Janet Barry, a former teacher with a passion for wildlife, takes readers on an unforgettable adventure in her debut book Pangolin Prophecy
This beautifully written tale follows Kgaga, a curious pangolin, and Baboloki, a young Tswana man on a mission to protect wildlife. Their stories come together to highlight the magic of the natural world and why we must protect it. With stunning illustrations by Caroline Janse van Rensburg, this book inspires a love for nature. We caught up with Janet to find out what sparked the idea.
Can you share a bit about yourself and your career as a writer?
As a child, I was excited to learn to read. Books like Enid Blyton’s The Magic Faraway Tree, The Famous Five, and The Secret Seven started my journey as a reader. English was always my favourite subject, and when I studied teaching at the Johannesburg College of Education, I majored in English. I also loved Infant Art and Literature. Storytime was a favourite in my classroom, and I often thought about writing a children’s book. Now, after some years, Pangolin Prophecy is the first in a series combining my passions for storytelling and nature conservation.
Has living in Ballito shaped your storytelling?
Absolutely! I feel deeply connected to nature in Ballito. I see changing vistas, hear the soothing rhythm of the ocean, and watch the variety of wildlife around my home. The milkwood tree in my front garden attracts birds, and we’re visited daily by monkeys and mongooses. In Ballito, we’re fortunate to still have wildlife and green spaces. My stories carry the message that humans and animals can coexist, and we should care for our country’s unique fauna and flora.
What motivated you to centre a story around pangolins and their conservation?
A few years ago, my family visited a game reserve in the Waterberg. Our guide spotted a pangolin foraging nearby. It was the first time we’d seen one in the wild, and I was struck by how vulnerable they are to poaching. After that trip, I contacted pangolin protection groups, and they suggested raising awareness. Writing a story felt like the best way to help, and Pangolin Prophecy was born.
What message do you aim to convey to readers about wildlife conservation?
This story is especially relevant for people in KwaZulu-Natal. I originally thought pangolins weren’t found here, but they’ve been locally extinct for 20 to 40 years due to poaching and environmental challenges. Some believe pangolin scales have medicinal properties, but this is a myth – their scales are made of keratin, like human hair and nails. The good news is that pangolins are being reintroduced into the wild in some local reserves and are closely monitored.
Are there any memorable reactions or feedback from readers?
It’s been eye-opening to see how many people don’t know much about pangolins. I’m happy the story shares information about this quirky creature. After learning about their plight, most readers become very compassionate. One lady was moved to tears during a discussion, while children have laughed when I tell them a pangolin’s tongue is as long as its body!
Did you know?
The plight of the pangolin highlights the importance of every animal in an ecosystem. A single pangolin can eat up to 70 million insects a year – if removed, it’s easy to see how
the balance would be disrupted.
Details: www.janbarry.co.za;
IG: @janbarrystories; FB: Jan Barry Stories
Illustration: Caroline Janse Van Rensburg
Photograph: Barry Bowditch
