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Koala Lou
In this beautifully illustrated and fun-filled picture book, a young koala competes for her mother's heart when a new sibling is on the way--only to discover that families come in all shapes and sizes, and that there is no second place when it comes to love. Perfect for growing families or as a baby shower gift.
When Koala Lou’s mother becomes so busy that she forgets to tell her firstborn how much she loves her, Koala Lou enters the Bush Olympics, intending to win an event and her mother’s love all at one time. Filled with charming art and featuring a heartwarming story about family, read the classic that's been called, “a first-rate choice for bedtime, story hour, or reading aloud.”--The Horn Book.
When Koala Lou’s mother becomes so busy that she forgets to tell her firstborn how much she loves her, Koala Lou enters the Bush Olympics, intending to win an event and her mother’s love all at one time. Filled with charming art and featuring a heartwarming story about family, read the classic that's been called, “a first-rate choice for bedtime, story hour, or reading aloud.”--The Horn Book.
32 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1988
16 people are currently reading
637 people want to read
About the author
Mem Fox
128 books425 followersMerrion Frances Fox is an Australian writer of children's books and an educationalist specialising in literacy. Fox has been semi-retired since 1996, but she still gives seminars and lives in Adelaide, South Australia.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 217 reviews
December 30, 2012
Oh, Mem Fox. I'm really not sure about the message this book sends to children. I *think* it is supposed to be that trying is more important than succeeding and that your parents will love you even if you fail. What it actually says is that working mothers ignore and neglect their children and that the only way to get affection from them is to tear yourself apart trying to impress them, and then you might get one precious moment of attention.
Awfully depressing and awfully woman-blaming. It actually made me cry, and not in the good way.
The illustrations are lovely, though - they earned the two stars.
Awfully depressing and awfully woman-blaming. It actually made me cry, and not in the good way.
The illustrations are lovely, though - they earned the two stars.
December 26, 2017
There's virtually nothing Mem Fox has written that I won't read and this book is no exception.
Koala Lou is a sweet natured, content baby koala secure in the love of her mama who tell her everyday "Koala Lou I DO love you!" But the years pass and Lou now has baby brother's and sisters who take up lots of mama's time so she no longer has time to tell Lou how much she loves her, though she loves her just the same.
Koala Lou decides if she had win the gum tree climbing event at the Bush Olympics her mama will be so proud that of course she catch koala Lou in her arms and cry "Koala Lou I DO love you" again! SO she trains and trains, determined to earn her mama's love again.
Of course what Koala Lou doesn't realize is even if she can't always find the time to say it her mama loves her just as much as she always has.
This is a wonderful, funny, and warm reminder for all kiddos and their parents that love can be expressed and shared in a million different ways and isn't something that needs to be proved. Its full of Fox's always wonderful comical and warm story telling style and delightful, pastel illustrations of hilarious koala's and other marvelous inhabitants of the Australian Bush.
This book is a straight up delight.
Koala Lou is a sweet natured, content baby koala secure in the love of her mama who tell her everyday "Koala Lou I DO love you!" But the years pass and Lou now has baby brother's and sisters who take up lots of mama's time so she no longer has time to tell Lou how much she loves her, though she loves her just the same.
Koala Lou decides if she had win the gum tree climbing event at the Bush Olympics her mama will be so proud that of course she catch koala Lou in her arms and cry "Koala Lou I DO love you" again! SO she trains and trains, determined to earn her mama's love again.
Of course what Koala Lou doesn't realize is even if she can't always find the time to say it her mama loves her just as much as she always has.
This is a wonderful, funny, and warm reminder for all kiddos and their parents that love can be expressed and shared in a million different ways and isn't something that needs to be proved. Its full of Fox's always wonderful comical and warm story telling style and delightful, pastel illustrations of hilarious koala's and other marvelous inhabitants of the Australian Bush.
This book is a straight up delight.
September 20, 2011
This is the first book I have read from Mem Fox, one of my favorite authors, that didn't quite convince me. The story is about a lovely koala named Koala Lou who seems to feel like she isn't getting enough love from her mom. Her family has grown and her mom is pretty busy, so she seems to forget to tell Koala Lou, as often as she did before, that she loves her. Koala Lou decides to enter the Bush Olympics to get her mother's attention. She does not win, but her mom, of course tells her she loves her.
