ve Got This, Little Pangolin

by Tọlá Okogwu, illustrated by Shirley Hottier

Interest age: 3 to 7

Published by Simon & Schuster Children’s Books, 2026

  • Picture books

About this book

Kúyè is a curious little pangolin who is sure he’s ready to be all grown up like his mama. He’s ready to learn how to climb, dig and hang, but what Kúyè is most determined to master is the ‘the ball’ – the special way pangolins curl up to protect themselves. But his eagerness to “go go go” without listening to Mama keeps getting him into trouble. When the ball doesn’t go so well, Mama suggests waiting a while, but a frustrated Kúyè doesn’t listen to her advice. He wanders off to keep practising by himself. But when the tiny pangolin comes face to face with a hungry snake, he quickly realises why listening to Mama is so important. 

This sweet, reassuring tale explores a theme that parents and teachers will be all too familiar with – a youngster’s eagerness to do things their own way. Here in the story, we see Kúyè rushing to do everything independently without listening and learning from his Mama. Eventually, the little creature realises that rushing isn’t always the best option and that with his mother’s guidance, some lessons are worth waiting for. The important message is told comically while also offering reassurance. With a beautiful colour palette of warm purples and vibrant oranges, the funny scenes are depicted brilliantly and are full of life and expression.  

About the author

Tọlá Okogwu is a British-Nigerian author, journalist and hair care educator. Born in Lagos, Nigeria, but raised in London, England, she holds a bachelor of arts degree in journalism. Having spent several years exploring the world of blogging, hair care and freelance writing, she finally returned to her first love: fiction. Onyeka and the Academy of the Sun was her first middle-grade book. Tọlá now lives in Kent with her husband and two daughters. An avid reader and lover of music, she's also a sucker for melted cheese.

About the illustrator

Shirley is a mixed-heritage French illustrator based in Edinburgh. A former architect/urban designer, she won the FAB Prize in 2021 and is now devoted to her illustration career, ranging from children's books to editorial and site-specific artwork. After illustrating her first picture book in the US for Little Bee Books in 2024, she was commissioned for The Poetry World of John Agard and You've Got This, Little Pangolin. Shirley lives with her young family and enjoys crisp cold walks in the Scottish countryside followed by a hot chocolate by the fire.

About the illustrator

Illustrator

Shirley is a mixed-heritage French illustrator based in Edinburgh. A former architect/urban designer, she won the FAB Prize in 2021 and is now devoted to her illustration career, ranging from children's books to editorial and site-specific artwork. After illustrating her first picture book in the US for Little Bee Books in 2024, she was commissioned for The Poetry World of John Agard and You've Got This, Little Pangolin. Shirley lives with her young family and enjoys crisp cold walks in the Scottish countryside followed by a hot chocolate by the fire.

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