BIBLIOGRAPHY
Fox, Mem. 1988. Koala Lou. Illustrated by Pamela Lofts. New York: Gulliver Books. ISBN 978-0152005023
PLOT SUMMARY
Once a beloved first-born and only child, Koala Lou’s mother cannot shower her with as much attention after the arrival of more brothers and sisters. Koala Lou knows she must achieve a grand feat in order to get a “Koala Lou, I DO love you!” from her busy mother. She decides that winning the Bush Olympics will surely get her mother’s undivided attention. Despite days of disciplined training and going full -speed up the gum tree, Koala Lou takes second place and is embarrassed and devastated. She spends hours in the canopy of the Australian bush mourning her chance to impress her mother. As Koala Lou sneaks back into her home in darkness, however, her mother greets her with her beloved phrase and a long, devoted embrace.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Koala Lou is a book that celebrates and introduces readers to the rich Australian plant and animal wildlife without being overly explanatory. A book written and illustrated by Australians, it is one that both natives and outsiders are able to appreciate.
By the second paragraph, Fox casually mentions the emu and platypus, two unique species that, like koalas, are particular to the Land Down Under. Mem identifies the kookaburra by name towards the end pages, but not before an avalanche of unlabeled Australian flora and fauna make an appearance in Lofts’ illustrations. Insiders will doubtlessly feel proud at being able to identify by name Lofts’ “spectators,” while their anonymity will prompt outsiders to look up non-fiction material on Australian wildlife.
The “gum tree” is introduced by text and illustration by the fourth page and is featured in 15 out of the 32 pages. The main and final goal is winning “the gum tree climbing event,” but Koala Lou also trains, plays, and lives on a gum tree. With its subtle but constant presence in the text and illustrations, Mem and Lofts cue outsiders about the prominence of the eucalyptus tree in the Australian “bush” as well as established it as a symbol of national identity.
Lofts’ illustrations offer an intimate view of the Australian countryside. Readers can not only see and almost touch the “soft and round” of Koala Lou, but the fur of many other mammals. The purples of the eucalyptus’s bark could be peeled off the page, and every composition featuring the gum tree offers an expert presentation of light and shadow. The lively marble gaze of the animals, as well as their animated bodies and jubilant expressions demonstrate a level of anthropomorphism only a resident observer could convey.
Despite its specific setting, Koala Lou has universal appeal. Readers will identify with the grit needed to succeed at something as physically demanding as an Olympic event, but the real hook is if sweet Koala Lou will hear again that she is loved. Many children, especially older siblings, will empathize with Koala Lou’s vulnerability and heartbreak. Following the childhood logic of Koala Lou, readers will be as pleasantly surprised to hear her mother’s “I DO love you!” despite her Olympic failure. Parents know that Koala Lou’s mother’s claim is true, and will likely hold their oldest a little longer at bedtime too.
AWARDS
1999 Koala Children’s Choice Awards
REVIEW EXCERPTS
From Kirkus Reviews: “…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…”
From Publisher’s Weekly: “…Lofts’s colored-pencil drawings portray the Australian flora and fauna beautifully, including a few of the more exotic species.”
From Children’s Literature: “Even though Lou loses the event, she gains what she most wants: the knowledge that her mother loves her–and always will.”
CONNECTIONS
Non-fiction Books on Australian Wildlife:
-Cronin, Leonard. 2018. The Australian Animal Atlas. Realistic illustrations with description of each animal. ISBN: 978-1760294144.
Fiction books about Australian wildlife:
-Winter, Monica Winter. 2021. Where’s My Joey?: A Heartwarming Bedtime Story for Children of All Ages. Illustrates the Australian fauna in gorgeous detail while introducing children to rare animals. ISBN 978-1777378967
-Berkes, Marianne. 2011. Over in Australia: Amazing Animals Down Under. Includes informative backmatter, tips by author and illustrator, and a musical version of the book. ISBN: 978-1584691365.
Biblioterika 