Now, the reason it didn't quite convince me is because of the message it seems to portray, that you have to "outshine" others to get the attention you want. It seemed to imply some level of jealousy and say that it is fine, just work harder to get what you want.
On a separate point I noticed that the illustrations enhanced the story capturing things that are were not seen in the text. The illustrator, on occasion, framed the drawing, but let some aspect of the drawing go out of the frame giving it depth. The illustrations were good, but seemed uni-dimensional to me.
Now, the reason it didn't quite convince me is because of the message it seems to portray, that you have to "outshine" others to get the attention you want. It seemed to imply some level of jealousy and say that it is fine, just work harder to get what you want.
On a separate point I noticed that the illustrations enhanced the story capturing things that are were not seen in the text. The illustrator, on occasion, framed the drawing, but let some aspect of the drawing go out of the frame giving it depth. The illustrations were good, but seemed uni-dimensional to me.
August 26, 2017
I loved the illustrations in this book! The story itself had some great moments-Mama Koala loves Koala Lou no matter what and Koala Lou works hard to accomplish her goal-however, I didn't like that the story seems to say the parents who have multiple children neglect the older children once younger ones are born.
July 30, 2014
Book 6, Day 6 - Mini Family Classics from News Limited.
First published in 1988.
30ish pages
Author: Mem Fox
Illustrator: Pamela Lofts
When you ask an Aussie to name an iconic children's picture book author, Mem Fox's name will appear 9 times out of 10. And if you ask this hypothetical person to name one of her books? It'll probably be "Possum Magic"; but "Koala Lou" would come a close second.
Born in Australia, educated in Africa and England, now based in South Australia, Fox's books demonstrate her love of Australia, it's animals and people, but also the blending of lives and cultures, the acceptance of difference, and unconditional love. Fox has made a study of childhood literacy and actively encourages reading to pre-school children to develop a love for Books, but also reminds us (the adults) that we should love books, too.
"Koala Lou" is a beautiful, poetic book full of Australian flavour. The repeated line, "Koala Lou, I DO love you", embodies what is important and valuable in a children's book - love, self-belief, rhyme, and memorability.
An Australian children's classic which will never age.
Pamela Lofts,
Alice springs based illustrator, Pamela Lofts, collaborated on three Mem Fox books, including "Hunwick's Egg" for which she received critical acclaim. She passed away in July 2012.
Extras
- Read how Koala Lou came about - as a request from Olivia Newton John! http://www.memfox.com/koala-lou.html
- Listen to Mem Fox read "Koala Lou" http://www.memfox.net/mem-reads-aloud
- Her personal philosophy which is absorbed into many of her books: If we focus on our likenesses instead of our differences we’ll get along better whether we’re in pairs, in small groups or in nation states. Across the world we’ll be far less isolated and stupid and crass and pathetic than we tend to be much of the time. We’ll be kinder, more sensitive, more sensible, more tolerant, more helpful and more forgiving. http://www.memfox.com/philosophy.html
Age (taking into account comprehension, concentration, language):
Read aloud - 3+
Read yourself - 6+
(ISBN 9327014001207)
First published in 1988.
30ish pages
Author: Mem Fox
Illustrator: Pamela Lofts
When you ask an Aussie to name an iconic children's picture book author, Mem Fox's name will appear 9 times out of 10. And if you ask this hypothetical person to name one of her books? It'll probably be "Possum Magic"; but "Koala Lou" would come a close second.
Born in Australia, educated in Africa and England, now based in South Australia, Fox's books demonstrate her love of Australia, it's animals and people, but also the blending of lives and cultures, the acceptance of difference, and unconditional love. Fox has made a study of childhood literacy and actively encourages reading to pre-school children to develop a love for Books, but also reminds us (the adults) that we should love books, too.
"Koala Lou" is a beautiful, poetic book full of Australian flavour. The repeated line, "Koala Lou, I DO love you", embodies what is important and valuable in a children's book - love, self-belief, rhyme, and memorability.
An Australian children's classic which will never age.
Pamela Lofts,
Alice springs based illustrator, Pamela Lofts, collaborated on three Mem Fox books, including "Hunwick's Egg" for which she received critical acclaim. She passed away in July 2012.
