Citation:
Fox, Mem. 1989. Koala
Lou. Ill. by Pamela Lofts. San Diego: Harcourt Brace Jovanovich.
ISBN 9780152000769
Summary:
Koala Lou is loved by
everyone, but it is her mother who loves her most, constantly telling her “Koala
Lou, I DO love you!” Once brothers and sisters begin to crowd the family, Koala
Lou’s mother has little time for her and the phrase she likes to hear most is
never uttered because her mother is too busy. Koala Lou decides to train for
the Bush Olympics, hoping to win the gum tree climbing event. Koala Lou is
determined to win and finally hear her mother say once again, “Koala Lou, I DO
love you!”
Critical Analysis:
Koala Lou is a
touching story showing the universal concept of the unconditional love that a
mother has for her child. Set in Australian, the story features the native
Koala, as well as other Australian animals including the kookaburra, emu, and platypus.
While some animals are represented in text, as well as through the
illustrations, others are strictly presented through illustration. Vibrant colors
and detailed illustrations represent the Australian landscape and wildlife well.
Each animal is given realistic features and coloring while the backdrop
elements, including the gum tree and eucalyptus, for example, are true to life.
Pamela Lofts’ illustrations definitely provide a visual
treat accompanying Fox’s writing and attention to detail is evident. As the
animals gradually begin to take on human characteristics, including wearing
hats, sneakers, and using a stop watch, the illustrations still keep an authentic
feel. The pictures become humorous and the story never slows. The colorful hats
and streamers only heighten the reader’s senses. The ending is that much
sweeter with Koala Lou and her mother embracing in the gum tree with her
sneakers hanging close by.
Review Excerpt(s):
“Lofts's colored-pencil drawings portray the Australian
flora and fauna beautifully, including a few of the more exotic species.” ~Publisher’s Weekly, September, 1989
Connections:
Fox, Mem. 1983. Possum
Magic. Ill. by Julia Vivas. San Diego: Harcourt Brace Jovanovich
ISBN 9781862910959
Fox, Mem. 2005. Hunwick's
Egg. Ill. by Pamela Lofts. Orlando: Harcourt.
ISBN 9780152163181
Classroom Activities: Explore some of the animals mentioned in Koala Lou and learn more about Australia
using some of these websites:
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