International Literature Reviews - Module One

Bibliography
Fox, Mem. 1989. Koala Lou. Ill. by Pamela Lofts. Orlando, FL: Harcourt Brace. ISBN 0152005021.

Plot Summary
As first-born child, Koala Lou enjoys a special love filled bond with her mother, she begins to doubt her mother’s love as her brothers and sisters are born and consume her mother’s time and attention. Seeking that once familiar phrase, “Koala Lou, I DO love you”, that she so often heard from her mother, Koala Lou sets out to win the gum climbing event in the Bush Olympics. Knowing that a win would ensure a hug and her favorite words, she is heart broken when she places second in the contest. In the end, Koala Lou learns that it doesn’t take a first place medal to win her mother’s love which is always there.

Critical Analysis
This children's picture book has a heart warming theme of a mother's love for her child. This theme is a universal theme found in many children's books either through the use of animals, or people as the main characters. The few cultural markers that are present include the native Austrialian animals, the gum trees, and the terminology for the "Bush Olymplics". The native language dialect expressed by Koala Lou's mother, "How're ya goin', blosom?" also indicates this book has a degree of cultural authenticity.

The colorful illustrations with highlighted hues of purple portray the Austrialian animals and their native surroundings with a hint of whimsy.

Review Excerpts
"Lofts' colored pencil drawings in Koala Lou are soft and realistic. . . . Koala Lou is most likely to appeal to younger children, who especially treasure physical expressions of affection." Booklist

"A loving, warm story. . . . Fox brings out the best in her characters, and also conveys an important message about competition without being strident or didactic. Lofts' illustrations are realistic, whimsical, and almost textured; she gives an additional depth to the animal characters by making their faces (especially the eyes) so expressive. Her colors are bright, vivid, and almost exotic; however, the vibrant tones contrast sharply against the soft and gentle story, and jar readers from Fox's semi-cocoon like setting. While it is unfortunate that the color tone doesn't match the mood of the story, the book as a whole is enjoyable." School Library Journal

Connections
Young readers and others selecting books for reading aloud might consider other books conveying the message of endearing love between parents and their children such as:
Emmett, Jonathan. I Love You Always and Forever. Ill. Daniel Howarth. ISBN 9780439916547
McBratney, Sam. Guess How Much I Love You. Ill. Anita Jeram. ISBN 9781890409302
Munsch, Robert N. Love You Forever. Ill. Sheila McGraw. ISBN 9780920668368