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A review by seaofthesun14
Koala Lou by Mem Fox
4.0
Plot Summary:
This picture book is about a firstborn koala who tries to gain back her mother’s loving attention. After being put aside by her younger siblings needing constant care, Koala Lou sets out on a mission to win her mother’s previous affections by joining the Bush Olympics. In the end, Koala Lou learns a valuable lesson.
Critical Analysis:
This short picture book beautifully details the universal emotions an oldest child faces when siblings take up all of a parent’s attention. Most firstborns can easily relate to the main character, Koala Lou, and cheer her on as she tries to win the Bush Olympics and her mother’s love. Being that the main character is a koala who lives in a gum tree, it is apparent that the setting is in Australia. Another cultural marker that indicates that the book is set in Australia is the incorporation of the following animals that are native to Australia: emus, platypuses, kookaburras, numbats, echidnas, kangaroos, sugar gliders, antechinuses, marsupial mice, spotted quolls, wallabies, bilbies, wombats, tawny frogmouths, Tasmanian devils, and Australian ringtail possums. The illustrations of gum trees and Banksia flowers, which are only found in Australia, are also cultural markers that clearly and accurately represent the environment where Koala Lou lives. The utilization of the metric system and the Australian slang phrase “How’re ya goin’” are consistent with the Australian culture, thus adding to the story’s cultural authenticity. Overall, this picture book invites readers to reflect and realize the unconditional and enduring love a mother has for all of her children.
In regards to the vibrant illustrations, the detailed colored-penciled drawings are appealing and add to the story. The facial expressions and actions of the animals enhance the text and the story’s message. Also, the animals and foliage in this picture book are beautifully drawn and are accurate portrayals of Australia. Due to the details the illustrator dedicated to each drawing, the animals, flowers, and trees are clearly identified and wonderfully take readers to Australia. All in all, I highly recommend this picture book because it illustrates different types of animals and foliage that are unique in Australia and teaches readers that a mother’s love is unconditional and eternal.
This picture book is about a firstborn koala who tries to gain back her mother’s loving attention. After being put aside by her younger siblings needing constant care, Koala Lou sets out on a mission to win her mother’s previous affections by joining the Bush Olympics. In the end, Koala Lou learns a valuable lesson.
Critical Analysis:
This short picture book beautifully details the universal emotions an oldest child faces when siblings take up all of a parent’s attention. Most firstborns can easily relate to the main character, Koala Lou, and cheer her on as she tries to win the Bush Olympics and her mother’s love. Being that the main character is a koala who lives in a gum tree, it is apparent that the setting is in Australia. Another cultural marker that indicates that the book is set in Australia is the incorporation of the following animals that are native to Australia: emus, platypuses, kookaburras, numbats, echidnas, kangaroos, sugar gliders, antechinuses, marsupial mice, spotted quolls, wallabies, bilbies, wombats, tawny frogmouths, Tasmanian devils, and Australian ringtail possums. The illustrations of gum trees and Banksia flowers, which are only found in Australia, are also cultural markers that clearly and accurately represent the environment where Koala Lou lives. The utilization of the metric system and the Australian slang phrase “How’re ya goin’” are consistent with the Australian culture, thus adding to the story’s cultural authenticity. Overall, this picture book invites readers to reflect and realize the unconditional and enduring love a mother has for all of her children.
In regards to the vibrant illustrations, the detailed colored-penciled drawings are appealing and add to the story. The facial expressions and actions of the animals enhance the text and the story’s message. Also, the animals and foliage in this picture book are beautifully drawn and are accurate portrayals of Australia. Due to the details the illustrator dedicated to each drawing, the animals, flowers, and trees are clearly identified and wonderfully take readers to Australia. All in all, I highly recommend this picture book because it illustrates different types of animals and foliage that are unique in Australia and teaches readers that a mother’s love is unconditional and eternal.