Extras
- Read how Koala Lou came about - as a request from Olivia Newton John! http://www.memfox.com/koala-lou.html
- Listen to Mem Fox read "Koala Lou" http://www.memfox.net/mem-reads-aloud
- Her personal philosophy which is absorbed into many of her books: If we focus on our likenesses instead of our differences we’ll get along better whether we’re in pairs, in small groups or in nation states. Across the world we’ll be far less isolated and stupid and crass and pathetic than we tend to be much of the time. We’ll be kinder, more sensitive, more sensible, more tolerant, more helpful and more forgiving. http://www.memfox.com/philosophy.html
Age (taking into account comprehension, concentration, language):
Read aloud - 3+
Read yourself - 6+
(ISBN 9327014001207)
October 22, 2011
Read this book and then tell me you haven’t fallen in love with koalas. This story tackles the common feeling of not enough motherly love to go round. When Koala Lou is born EVERYONE loves her, but none as much as her Mom who reminds of the fact 100 times a day. But the inevitable happens and siblings arrive and Koala Lou wishes her mother would repeat those words. So she comes up with a plan. She will compete in the bush Olympics. Winning her event will surely assure her mother’s love (sound familiar?). Well despite all her training, Koala Lou comes in second to her rival and she runs off into the bush and cries her eyes out. Once night has fallen she creeps home and into a certain person’s warm arms and longed-for refrain! Once again, it is the simplicity that strikes me in the appeal of this story, one that every kid can relate too.
Read
March 27, 2018Koala Lou enters the bush Olympics because she misses her mother saying, "I DO love you" and thinks winning will get her love. She doesn't win, but she tries her best and her mom tells her, "I DO love you" anyway.
Honestly, I thought it was a little weird but there's a nice message in there somewhere about how trying your best is more important than winning and even if you parents seem distracted by a new baby, they still love you.
Honestly, I thought it was a little weird but there's a nice message in there somewhere about how trying your best is more important than winning and even if you parents seem distracted by a new baby, they still love you.
August 28, 2018
Koala Lou fears that she's been replaced in her mother's heart by her many siblings, so she trains to compete in the Bush Olympics to make her mama proud. The illustrations by Pamela Lofts are VERY CUTE!
June 29, 2010
Holy crap these illustrations are creepy.
January 30, 2020
I love this book. Its illustrations will captivate children's attention. This book tells a story about koala Lou and how she intends to win a sports event and her mother's love in the end. Of course, her mother loves her.
November 25, 2012
From the day she was born, all the bush animals loved soft and cuddly Koala Lou, but it was her mother who loved her the most. All day long her mother would praise her beloved baby saying, “Koala Lou, I DO love you!” But the years pass and Koala Lou’s mother has many other children that take up her time. Her mother is too busy to express her love as she used to and Koala Lou longs to hear those words again, so she decides to train to win the gum tree climbing event at the Bush Olympics. Even though she loses the event Koala Lou learns that her mother loves her, “Koala Lou, I DO love you! I always have, and I always will.”
Koala Lou’s universal desire for attention and love will be recognized by readers of all backgrounds. The message of the book is that you don’t have to do anything special, win any awards, or be the best at anything to be loved. All you have to do is be yourself. Children will feel reassured by the ending, which shows a mother’s unconditional love for her daughter. The story will be especially meaningful to older siblings who know what it feels like to share their parents with a new sibling. Fox’s storytelling voice is intimate and warm, as though she’s telling the story just for you. As the plot progresses the pacing of the book increases and by the time the Bush Olympics come around, readers will be cheering Koala Lou on as she climbs the gum tree. The repetitive refrain, “Koala Lou, I DO love you!” gives Koala Lou a tangible goal to strive for and provides a touchstone for readers as well.
The illustrations are eye-catching and appealing. Lofts utilizes blending, color, and shading to render the wide-eyed creatures and the spectacular plants of the Bush. Filled with Australian animals including, emus, kangaroos, wallabies, wombats, echidnas, platypuses, etc., Lofts’ illustrations convey the heat and sun of the Australian Bush. Lofts’ use of yellow sunlight and purple shadows, not only illustrates the time of day as described in the text, but also adds a whimsical, playful touch to Koala Lou’s world. The animals are drawn true to life, although Lofts’ gives them anthropomorphic facial expressions that convey the emotions of the story and expand the personality of Koala Lou. At times Lofts seems to break the fourth wall because some of the characters seem to be staring right into the eyes of the reader.
