Dad and I
find an injured koala on our property …
Dad says
keeping koalas safe will be a big job.
I need a
plan and help from some friends …’
There is so
much to digest and reflect upon in this book – for everyone, not just picture
book aged readers.
We are taken along for the ride as an injured koala is found, a little girl comes up with a big plan to help the wider koala community, and a country town comes up with the goods to support this happening.
Told against the backdrop of an Australian town, with characters that shine and illustrations to pore over at every retelling, One Koala One Hundred Trees is a story for all ages.
The soft
Australian colour palette rendered in pencil and wash (my very favourite), is
perfect for this story. The subtlety of contrast does take the eyes a little
getting used to, but once acclimatised to the gentle colours, these
illustrations reveal their magnificence.
And their
power! And their playfulness, layering, delight, expansion … There is great
satisfaction to be derived from reading the language of a particular artist,
and the movement, texture and dappled Australian country light in this book are
just stunning.
Do keep a special eye out for Dad, standing under a teeny tiny umbrella getting drenched, while the kids doss about in a puddle under his over-sized umbrella. Just delightful.
The weaving
of information through this story adds another layer of depth and meaning, as
does the fact that proceeds from the book’s sale will support the Australian
Koala Foundation.
So much to
love about this one. Give yourself some immersion time.
Highly recommended.
Title: One Koala One Hundred TreesAuthor: Leesa Allinson
Illustrators: Heather Potter & Mark Jackson
Publisher: Wild Dog, $24.99
Publication Date: 1 September 2025
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9781742036854
For Ages: 3+
Type: Picture Book
