Operation Pangolin

Miigweetch NetGalley and Lerner Publishing Group for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

This is a fantastic non-fiction book about pangolins, the world’s only scaled mammal. Unfortunately, their unique characteristics also make pangolins one of the world’s most trafficked animals. The book opens with a story about poaching, and it made me tear up. I try to find hope in the book’s story of Thai Van Nguyen, a Vietnamese man who has made it his life’s mission to rescue and save as many of these creatures as possible.

Suzi Eszterhas photography is lush and a delight to engage with; I found myself “ooohhing” and “awwwing” over more than one page. I recommend this book for general school library use, as well as any classroom that has a biological science unit, especially dealing with environmental protection and conservation of wildlife. This book is suitable for readers of all ages and any animal lover would enjoy it (would make a great coffee table book!)

Wildlife photographer and author Suzi Eszterhas introduces readers to the efforts of rescuers and researchers like Thai Nguyen who are working to save pangolins, the world's only scaled mammal. Lots of photos detail the work being done to save pangolins, educate the public, and care for these endangered animals. The book provides a fine introduction to how scientists work and specifically to the habits and needs of pangolins. Short chapters deal with topics like where pangolins are found, why they need care and rescue, and how this is being done. A good choice for classes studying animals and/or the work of scientists.