In science class, Loran learns about animal adaptations, defined as “body parts and behaviors” that help animals survive. The teacher’s assignment: choose or invent an animal and give a presentation. Animal- and art-loving Loran gets right to work on this “dream assignment” and invents. First, he draws a rounded half circle that reminds him of an armadillo. Next, he draws overlapping scales like those on the Asian dragon fish. Then comes a long tongue, claws, a tail, and so much more. Loran even adds a baby version of the animal to his drawing, too, for the “final touch.” As Loran surveys his work he realizes his animal isn’t imaginary—it’s a pangolin! Schildwachter’s debut picture book effectively compares pangolins with other animals by framing the narrative with a classroom assignment. Klein’s earth-toned pencil art adds rich detail...