Full Review at Picture-Book-a-Day: http://picturebookaday.blogspot.com/2...
Koala Lou’s universal desire for attention and love will be recognized by readers of all backgrounds. The message of the book is that you don’t have to do anything special, win any awards, or be the best at anything to be loved. All you have to do is be yourself. Children will feel reassured by the ending, which shows a mother’s unconditional love for her daughter. The story will be especially meaningful to older siblings who know what it feels like to share their parents with a new sibling. Fox’s storytelling voice is intimate and warm, as though she’s telling the story just for you. As the plot progresses the pacing of the book increases and by the time the Bush Olympics come around, readers will be cheering Koala Lou on as she climbs the gum tree. The repetitive refrain, “Koala Lou, I DO love you!” gives Koala Lou a tangible goal to strive for and provides a touchstone for readers as well.
The illustrations are eye-catching and appealing. Lofts utilizes blending, color, and shading to render the wide-eyed creatures and the spectacular plants of the Bush. Filled with Australian animals including, emus, kangaroos, wallabies, wombats, echidnas, platypuses, etc., Lofts’ illustrations convey the heat and sun of the Australian Bush. Lofts’ use of yellow sunlight and purple shadows, not only illustrates the time of day as described in the text, but also adds a whimsical, playful touch to Koala Lou’s world. The animals are drawn true to life, although Lofts’ gives them anthropomorphic facial expressions that convey the emotions of the story and expand the personality of Koala Lou. At times Lofts seems to break the fourth wall because some of the characters seem to be staring right into the eyes of the reader.
Full Review at Picture-Book-a-Day: http://picturebookaday.blogspot.com/2...
September 26, 2018
Koala Lou is a beautifully illustrated, sensitively written, warm and fuzzy book about a little Koala Bear who loves to hear her mom tell her she loves her and the great lengths she goes to to hear those words from her mom.
Written by Australian born Mem Fox and illustrated by Pamela Lofts, together the two of them create a timeless, endearing book that will resonate with every child and adult. The illustrations are colored-pencils and absolutely bring the animals of Australia to life. Lofts uses borders, frames and cutouts to tell the story. The animal characters are so busy and full of life and precisely drawn. Some of the illustrations extend to the end of the page with no white space or border and some cut across the gutter perfectly.
Written by Australian born Mem Fox and illustrated by Pamela Lofts, together the two of them create a timeless, endearing book that will resonate with every child and adult. The illustrations are colored-pencils and absolutely bring the animals of Australia to life. Lofts uses borders, frames and cutouts to tell the story. The animal characters are so busy and full of life and precisely drawn. Some of the illustrations extend to the end of the page with no white space or border and some cut across the gutter perfectly.
February 21, 2019
The illustrations in this story are very important. The left side of the page almost always had the text, with illustrations on the white background, and the right side had the illustrations in a border. Sometimes the characters would be coming out of the border, sometimes everything was packed tightly into the box. When the characters are packed tightly into the box, the reader feels like a spectator, for example, watching the love between Koala Lou and her mom, whereas when the characters pop out of the borders, the reader feels as if the animals are attacking them. The story also could be useful for students who are expecting new baby siblings, so that they understand that their parents still love them.
Read
August 2, 2020Mem Fox is one of my favorite authors and I would highly recommend not only this book but others by her! This book is about learning to accept a growing family and that just because we may not be the center of attention all the time, does not mean that we are any less important. The illustrations are really detailed and pretty and look like they were made with colored pencils. The vocabulary is pretty simple so I would probably recommend this book for grades 1-3. I am not sure how I would use this as a lesson, but I think it would be a great addition to a classroom library or as a read aloud to the class.
October 16, 2019
I'm not sure how I feel about the message of the book... The idea that the mother was too busy to show love to her child may be a little too real for some children. I like the ending however because it teaches children that their mom will love them no matter what happens (if they win or lose something). My favorite part of this book were the illustrations though. I liked that one page was bordered and the other page had pictures out of frame by the words. The light almost pastel coloring of the illustrations made this a sweet and cheerful looking book.
