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Roly Poly is a pangolin, a small, endangered mammal covered with scales found mainly in Africa, China and Southeast Asia. Pangolins roll up in tight balls to sleep or protect themselves, which Roly Poly does quite a bit, but real pangolins are also supposed to be expert problem solvers. Roly Poly, however, has a thing or two to learn in this area. “Roly Poly, very small, / doesn’t like new things at all,” is the verse repeated throughout the book when Roly Poly encounters a new food, new place or new friend. He reacts by either clinging to his mama or rolling up in a ball. Finally Roly Poly encounters another timid, balled-up pangolin, and together they find strength in numbers. The sentiment is easy to empathize with, but Roly’s efforts to change are somewhat passive, and readers might wish for a more heroic act of courage on his part. Dewdney’s functional illustrations present themselves cheerfully enough, but the textured green-and-brown palette becomes monotonous. Roly, alas, is no Llama Llama. (note on pangolins) (Picture book. 2-5)
