I am having so enjoying Perfect Picture Book Friday lately!
I’ve read quite a few books I really love, and this one is no exception!
Get ready for some fun 😊
Title: Koala Is Not A Bear
Written By: Kristin L. Gray
Illustrated By: Rachel McAlister
Sterling Children’s Books, May 7, 2019, fiction
Suitable For Ages: 4-7
Themes/Topics: friendship, family, animals (koalas, marsupials)
Opening: “Koala had never been to camp before. Â She couldn’t wait to swim, toast marshmallows, and meet her cabinmates. Â But she’d never been away from her family, so she packed a few reminders of home…just in case.”
Brief Synopsis: When Koala arrives at camp, Grizzly tries to welcome her to the Bear Cabin, but know-it-all Kangaroo keeps insisting that despite sharp teeth and claws, warm fur, the ability to climb trees, etc. Koala is NOT a bear! Â Where does she belong?
Links To Resources: a short author’s note at the back gives a nugget of information about koala bears; Science Kids Fun Facts About Koalas; National Geographic Kids 10 Facts About Koalas; All About Koalas For Kids – Freeschool (video); Koala Themed Activities and Printables; koala cupcakes
text copyright Kristin L. Gray 2019, illustration copyright Rachel McAlister 2019
Why I Like This Book: This is such a cute story!  Even though Koala has never been to camp before, she sets off ready to join the fun.  There’s a bit of disagreement about where she belongs when she gets there, though.  Grizzly supports her staunchly.  Kangaroon argues.  And Duck goes in search of a counselor 😊 Eventually, poor Koala begins to wish she was back home with her family.  She reaches for her family photo…and suddenly finds she has a lot in common with someone else and knows exactly where she belongs.  The art is delightful and just right for the book.  Sweetly told with plenty of humor, and a poignant moment when Koala longs for the people and place where she knows she fits, this is a story anyone who has ever felt out of place will relate to.  A lovely book for any shelf!
I hope you enjoy it as much as I do 🙂
For the complete list of books with resources, please visit Perfect Picture Books.
PPBF folks, please add your titles and post-specific links (and any other info you feel like filling out 🙂 ) to the form below so we can all come see what fabulous picture books you’ve chosen to share this week!
Have a wonderful weekend, everyone!!! 🙂
Susanna Leonard Hill 
Nice!
It is super cute, Sarah! Really well done 🙂
So fun! This story sounds delightful! And just in time for CAMP! Best wishes for huge success on this wonderful story.
You will love it, Diana! Check it out! 🙂
This looks adorable with a great message, too.
I will have to read this book. I never felt like I fit in at camp when I was younger and maybe Koala can solve my angst after all these years!!
This looks wonderful. Thanks for sharing.
I admire how Koala embraces this new experience. Painters are coming to my house today, and I am NOT planning to embrace this at all. I am planning to hide the whole time they’re working. #seeyalater
Love and licks,
Cupcake
Cam’t wait to read this one. Thanks for sharing.
This looks like it has great layers to explore. I love books that new ideas to unpack on each reading,
This looks like such a cute book. Can’t wait to read it.
Such a great plot line. And the illustrations are adorable.
This sounds like a sweet book about discovering where you belong.
What a fun story – can’t wait to read it! I can totally identify with koala….
I love how funny and helpful this is for little zoologists (and those who will never be zoologists). Koala needs to get this straightened out once and for all! It does, indeed, look perfect. Going to find a copy straight away! Thanks, Susanna!
Cute story premise. Can’t wait to read it!
Sounds sweet. Thank you.
This looks so fun! I’m going to look for it!
Cute storyline. Got to check this one out.