Koala Koala

by John Williamson

Illustrated by Jonathan Bentley

Published by Puffin ( Penguin Random House)
ISBN 9781761344244

This enjoyable picture book about our now, sadly, endangered koalas, based on the popular song by iconic Aussie entertainer John Williamson.

The illustrations, especially the expressions on the koalas enhance the story for ages 5 to 7 years as they become aware of the life of koalas and how they rely on gum trees for their food, eating the leaves.

They will also discover gum trees are essential as their homes. Kids will find out why koalas have hard bottoms and why they love to sit in the fork of a tree.

Easy to understand and find key aspects of the bush where koalas live in the colourful illustrations, readers will also see what happens when a bush fire endangers their safety, their homes and the whole local koala population. They will also see the simple things that they can do to help a koala and find out what the Koala Conservation Australia, based in Port Macquarie is doing to help grow the koala population once more.

This is a most delightful and informative picture book for younger kids to have at home, for pre and primary schools and libraries.

The author

John Williamson, an Australian Icon, his entertainment career spans more than fifty years,with sales of over 5 million albums. His unofficial anthems, funny and tender ballads and tributes to unsung heroes have captured the spirit of the nation in song more than any other performer. He remains one of the most in-demand live performers in Australia. His fiftieth album, Honest People, was released in 2014 at the same time as his autobiography, and in 2018 he released his fifty-first, Butcherbird. Three songs from his popular JW’s Family Album have been made into delightful, entertaining picture books for children, along with a beautiful new song and book written as an anthem to the sea.

The illustrator

Jonathan Bentley has illustrated over fifty books for authors including, Shaun Micallef, Margaret Wild, Patrick Guest, Andrew Daddo, Lian Tanner, Glenda Millard, P. Crumble and Jo Kasch. He has also written and illustrated eleven of his own. Jon won the NSW Premier's Literary Award 2020 and the Tasmanian Premier's Literary Award 2022, and also shortlisted for the Prime Minister’s Literary award, CBCA awards, an ABIA award, and the White Raven, all for picture books.

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