Koala Lou
Bibliography
Fox, M. (1994). KOALA LOU. Ill. by Pamela Lofts. Orlando, Florida: Ian Drakeford Publishing Pty, Ltd. ISBN 9780152000769
Plot Summary
A young koala was born to his mother. She was loved by all the animals. The animals included the emu, platypus and Koala Klews, but his mother loved him the most. She would always say, “Koala Lou, I do love you”. Koala Lou had all the attention of his mother, until other koalas were born. It was this that caused his mother to be preoccupied and stopped giving her attention. This caused Koala Lou to feel lonely and unwanted. Later she decided to enter the Bush Olympics and planned to win to get her mother’s attention. Even though she practiced and practiced, she did not win the Olympics and felt sad. However, her mother witnessed how she felt and told her that she indeed loved her and this was what she was longing for all along.
Critical Analysis (Including Cultural Markers)
This international fictional picture book showcased many different animals that are natives to Australia. Like the emu, platypus and Koala bears.
The setting also offers some cultural markers of Australia. The story mentions that Koala Lou climbed the gum tree. The gum tree is a tall tree that is native to Australia. Other plants are showcased in the illustrations that are also native to Australia. The entire forest that is portrayed in the story is native to Australia.
Because the story is fictional, with animals acting like humans, the story doesn’t contain a specific culture and it doesn’t specify that the story is taking place in Australia. Readers would have to know that those animals are native to Australia, otherwise the reader would not know. The illustrations in the book are rich in color. The animals are portrayed like animals that are found in Australia. The vegetation is also portrayed accurately in the story.
Overall this was a fun book to read and it does meet the quality for the specific genre. It does contain the literary elements: characters, setting, plot that is needed for this genre.
Reviews Excerpts
Horn Book: “A first-rate choice for bedtime, story hour, or reading aloud.”
Kirkus Reviews: “Another winning import from one of Australia’s favorite authors.”
Connections
Related books: Possum Magic
Teachers, parents and librarians can use this book for a read aloud.
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