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)

Too Small Tola is back—and as determined as ever—in a second trio of winning stories about a diminutive heroine with a big-big heart.


Acclaimed author and storyteller Atinuke reunites with illustrator Onyinye Iwu for a follow-up to their highly acclaimed first chapter book about a little girl with a mighty will and charm to spare. Too Small Tola lives in an apartment with her clever sister, Moji; her big brother, Dapo; and Grandmommy, who is very bossy. In the first of three endearing new adventures, Tola is sized just right to wriggle under the bed and rescue Grandmommy’s prized possession when it goes missing. Her savvy and math skills save the day when Grandmommy gets sick, and when the family can’t afford new clothes, industrious Tola finds a way—with a little help from Grandmommy—to be just as fine as the three fine girls she so greatly admires. Richly patterned black-and-white art and Atinuke’s captivating wit evoke an authentic and close-knit urban community and the vibrant energy of Lagos, Nigeria, through the eyes of a tiny but resolute heroine with something to teach us all.