Fox, Mem. 1988. KOALA LOU. Ill. by Pamela Lofts. New York, NY: Voyager Books. ISBN 0152005021
PLOT SUMMARY
KOALA LOU is a story of a young koala who tries to regain her mother’s love by winning a tree climbing contest. Her whole life she has heard, “Koala Lou, I DO love you!” However, as the family grows, Koala Lou’s mother has less and less time to dote on her. In the end, Koala Lou discovers she cannot and does not need to win her mother’s love by climbing the fastest. As “she hugged her for a very long time,” Koala Lou realizes her mother’s love is unconditional.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS (INCLUDING CULTURAL MARKERS)
This story offers many cultural markers. The species of animals as well as the language make the location of KOALA LOU evident. Australia is home to the emu, platypus, koala and kookaburra. Not surprisingly, it is also the home of the author, Mem Fox. The animals mentioned in the text are not the only indicators of the story’s origin. There are several animals portrayed in the illustrations which are also indigenous to Australia. These include the wombat, bush baby, Tazmanian devil, kangaroo, and parrot.
The language used in this story is primarily standard American English. However, there are a few phrases and terms which allude to the story’s origin. For example, the mother asks Koala Lou, “How’re ya goin’, blossom?” The use of the term ‘goin’” diverges from the typical American phrase, “How’re ya doing?”
The setting provides another clue to the reader as to the origin of the story. Koala Lou intends to participate in the Bush Olympics. Bush is a term often used to refer to the Australian wilderness. This reference to the bush as well as the eucalyptus trees in the illustrations leave little doubt in the reader’s mind of where this story takes place.
This sweet story tells of a child’s insecurities and her mother’s unconditional love. While this theme is universal, the characters, language and setting place the story distinctly in Australia. KOALA LOU gives the reader insight to the flora and fauna which may be found in Australia. Readers are drawn into the story not only through the text, but also through the illustrations as they recognize familiar animals and learn new ones. Rather than minimizing the audience, the specific origin of the story adds to its richness and appeal.
REVIEW EXCERPTS
A starred Horn Book review summarizes the story as “a gentle tale set in the Australian bush. A good choice for story hour, bedtime, or reading aloud.”
“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.” Kirkus Review
Publisher’s Weekly states, “Lofts's colored-pencil drawings portray the Australian flora and fauna beautifully, including a few of the more exotic species.”
Reviews obtained from Follett Library Resources and accessed at:
http://www.flr.follett.com/search?SID=c211074453f514ff63ced2a0fe154f24
CONNECTIONS
Other books for children about Australia:
Lester, Alison. ARE WE THERE YET?: A JOURNEY AROUND AUSTRALIA. ISBN 9781929132737
French, Jackie. DIARY OF A WOMBAT. ISBN 9780618381364
Spilsbury, Louise. WATCHING KANGAROOS IN AUSTRALIA. ISBN 9781403472250
Other books originally published in Australia:
French, Simon. GUESS THE BABY. ISBN 9780618259892
Wild, Margaret. KISS KISS! ISBN 9780689862793
Trinca, Rod. ONE WOLLY WOMBAT. ISBN 9780916291105
PLOT SUMMARY
KOALA LOU is a story of a young koala who tries to regain her mother’s love by winning a tree climbing contest. Her whole life she has heard, “Koala Lou, I DO love you!” However, as the family grows, Koala Lou’s mother has less and less time to dote on her. In the end, Koala Lou discovers she cannot and does not need to win her mother’s love by climbing the fastest. As “she hugged her for a very long time,” Koala Lou realizes her mother’s love is unconditional.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS (INCLUDING CULTURAL MARKERS)
This story offers many cultural markers. The species of animals as well as the language make the location of KOALA LOU evident. Australia is home to the emu, platypus, koala and kookaburra. Not surprisingly, it is also the home of the author, Mem Fox. The animals mentioned in the text are not the only indicators of the story’s origin. There are several animals portrayed in the illustrations which are also indigenous to Australia. These include the wombat, bush baby, Tazmanian devil, kangaroo, and parrot.
The language used in this story is primarily standard American English. However, there are a few phrases and terms which allude to the story’s origin. For example, the mother asks Koala Lou, “How’re ya goin’, blossom?” The use of the term ‘goin’” diverges from the typical American phrase, “How’re ya doing?”
The setting provides another clue to the reader as to the origin of the story. Koala Lou intends to participate in the Bush Olympics. Bush is a term often used to refer to the Australian wilderness. This reference to the bush as well as the eucalyptus trees in the illustrations leave little doubt in the reader’s mind of where this story takes place.
This sweet story tells of a child’s insecurities and her mother’s unconditional love. While this theme is universal, the characters, language and setting place the story distinctly in Australia. KOALA LOU gives the reader insight to the flora and fauna which may be found in Australia. Readers are drawn into the story not only through the text, but also through the illustrations as they recognize familiar animals and learn new ones. Rather than minimizing the audience, the specific origin of the story adds to its richness and appeal.
REVIEW EXCERPTS
A starred Horn Book review summarizes the story as “a gentle tale set in the Australian bush. A good choice for story hour, bedtime, or reading aloud.”
“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.” Kirkus Review
Publisher’s Weekly states, “Lofts's colored-pencil drawings portray the Australian flora and fauna beautifully, including a few of the more exotic species.”
Reviews obtained from Follett Library Resources and accessed at:
http://www.flr.follett.com/search?SID=c211074453f514ff63ced2a0fe154f24
CONNECTIONS
Other books for children about Australia:
Lester, Alison. ARE WE THERE YET?: A JOURNEY AROUND AUSTRALIA. ISBN 9781929132737
French, Jackie. DIARY OF A WOMBAT. ISBN 9780618381364
Spilsbury, Louise. WATCHING KANGAROOS IN AUSTRALIA. ISBN 9781403472250
Other books originally published in Australia:
French, Simon. GUESS THE BABY. ISBN 9780618259892
Wild, Margaret. KISS KISS! ISBN 9780689862793
Trinca, Rod. ONE WOLLY WOMBAT. ISBN 9780916291105
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