Book Description
for Too Small Tola and the Three Fine Girls by Atinuke and Onyinye Iwu
From Cooperative Children's Book Center (CCBC)
Tola lives in Lagos, Nigeria, with her big sister, Moji; older brother, Dapo; and Grandmommy, who takes care of them. The three chapter stories begin with “Tola Saves the Day,” in which Tola’s small size and persistence help her find an earring from Grandmommy’s favorite pair. In “Tola Takes Control,” Grandmommy is too sick to sell groundnuts under the bridge. When Tola insists she and Dapo take over the work, Dapo’s lack of effort frustrates her, but he has a surprise in store. In the title story, “Tola and the Three Fine Girls,” it’s Grandmommy with a surprise after Tola sees three girls whom she envies, respectively, for their nice clothes, car, and hairstyle. Grandmommy is having none of it. But Grandmommy also clearly loves and adores her grandchildren and offers Tola something money can’t buy when they get home. This funny, poignant chapter book for reading aloud or for newly independent readers is a follow-up to Too Small Tola. Like the original, it’s brimming with warmth as well as humor. (Ages 5-8)
CCBC Choices 2023. © Cooperative Children's Book Center, Univ. of Wisconsin - Madison, 2023. Used with permission.