by Mem Fox

readability 2, read aloud kindergarten

Koala Lou forgets how much her mother loves her as new children are born into the family. So to “regain” her mother’s love she decides to win the gum tree climbing event at the Bush Olympics. The thought of her mother saying “Koala Lou, I DO love you.” keeps her going through the rigorous training and finally she is ready for the race. Will she win the race and and her mother’s love? This is touching story with emotion filled pictures that reminds us all the power of unconditional love.

There are many drawings of animals in this book that only live in Australia. Identify the “strange” animals and visit an on-line zoo. Draw pictures of your favourites.