Koala Lou



Last updated Tuesday, July 25, 2006

Author: Mem Fox
Date of Publication: 1989
ISBN: 0152005021
Grade Level: Kindergarten    (GLCs: Click here for grade level guidelines.)
Date(s) Used: Aug. 2006

Synopsis: Koala Lou's mother becomes so busy raising her family that she forgets to tell her first born how much she loves her. So Koala Lou enters the Bush Olympics, determined to win an event and her mother's love at the same time. Full color.

Discussion topics for before reading:
•  Where do koalas live? Find Australia on the map.
•  Have you ever seen a koala? What are some other animals that live in Australia?
•  A koala is a marsupial, just like a kangaroo. The mother carries her babies in a pocket on her tummy.
•  How many siblings do you have? Are you older or younger than they are?
•  Do you know anything about the Olympics? What? What about the World Cup?
•  Do you play any sports? Have you ever been in a competition? How do you feel when you win or lose? After discussing the ?before reading? questions, read to the page where Koala Lou starts her training. Have the kids get up and do some ?exercises? of their own. Then sit back down and read some more. Ham it up.

Discussion topics for during/after reading:
•  How does Koala Lou feel when she loses?
•  What does her mother tell her?
•  How does Koala Lou feel at the end of the book?

Craft ideas:
•  Make medals for the Olympics. Make hats. Each child can wear a medal and a hat. Have a parade.
•  Make a koala mask out of construction paper.

*Note: These craft ideas are just suggestions. You can use them, but you don't have to use them. You can expand upon them, or add your own twist. Remember, though, that the focus of your time should not be on the development and execution of a craft; the focus should be on the read-aloud and the enjoyment of the book!