The Koala Who Could
Rachel Bright, illustrated by Jim Field
Verdict:
A charming picture book perfect for parents just starting to read aloud to their children, as the text helps with finding just the right expression and emphasis. Little listeners will love this shy koala and his challenge to change.
What is it about?
Kevin, the hero of this story, is a koala. He lives in a tree. He loves his life. Everything is warm and comfortable and the same every day. He does not have to be a part of the world below. That world is fast and big and loud, always changing. But below his tree are also friendly creatures who call up to him to join them in play. Kevin always says, "I can't." But one day something happens that makes him join the world below, and Kevin has to find out if he can survive out of his tree. This story is about turning "I can't" into "I can."
Our take:
This is small board book is easy for little hands to hold, with large, simple pictures and expressive characters. The text is rhyming and in varied types sizes, helping the reader know when to emphasize words and add extra expression. This can be helpful for parents and teachers to practice reading aloud. In the middle of the story comes a big change, scary for Kevin, and gentle enough that little listeners will be able to feel the tension but not be overwhelmed by it. Afterwards, like Kevin, they can enjoy the feeling of relief when all turns out well after scary things happen.
Perfect for:
This story will appeal to parents just starting their read-aloud journey, or tired parents who want help. It gives you all the hints for expression in all the right places. It offers things to point to and find. It has color, changing times of day, and odd animals to talk about. Little listeners will love the charming character of the shy koala and his challenge to change. And it can offer opportunities to discuss good things coming from hard things.
(Note: This book is one of a series of little animal stories dealing with problems that children might face. The story is for very young children, 0 to 4 years, just as story, and for children 3 to 6 years old needing a springboard for discussions of things in their lives.)
Conversation starters:
Let's find Australia on a map. How far is that from us?
Do we have these kinds of animals around us? Would you like to see some in the zoo?
What did Kevin like about his home? What do you like about your home?
Kevin did not like things that were loud or fast or big or different? Do you?
Why was Kevin afraid of change? Do you like change? What kinds? In food, or games, or friends, or places to go?
Sometimes something in life will come to us that we think is scary or hard. What can we do like Kevin to make that good?
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