Too Small Tola and the Three Fine Girls, written by Atinuke and illustrated by Onyinye Iwu. Candlewick, Penguin Random House, 2022. $21.99 ages 7 and up

"Tola sits up. And there is Grandmommy, still 
in bed beside her! 
Ah-ah! Grandmommy should have gone to 
work long before dawn! She should be squatting
over her fire, ready to sell groundnuts to people
hurrying to work. Instead here is Grandmommy.
Lying in bed. Her face covered with sweat.
Tola puts her hand on Grandmommy's arm. It
is hot like fire."

Following up on Too Small Tola (Candlewick, 2021), Atinuke pens another fine book about a young girl who lives 'in a rundown block of apartments in the megacity of Lagos, in the country of Nigeria'. Tola remains spunky, thoughtful, and ingenious as she deals with the everyday ups and downs of life in a family facing some difficulties. 

There are three chapters. In each we learn more about Tola's family, their daily life and the responsibilities given to a very young girl. Tola has an older sister Moji who spends most of her time studying to keep her A+ average. Her brother Dapo loves soccer and hopes to one day play in the World Cup. Grandmommy is their caregiver, and their chore giver as well. While she is out selling groundnuts to earn enough for the food they need, the children are tasked with chores.

 In the first chapter, on a Saturday, they are meant to be cleaning a large basket of rice. Only Tola is doing the work. An accident with the football creates a huge problem. Tola is the only one able to solve it. In the second, Grandmommy has succumbed to malaria and Tola must use all of their savings for the medicine that will cure her. Together, the children must now sell groundnuts to keep the family in food. Dapo's proficiency and interest in mechanical work leads to a turn in their fortune. In the final chapter, Tola sees three fine girls at the mall and wishes she had what they have. It doesn't take long for her to discover there is more to life than having things. 

There is abundant love in this fine family, and warmth and strength of character. Tola is a wee love of a girl, engaging and 'mighty fine!' Yes, they have challenges; they also have the wherewithal to work together to overcome them, as they live with a strong and capable woman who loves each of them deeply. 

It's a wonderful read, and I'm happy to relay that Tola will be back with a new story next year.