September 17, 2020
I feel this book will best resonate with people who have large families: as more children join a family, older siblings notice that there is less focus on them. This story addresses the feelings of an older child in this situation. The moral of the story is that Koala Lou always had her mother's love, even if she can no longer be solely devoted to Koala Lou.
Families with abandonment issues should steer clear of this one, as it can bring up unintended hurt.
The colourful art features stylised native animals and beautiful plants.
Families with abandonment issues should steer clear of this one, as it can bring up unintended hurt.
The colourful art features stylised native animals and beautiful plants.
October 3, 2020
“A hundred times a day she would laugh and shake her head and say, Koala Lou, I DO love you!”
Everyone loved Koala Lou (so soft and round), especially her mother. But as new siblings arrive, Koala Lou’s mother is so busy that she can’t always take the time to tell Koala Lou how much she loves her. Koala Lou misses that interaction, so she decides to recapture her mother’s love and attention by competing in the Bush Olympics. But if she doesn’t win her event, will her mother still love her?
A reassuring story for children who have recently become older siblings.
Everyone loved Koala Lou (so soft and round), especially her mother. But as new siblings arrive, Koala Lou’s mother is so busy that she can’t always take the time to tell Koala Lou how much she loves her. Koala Lou misses that interaction, so she decides to recapture her mother’s love and attention by competing in the Bush Olympics. But if she doesn’t win her event, will her mother still love her?
A reassuring story for children who have recently become older siblings.
January 26, 2022
heyyy! Kk is for koala . 😛
December 2, 2024
The Year 2s loved this story and knew the catch phrase - good message
February 22, 2020
This book is about a Koala named Koala Lou. Her mother showed her love all the time however when Koala Lou's siblings were born her mum's attention was held up with the other siblings. Koala Lou decided to enter the Bush Olympics where she would climb a tree as fast as possible. This was so her mother could show her the attention she needed. Koala Lou came second and was very disappointed but her mother was waiting for her and gave her a big hug and told her she loved her.
March 27, 2019
I really enjoyed this book. This is a great social and emotional book. Sometimes children feel like they don't get enough attention due to their other siblings. Like many children, Koala Lou just wanted to hear her mom say, "I do love you". I think children can really connect to the character. This would be a great bonding book that parents and children to read together.
April 24, 2019
I didn't know there was a Bush Olympics in this book, so it would make a good introduction book to introduce very young children to the Olympics. It also has a good message, that mothers love their children forever and always, even when siblings come along or they get busy, and not based on performance or "being first".
September 20, 2013
When Koala Lou’s mother becomes so busy that she forgets to tell her firstborn how much she loves her, Koala Lou enters the Bush Olympics, intending to win an event and her mother’s love all at one time. “A first-rate choice for bedtime, story hour, or reading aloud.”--The Horn Book
November 20, 2017
This book made me cry at the end and I think would be good for children learning about having siblings. Harper seemed to like it ok. Beautiful pictures.
March 12, 2020
Koala Lou is a sweet, heartfelt book about a Koala who’s mother always tells her that she loves her. But over time, Koala Lou gets more and more siblings, and she starts to feel that her mother doesn’t love her anymore. Her mother is so busy taking care of her younger siblings; she no longer says how much she loves Koala Lou over and over the way she used to do. So Koala Lou decides that the only way to get her mother to say she loves her is if she competes in the Bush Olympics and wins. Only to learn in the end that her mother always loved her, but she didn’t always have the time to actually tell her because she was so busy. The message of the story is easy for a child to understand, and the book does a good job of making it clear that no matter what, mothers love their children, even busy ones. It is a good beginner reader book because there are easy words, short sentences, and a fun repeating, rhyming line, “Koala Lou, I DO love you!” throughout the book.
The illustrations are done in colored pencils, with many Australian animals in great detail, with a strong element of cuteness to them. It’s cool to see all the Australian animals, trees, and plants in the book. Some of the pages have a square frame, with most of the images inside the frame, but there are always a few things falling out of the frame, which makes what is inside and outside more noticeable. There is an especially wonderful illustration with all of the Australian animals peeking out of the frame as if they are “inside” the book, looking out. The font is all one size that is big and easy for children to read.
