Koala Lou [Paperback]

Mem Fox (Author), Pamela Lofts (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 28, 1994 | Age Range: 4 - 8 years | Lexile Measure: 550L (What's this?)

When Koala Lou’s mother becomes so busy that she forgets to tell her firstborn how much she loves her, Koala Lou enters the Bush Olympics, intending to win an event and her mother’s love all at one time. “A first-rate choice for bedtime, story hour, or reading aloud.”--The Horn Book

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Fox's two new books join Wilfrid Gordon McDonald Partridge as perfect examples of why the Australian writer has become one of today's top authors of children's books. Koala Lou is loved by everyone, but it is her mother who loves her most of all. She often tells her daughter, "Koala Lou, I DO love you." As the family grows and her mother gets busier, Koala Lou yearns to hear those words again. She sets out to win the Bush Olympics as a way to gain her mother's attention. Lofts's colored-pencil drawings portray the Australian flora and fauna beautifully, including a few of the more exotic species. In Night Noises , elderly Lilly Laceby lives with her fat old dog Butch Aggie. While Lily dozes in front of the fire, Butch Aggie becomes increasingly concerned by the sounds of cars, voices, knocking and shouts. At last, Lily finally wakes up to answer the door, where a veritable mob waits to wish her a happy 90th birthday. Denton uses cartoon balloons and large letters to show the simultaneous action. Both of Fox's books send out positive messages to children about the wonders of being human: Koala Lou celebrates the eternal love of a mother for her child without the sentimentality of Robert Munsch's Love You Forever , and Night Noises lovingly bridges the generation gap. Ages 3-6.
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Review

Fox's two new books join Wilfrid Gordon McDonald Partridge as perfect examples of why the Australian writer has become one of today's top authors of children's books. Koala Lou is loved by everyone, but it is her mother who loves her most of all. She often tells her daughter, "Koala Lou, I DO love you." As the family grows and her mother gets busier, Koala Lou yearns to hear those words again. She sets out to win the Bush Olympics as a way to gain her mother's attention. Lofts's colored-pencil drawings portray the Australian flora and fauna beautifully, including a few of the more exotic species. In Night Noises , elderly Lilly Laceby lives with her fat old dog Butch Aggie. While Lily dozes in front of the fire, Butch Aggie becomes increasingly concerned by the sounds of cars, voices, knocking and shouts. At last, Lily finally wakes up to answer the door, where a veritable mob waits to wish her a happy 90th birthday. Denton uses cartoon balloons and large letters to show the simultaneous action. Both of Fox's books send out positive messages to children about the wonders of being human: Koala Lou celebrates the eternal love of a mother for her child without the sentimentality of Robert Munsch's Love You Forever , and Night Noises lovingly bridges the generation gap. Ages 3-6. (Publishers Weekly ) --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Age Range: 4 - 8 years
  
• Paperback: 32 pages
• Publisher: Sandpiper; Reprint edition (February 28, 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0152000763
• ISBN-13: 978-0152000769
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 9 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (35 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #26,108 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #33 in Books > Children's Books > Animals > Mammals

More About the Author

MEM FOX is the author of many acclaimed books, including Possum Magic, Koala Lou, Time for Bed, and, for adults, Reading Magic: Why Reading Aloud to Our Children Will Change Their Lives Forever. She lives in Adelaide, Australia.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

19 of 20 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Great book! November 28, 2001

A Kid's Review

Format:Paperback

This is about a Koala named Koala Lou who thinks her mother does not love her anymore. So Koala Lou goes gum-tree climbing in the Bush Olympics to get her mother's attention. This book taught me that no matter what you do, your mother will always love you!

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars 1st Graders think this is the best book in our class! November 28, 2001

A Kid's Review

Format:Paperback

Koala Lou entered the Bush Olympics Gum Tree Climbing event because her mother stopped saying, "Koala Lou, I do love you." Koala Lou won 2nd place and thought her mother wouldn't love her anymore. However, her mom said she would always love her no matter what.

Almost all the students in our 1st grade class loved this book! We learned that our parents love us no matter what.

15 of 17 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful story... November 19, 2003

By C.S.

Format:Paperback

I know a childrens book shouldn't make you cry, but I was actually crying in the end! What a wonderful, wonderful story, and beautiful ending! Lovely story about hard work to obtain a goal, but also that our children don't have to do ANYTHING to earn our love - we love them no matter what. Highly recommend this little book.

