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.  She couldn’t wait to swim, toast marshmallows, and meet her cabinmates.  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!  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

 

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!!! 🙂