The illustrations are done in colored pencils, with many Australian animals in great detail, with a strong element of cuteness to them. It’s cool to see all the Australian animals, trees, and plants in the book. Some of the pages have a square frame, with most of the images inside the frame, but there are always a few things falling out of the frame, which makes what is inside and outside more noticeable. There is an especially wonderful illustration with all of the Australian animals peeking out of the frame as if they are “inside” the book, looking out. The font is all one size that is big and easy for children to read.
February 27, 2025
"Koala Lou" is a story about a young koala named Koala Lou. When Koala Lou was born, she had all of her mothers attention and her mother would say that she loved her every day. As her mom had more and more children she began saying this less and less. This made Koala Lou long for her to say it again and felt like she had to prove herself. As a result, she enters the Bush Olympics, however, comes in second place. She cries and cries until her mom comes. Her mother tells her that she loves her so much!
I really enjoyed this book because I feel like a lot of students can relate to it, especially the oldest child. It's really nice having all your mom's attention when you are younger, and you become accustomed to having it. Then, when there are more children in the picture, the attention on the first born becomes shared between all the children. This can make the oldest feel like they did something wrong and they have to prove themselves in order to be loved again. I would use this book in my classroom because it shows how love in a family should be unconditional, even if it is not voiced all the time.
I really enjoyed this book because I feel like a lot of students can relate to it, especially the oldest child. It's really nice having all your mom's attention when you are younger, and you become accustomed to having it. Then, when there are more children in the picture, the attention on the first born becomes shared between all the children. This can make the oldest feel like they did something wrong and they have to prove themselves in order to be loved again. I would use this book in my classroom because it shows how love in a family should be unconditional, even if it is not voiced all the time.
April 22, 2020
Koala Lou is a Koala who is loved by many animals and especially her mom. When her mother has more koala baby’s, Koala Lu stops receiving the attention she used to get. This upsets Koala Lu. She joins a race and sees her mother in the crowd. Hoping to hear her mother yell “I love you Koala Lu”. The race is over, and Koala Lu gets 2nd place. She is heartbroken. Her mother reaches her and tell her she loves her. I enjoyed reading this story. The illustrations popped out and fit the story well. I like how the illustrator showed the animals texture of fur. What I didn’t like was the story line. I thought it jumped from one thing to another making it not make sense to me. I understand she missed her mother’s attention, but she didn’t have to do all of that. This book can teach students that they are always going to be loved by their parents regardless of attention or not. Great book for read aloud and bed time stories.
September 26, 2018
The illustrations on this book were really good. I like the expression Koala Lou made, it went perfectly with what the story was narrating.I feel like the message was no matter what your parents will always be proud of you and love you even if you don't hear it enough. I find this book a little corny but then again its for children and I think it sends a good message. Also another message I found was when Lou went against the fastest Koala. It proves that no matter how much better anyone is, you shouldn't hold back from trying anything new. Focus on your goals and do not compare someones chapter 4 to your chapter 1.
June 21, 2021
Most beautiful book with a lovely message to kids of all ages, that no matter you win or lose, whether she says or not, Mum will always love you. Tears welled up in my eyes when my elder one was reading it with me, I could relate the koala mum with me and my kid to Lou. It's so important for parents to take out just a minute in a day to tell their children"I love you" and we have no idea that it means the World to kids.
Thanks for spreading this beautiful message to the readers through your amazing little book Mrs. Men Fox💖
Thanks for spreading this beautiful message to the readers through your amazing little book Mrs. Men Fox💖
September 10, 2023
Back in the good old days, Koala Lou was the only child. She often heard, "I love you."
Ever since then, so many other kids. All of them lay claim to her mother's affection. What can she do? Koala Lou competes in a contest, trying so very hard to be the fastest to climb up a gum tree. Maybe then her mother will say "I love you."
Only Koala Lou loses that particular contest. What can she do now?
There's such a happy ending. Read it for yourself, Goodreaders. This is a splendid picture book.
Ever since then, so many other kids. All of them lay claim to her mother's affection. What can she do? Koala Lou competes in a contest, trying so very hard to be the fastest to climb up a gum tree. Maybe then her mother will say "I love you."
Only Koala Lou loses that particular contest. What can she do now?
There's such a happy ending. Read it for yourself, Goodreaders. This is a splendid picture book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 217 reviews