KOALA LOU

By: Mem Fox Illustrated by: Pamela Lofts

Image Credit: www.mylittlebookcase.com.au

1. Bibliography

Fox, Mem, and Pamela Lofts. Koala Lou. San Diego: Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, 1989. ISBN 0152005021

2. Plot Summary

Koala Lou is a young koala who lives with her mother in Australia. Koala Lou is loved by her mother and is often reminded of this when her mother tells her, "Koala Lou, I DO love you!"  Over time things change and Koala Lou's family begins to grow. Her mother is busy with the younger siblings and doesn't remind Koala Lou of her love. Koala Lou feels that she should make her mother proud of her by winning the Bush Olympics. Unfortunately Koala Lou does not win, but her mother reminds her that she has always loved her and always will. 

3. Critical Analysis

KOALA LOU is set in Australia which is also home to author Mem Fox. In our story we see many animals that are from Australia through the illustrations. These animals include an emu, kangaroo, and a parrot to mention a few.  The illustrations are brightly colored and help to bring the text to life. On many pages we find a window (square) showing the reader the world of Koala Lou

Through this fictional story, we are reminded that the story was written with an Australian origin. The reader is reminded of this in the phrase "How're ya goin', blossom?" Another term we find in KOALA LOU is "gum tree" which refers to the eucalyptus that is found in Australia. The gum tree is also seen in the illustrations as Koala Lou's home and challenges during the Bush Olympics. 

This story is a reminder to children that they are loved by their mothers even when life becomes busy. The author uses this story line to help readers connect emotionally which is a strength for this book. Many children who have younger siblings will be able to relate with Koala Lou.  This story is idea for children who are facing new additions to their family and possible disappointments. They will be reminded of their mother's love for them.

4. Review Excepts

~HORN BOOK (02/1990) "In a gentle tale set in the Australian bush, Koala Lou wants to win the Bush Olympics. A good choice for story hour, bedtime, or reading aloud. Review, p. 757."

~KIRKUS REVIEW (1989) "This satisfying reworking of a familiar and ever-important theme is appealingly illustrated--bright colors, soft-edged sculptural forms, precise detail, dozens of expressive animals. Another winning import from one of Australia's favorite authors."

5. Connections

~Read this story during Mother's Day to help children remember the love that their mothers have for them.

~Use the story to help children deal with the new additions to their family and compare their feelings to the feelings of Koala Lou.

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