13 of 15 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A book that parents and their children will love! August 22, 2001

By Kelly D. Chavez

Format:Hardcover

After hearing this story read to my daughters kindergarten class I knew that we had to have it. My daughters and I read the book at least once a week and have given it as gifts to many friends. The book expresses so much love that a parent gives to a child and reminds us not to forget to express our love verbally.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Great book to prepare children for the birth of a younger sibling! April 19, 2006

By L.C.

Format:Paperback

Have you ever felt like your parents loved your brothers and sisters more than they loved you? Did Dad spoil your siblings, but not you? Did mom spend more time with them than with you? If so, you're not alone.

"Koala Lou" is the story of a young koala by the same name. Everyday her mother looks at her and says, "Koala Lou, I DO love you!" However, after Koala Lou's mother gave birth to other koalas, she became too busy to express her feelings for her oldest child. Thus, Koala Lou joins the Bush Olympics, hoping to not only win first place, but her mother's affections as well.

Like others who are not the only child in the family, Koala Lou's feelings mirrored my own. Before my baby brother was born, I was the center of attention. My parents always attended to my every need, whether it was something as basic as food or something as random as my sudden impulses to go to the park and play on the swings. My parents provided me with whatever I wanted. But most importantly, they paid a lot of attention to me. Yes, I was a spoiled little girl. That all changed when my baby brother was born. At first, I felt happy and excited about having a new family member. He was so cute with his chubby cheeks and tiny toes. How could I not love him? But then I realized that he was stealing the limelight away from me. No longer did relatives come over to tell me how adorable I was wearing my dress and bow in my hair. Instead, they lavished their attention on my brother. It didn't take long for me to feel left out as my parents followed suit and made my little brother the center of their world. Or at least it seemed that way. Now that I am older, I know that they were merely trying to raise him like they had raised me- providing him whatever he needed no matter what.... They did not mean to make me feel neglected, and although my parents may not say it out loud, I know that deep down, their hearts scream "Lisa, I DO love you!"

This is the perfect book for a child who may feel alienated by the birth of a baby brother or sister. The child can relate the story to his/her own life. He/She may feel better knowing that there are others who feel the same way when there is a new addition to the family. Additionally, it will help the child understand that mom and dad have, and always will, love him/her no matter what happens, even if they may not always express their love for him/her out loud. It might also serve as a meaningful reminder to parents that they should always let their children know how much they care about them from time to time.

If you are a fan of Fox's other works, this is definitely a must-have! As with one of her earlier works, "Time for Bed", this book also depicts the close relationship between the mother and child through its storyline and beautiful illustrations. Some of her books, including this one, are also known for teaching valuable lessons. While Fox's "Whoever You Are" teaches children to accept those who may seem different from them, "Koala Lou" shows a child that parents will always love their children, although they may not always say it.

Two thumbs up to Mem Fox for another job well done! Read more ›

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Koala Lou is a 5 stars story September 28, 2004

A Kid's Review

Format:Paperback

Koala Lou is about a young Koala by the name of Koala Lou whose mother gave birth to many other Koalas. Koala Lou could not help but get jealous that her mother was not paying a lot of attention to her. One day Koala Lou got news of an upcoming race. Koala Lou signed up for the race and started training right away. Koala Lou trained from morning to night every day and was confident she could win. It was finally the day of the race and Koala Lou was so thrilled to see her brothers and sister's but most importantly her mother in the first row. She was so confident that she could go home with a blue ribbon. However when the best koala racer came to the starting line Koala Lou didn't feel so confident. She worked so hard during the race but did not finish fast enough. Koala Lou raced home in tears but then her mom came home and gave her a kiss and a hug witch was better then any prize! Koala Lou's mother said "Koala Lou I do love you."

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars We first graders at Peirce in Newton, Ma. LOVE Mem Fox!! December 12, 1997

By A Customer

Format:Paperback

Miss Rosengard's first graders at Peirce School in Newton, Massachusetts, LOVE all of Mem Fox's books. This is our very favorite!! We always tell each other, "I love you, I really DO!!" We also accept being in second place. We wish Mem Fox could visit us!!

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars placid and sweet October 3, 2006

By Hedera Femme VINE™ VOICE

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

This is a lovely book for young readers, not only because the story and pictures are sweet, simple, and engaging, but because it is important that children feel loved and not mistake fewer reassurances from the mother for lack of affection. This is an especially great book for children who are about to lose that valued only-child status--Lou's feelings are common among children with new siblings. It is not challenging or particularly rousing as far as stories go, but then I do not think that is its intent. It creates a warm sense of comfort and peace.