Module 1 - KOALA LOU by Mem Fox

Bibliography
Fox, Mem. 1988. KOALA LOU. Ill. Pamela Lofts. Orlando, FL: Harcourt Brace & Company. ISBN 10 - 9780152000769

Plot Summary
A young koala (Koala Lou) is dearly loved by all who know her, especially her mother who would tell her so a hundred times a day.  As her brothers and sisters are born, her mother has less and less time to express her love for Koala Lou.  The young koala decides to win the Bush Olympics so she can again hear her mother say, "Koala Lou, I DO love you!"  As she trains and does her best she learns that her mother loves her no matter what; "she always has and she always will."

Critical Analysis

Mem Fox shows the setting of the story through the types of animals he uses as characters, such as the koala, the emu, the kookaburra and the platypus.  Fox uses markers like the gum tree and the Bush Olympics to further depict the Australian outback.  The distance Koala Lou climbs is also measured in meters instead of feet or yards.  The cultural markers in the text are subtle and do not outshine the overall theme and message of the story.

The colored-pencil illustrations by Pamela Lofts are what really show some of the different cultural aspects of Australia and the setting of the story.  The various and exotic animals, the rich, lush foliage, the bush, and the outback are all elegantly and amusingly displayed with a touch of humor in the facial expressions and accessories the characters wear.  Lofts includes humorous details in her illustrations as well, including Koala Lou's red sneakers.

Review Excerpts
The Horn Book Magazine - "A first-rate choice for bedtime, story hour, or reading aloud."

School Library Journal - "Fox brings out the best in believable characters, and also conveys an important message about competition."

Kirkus Reviews - "...appealingly illustrated - bright colors, soft-edged sculptural forms, precise detail, dozens of expressive animals.  Another winning import from one of Australia's favorite authors."

Connections
*This book could be used to discuss themes such as family, changes, self-esteem, feelings and love.
*This book could be used on a unit over Australia.  Students could compare their surroundings with what they might find in Australia.  Students could study the animals of Australia. ETC

Other Books by Mem Fox:
Fox, Mem. 1983. POSSUM MAGIC. Ills. Julie Vivas. Orlando, FL: Harcourt, Inc. ISBN 10 - 0152632247
Fox, Mem. 1989. NIGHT NOISES. Ills. Terry Denton. San Diego, CA: Harcourt Brace & Company. ISBN 10 - 9780152574215