Book Review: The Incredible Adventures of Casper the Cat Who Got Lost in Africa: Book 1 The Pangolins by Jennifer Ussi PLUS Enter A Giveaway! #ThePangolins
This post is sponsored by Jennifer Ussi. The review and opinions expressed in this post are based on my personal views.
ABOUT THE BOOK
The Incredible Adventures of Casper the Cat Who Got Lost in Africa: Book 1: The Pangolins
Written by Jennifer Ussi
Illustrated by Lakshmi Bose
Ages: 6-10 | 56 Pages
Publisher: Little Boola Books (2024) | ISBN: 978-1-923356-01-6
Publisher’s Book Summary: Book 1 in The Incredible Adventures of Casper the Cat Who Got Lost in Africa introduces Casper, a curious, city-smart cat who suddenly finds herself lost in the wild African bush, far from everything she’s ever known.
Terrified of the bugs, the dark, and the strange sounds all around her, Casper is sure the wilderness is no place for a little cat like her until she meets a shy, scale-covered creature called a pangolin. As she learns to see the world through new eyes, Casper discovers the power of trust, the meaning of courage, and why protecting vulnerable creatures like pangolins matters more than she ever imagined.
Perfect for readers ages 5–10, The Pangolins is a beautifully illustrated chapter book filled with:
*A fun, heartwarming animal adventure
*Gentle themes of friendship, bravery, and conservation
*Fascinating facts about pangolins woven into the story
Written by award-winning filmmaker Jennifer Ussi and illustrated by Lekshmi Bose, this 5,000-word debut in the Casper series brings the magic of African wildlife to life while inspiring young readers to be curious, compassionate, and kind.
PURCHASE LINK
Amazon ~ Barnes and Noble ~ Bookshop.org
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Jennifer Ussi is an award-winning filmmaker, educator, and storyteller, traveling Africa in her ancient campervan with her husband, her camera, and an insatiable appetite for telling stories. Inspired by Africa’s wildlife and countless stories of wandering cats, she created The Incredible Adventures of Casper the Cat Who Got Lost in Africa, a children’s book series blending humour, adventure, and, especially, wildlife conservation. Jennifer’s work reflects her passion for wildlife, storytelling, and inspiring young readers to care about conservation.
Discover more from the author at www.littleboolabooks.com.
MY REVIEW
If you’ve ever picked up a book expecting a lighthearted animal adventure and instead found yourself unexpectedly moved, delighted, and a little more connected to the world…..then The Incredible Adventures of Casper the Cat Who Got Lost in Africa is exactly that kind of story and I have to say that I absolutely adore this book!
Jennifer Ussi, an award-winning filmmaker with a gift for visual storytelling, brings that same cinematic spirit onto the page. From the very first chapter, you can feel her filmmaker’s eye: lush landscapes, vibrant wildlife, and heart-thumping moments painted with an almost tactile clarity. But what really stayed with me was the warmth and tenderness she brings to Casper, the curious and big-hearted cat who accidentally finds himself on the adventure of a lifetime.
Book 1, The Pangolins, focuses on Casper’s encounter with one of Africa’s most unique and misunderstood creatures. I appreciated how Ussi gently weaves in themes of conservation and empathy……never heavy-handed, always organic to the story. Young readers get to meet pangolins not as abstract “endangered animals” but as characters with personality, vulnerability, and value. As an adult reader, I found myself rooting for them just as much as for Casper.
And Casper? He’s instantly lovable. His wonder, confusion, bravery, and occasional clumsy mistakes make him feel real and relatable…..especially for kids who see the world as an exciting (and sometimes overwhelming) place. The pacing strikes that sweet spot too: enough action to keep readers engaged, enough heart to keep them emotionally invested.
What I loved most about this book and story is the sense of connection the book nurtures…..between animals, between cultures, between the land and the creatures who call it home. Ussi’s African setting isn’t just a backdrop; it breathes, sings, and pulses through the narrative. You can tell it’s written by someone who knows the world she’s describing and loves it deeply.
Final thoughts:
If you’re looking for a story that is adventurous without being scary, educational without being preachy, and heartfelt without being saccharine, this book is a gem. It’s the kind of story that opens little doors in a child’s imagination….doors that lead to curiosity, compassion, and a genuine love for our planet’s incredible wildlife. I loved this book as an adult and I know my kids are going to love it even more. I love that the author gives you facts about each of the animals at the end of the book too….and that is something that as an adult…. I appreciated as I learned something new myself. I loved this book and I’m already excited to see where Casper’s paws take him next!
TOUR SCHEDULE
Wednesday, November 5, 2025
Tour Kick-Off for The Incredible Adventures of Casper the Cat Who Got Lost in Africa, Book 1: The Pangolins
Thursday, November 6, 2025
Book Review and Instagram Post about The Incredible Adventures of Casper the Cat Who Got Lost in Africa, Book 1: The Pangolins
Monday, November 10, 2025
Book Review of The Incredible Adventures of Casper the Cat Who Got Lost in Africa, Book 1: The Pangolins
Tuesday, November 11, 2025
Book Spotlight on The Incredible Adventures of Casper the Cat Who Got Lost in Africa, Book 1: The Pangolins
Thursday, November 13, 2025
Book Review of The Incredible Adventures of Casper the Cat Who Got Lost in Africa, Book 1: The Pangolins
Friday, November 14, 2025
Book Review of The Incredible Adventures of Casper the Cat Who Got Lost in Africa, Book 1: The Pangolins
Monday, November 17, 2025
Book Review of The Incredible Adventures of Casper the Cat Who Got Lost in Africa, Book 1: The Pangolins
Tuesday, November 18, 2025
Author Interview with Jennifer Ussi
Thursday, November 20, 2025
Instagram Post about The Incredible Adventures of Casper the Cat Who Got Lost in Africa, Book 1: The Pangolins
Friday, November 21, 2025
Author Interview with Jennifer Ussi
Monday, December 1, 2025
Instagram Post about The Incredible Adventures of Casper the Cat Who Got Lost in Africa, Book 1: The Pangolins
Tuesday, December 2, 2025
Instagram Post about The Incredible Adventures of Casper the Cat Who Got Lost in Africa, Book 1: The Pangolins
Wednesday, December 3, 2025
Instagram Post about The Incredible Adventures of Casper the Cat Who Got Lost in Africa, Book 1: The Pangolins
NOW TO THE GIVEAWAY
Enter for the chance to win one of 10 paperback copies of The Pangolins, the first book in The Incredible Adventures of Casper the Cat Who Got Lost in Africa. One grand prize winner will also receive a complete paperback set of the first four books in the series, perfect for young animal-lovers and chapter-book readers.
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