About the Holiday

National Wildlife Day was established in 2005 by author and pet lifestyle expert Colleen Paige to promote awareness of endangered species as well as preservation and conservation efforts around the world. Globally, there is increased pressure on many animals due to pollution, habitat destruction, and other environmental issues. This day (as well as February 22, in honor of renowned conservationist Steve Irwin) encourages people to learn more about the species in their area, work toward creating hospitable habitats in their own yard or community, and implement environment-friendly choices in their homes. One of the animals featured in today’s book is the pangolin, a species whose members range in endangered status from vulnerable to critically endangered.

Thank you to Scholastic for sending me a copy of this book for review!

Who Would Win? Porcupine vs. Pangolin

Written by Jerry Pallotta | Illustrated by Rob Bolster

Welcome to Jerry Pallotta’s and Rob Bolster’s nocturnal showdown in the latest addition to the Who Would Win? series! On the left hand page: a porcupine; on the right: a pangolin. To help readers decide which animal would emerge victorious in a fight, Pallotta provides side-by-side dossiers that reveal pertinent facts about porcupines’ and pangolins’ bodies, skills, and defenses. 

Examining these profiles, kids learn that a porcupine is “a mammal with sharp, pointed quills . . . that looks like a spiky fur ball.” They also get to know the pangolin, a mammal that resembles a reptile due to its scales that make it look like a “walking pine cone.” Pallotta—his text supported with photographs and Bolster’s realistic illustrations—presents clear and snappy descriptions of the competitor’s quills vs. scales, fur vs. hair, faces and feet, weapons and defenses, and the scientific group each animal belongs to.

Illustration © 2025 by Rob Bolster. Text © 2025 by Jerry Pallotta. Courtesy of Scholastic.

 The pages are also sprinkled with kid-pleasing visual elements that call out a wide range of facts, from “ouch facts” about quills to “hair facts” about naked mole rats and elephants to “name facts” that reveal alternate monikers for each contestant. There’s humor here too, and even a poem about a pangolin! Pallotta is also tuned into children’s boundless curiosity, revealing the various types of porcupines and pangolins; a lineup of animals with spikes as well as those that can roll into a ball like the pangolin; and a fascinating look at how other animals would fare against these two warriors.

As the sun sets, however, it’s time for the main attraction as the porcupine, searching for dinner, comes upon the pangolin slurping ants from a log. It’s time to RUMBLE! Who will win?

Illustration © 2025 by Rob Bolster. Text © 2025 by Jerry Pallotta. Courtesy of Scholastic.

If you’re a parent, librarian, teacher, or caregiver with a child or children who are familiar with the Who Will Win? series, then you know what a phenomenon these books are. Who Will Win? Porcupine vs. Pangolin is a worthy entrant into the field, providing educational and entertaining depth to the scientific study of these two unusual mammals. Children come away from reading (and excitedly rereading) this book not only with knowledge about porcupines and pangolins, but with bits about 21 other animals as well, making it an energizing spark for expanded learning. 

Information-packed and high-interest, Who Will Win? Porcupine vs. Pangolin will appeal to emergent and independent readers and makes a perfect read aloud for adults to share with their animal-loving kids. This book, as well as the rest of the series, is a must for any library collection and highly recommended for home bookshelves.

Ages 6 – 8

Scholastic, 2025 | ISBN 978-1339000961

About the Author

Jerry Pallotta is an award-winning author of children’s books, including What I Saw in the Teachers’ Lounge, Dinosaur Christmas, Who Will Guide My Sleigh Tonight?, Apple Fractions, and The Hershey’s Milk Chocolate Multiplication Book. His combination of interesting facts, detailed research, humor, and realistic illustrations has mesmerized countless children across the United States. You can visit him at jerrypallotta.com.

About the Illustrator

Rob Bolster is both a fine artist and a professional illustrator. His work has appeared in newspaper and magazine advertisements, and he has illustrated many books for young readers, including the bestselling Who Would Win? series. Rob lives and works near Boston, Massachusetts.

National Wildlife Day Activity

Pangolin and Porcupine Coloring Pages

Celebrate the diversity of wildlife with these coloring pages of a pangolin and her pup and a porcupine!

Pangolin and Pup (by Rachel L Shaw) | Porcupine (courtesy of Karen Watson of The Graphics Fairy)

You can purchase Who Would Win? Porcupine vs. Pangolin from these booksellers

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop (discounted books and support for your local independent bookstore)

Picture Book Review