Module 3 Hispanic/Latinx Literature

 

McCall, G.G. (2011). Under the Mesquite. Lee and Low Books. ISBN: 978-1600604294.

Plot Summary

Lupita is the oldest of 8 siblings living in a border town on the United States side. Her family often goes back to the small town in Mexico where she was born to visit family. Lupita is a quiet girl who loves writing and acting. Her life is pretty normal until her mother, the rock of the family, is diagnosed with cancer. Now while her father takes care of her mother Lupita is forced to take on new roles in her family. She is taking care of her siblings and taking care of household chores all while juggling school and her own life. Lupita uses her writing to deal with the fear of losing her mother to cancer and the chaos of her life.

Analysis

This story is inspired by the author's own story and written in verse. This story is a coming of age book that shows the love that family has for one another. Lupita is strong and committed to her family and takes on adult roles to help her father cope with her mother’s illness.. This story has many references to culture through language, family structure, location, and clothing. Sprinkled throughout many of the poems are Spanish words, which adds an authenticity to the poems. There is also a section at the back of the book that has names, Spanish words, and cultural references for the reader to refer to while reading the story. The author also talks about many towns in Mexico that the family travels to. The characters discuss going back and forth across the border and the cultural differences between the United States and Mexico. Lupita also discusses what it means to be a woman in Mexico, floral dresses, heels, makeup, and how she prefers to be more American in jeans and sneakers. This novel in verse gives the readers a peek into the life of a family who love and support each other as well as their struggles with being immigrants.

Reviews

A promising, deeply felt debut. --Kirkus Reviews

This stunning debut novel in verse chronicles the teenage years of Lupita, a character drawn largely from the author's own childhood...The simplicity of the story line belies the deep richness of McCall's writing. Lupita, a budding actress and poet, describes the new English words she learned as a child to be like lemon drops, tart and sweet at the same time and ears of corn as sweating butter and painted with chili-powdered lime juice. Each phrase captures the essence of a moment or the depth of her pain. The power of Lupita's story lies also in the authenticity of her struggles both large and small, from dealing with her mother's illness to arguments with friends about acculturation. This book will appeal to many teens for different reasons, whether they have dealt with the loss of a loved one, aspire to write and act, are growing up Mexican American, or seeking their own identity amid a large family. Bravo to McCall for a beautiful first effort. --School Library Journal

Connections

Pura Belpre Award Winner

Other books by Guadalupe Garcia McCall include: The Keeper, All the Stars Denied, and Summer of the Mariposas. 

Morales, Y. (2014) Frida. Roaring Brook Press. ISBN: 978-1596436039

Plot Summary

This picture book tells of the wonderful qualities of Frida Kahlo. She talks about her emotions and how that leads her to be alive and live life fully.

Analysis

This beautiful picture book is written in both English and Spanish. Some pictures are stop motion photographs of a doll to represent Frida and the things around her that she loves, others appear to be illustrations. Each two page spread has one or two verbs on it to describe where Frida finds her inspiration. The English words are bold and the Spanish translation is lighter behind the English. This book shows diversity through the images as well as the language. The character of Frida is dressed in traditional Mexican clothing to show her culture. Also included in this book is a note from the author in the back telling more about Frida herself. This note is written in both English and Spanish.

Reviews

“In this exploration of the imagery of artist Frida Kahlo, brief two- or three-word sentences provide dreamlike narration, and mixed-media images follow Frida as she discovers and opens a bright yellow wooden chest, releasing a fantasy in which playfulness leads to a knowledge, love, creativity, and ultimately, to her embrace of life.” ―BCCB

“*There have been several books for young readers about Frida Kahlo, but none has come close to the emotional aesthetic Morales brings to her subjects . . . an ingenious tour de force.” ―The Horn Book, STARRED REVIEW

“*Kahlo's unusual life story, background, and art have made her a frequent topic of biographies. Morales's perception of her creative process results in a fresh, winning take on an artist who has rarely been understood . . . Morales's art and O'Meara's photographs take this book to another level.” ―School Library Journal, STARRED REVIEW

Connections

A 2015 Caldecott Honor Book

A 2015 Pura Belpré (Illustrator) Award

Other books by Yuyi Morales include: Dreamers, Bright Star, and Little Night/ Nochecita.

Mora, P. (2007). Yum! MmMm! Que rico! Lee and Low Books. ISBN: 978-1584302711

Lopez, Rafael. 2007. Yum! MmMm! Que rico! By Pat Mora, Lee and Low Books. 

Plot Summary

This collection of haiku poems tells about foods native to the Americas. These poems capture the look and taste of each of the foods they are describing.

Analysis

This collection of poems is written in haiku. On each two page spread is a poem as well as a portion of text giving readers facts about each food. This includes the food's origin and other fun facts. Diversity is found throughout this collection with language and illustrations. Spanish words are included in several of the poems. Also, many of the food originated in South America so that is depicted in the clothes the people wear in the illustrations. The people in the pictures are of all different skin tones and the families are diverse. The beautiful illustrations are acrylic on wood panels and brightly colored to add fun to the poems. This bright and fun collection of poems is perfect for any library collection.

Reviews

  "This inventive stew of food haiku celebrates the indigenous foods of the Americas." --Booklist

"Mora's descriptive poetry features wonderful word choices and gets it right to the essence of each food...Perfect for sharing as part of the curriculum or just for fun." --Book Links

"Teachers will find this a welcome addition to their social-studies units, but it should also win a broad general audience for its inventive, fun-filled approach to an ever-popular topic: food." --School Library Journal

"In this cross-curricular treat, imaginative...acrylic illustrations...are paired with playful haikus and a paragraph of information to introduce 14 foods indigenous to the Americas..." --SLJ Curriculum Connections

Connections

Other books by Pat Mora include: Tomas and the Library Lady, Chants, and The Beautiful Lady: Our Lady of Guadalupe.   

Sanchez, E. (2017). I am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter. Alfred A. Knopf. ISBN:

978-1-5247-0048-5.

Plot Summary

Julia is not a perfect Mexican daughter, She wants to go away to college and move away from her family. The perfect daughter is her sister Olga, that is until she dies. Julia’s family is devastated by grief and Julia is left to fend for herself even though she too is struggling. In the midst of her grief Julia discovers that Olga may not have been so perfect all along. With the help of her best friend and her first boyfriend Julia sets out to discover the truth.

Analysis

This book is a coming of age story about a young Mexican girl with immigrant parents who are undocumented. The character of Julia is rough and gritty but painfully honest about how she feels about her so-called “crappy” life. Julia is also dealing with severe depression and anxiety which is exacerbated by her sister's death. This leads Julia to self harm. There are many references to the characters' culture in this novel. Julia’s mother often speaks Spanish to her so many of the phrases in the book are in Spanish with Julia explaining what they mean. The author also talks about a quinceanera, which is a Mexican tradition for when a girl becomes a woman at age 15. The author also tells about Julia going to visit family in Mexico and the culture of the small town her grandparents live in. They discuss the importance of extended family and the hardship of not being able to visit across the border due to money and visas. The author does a great job telling about the hardships of being a poor immigrant in the United States. The author also shows you how hard work can pay off by having Julia’s character ultimately get what she wants through hard work and perseverance. Overall this book is a gritty but honest story of the realities of being poor and an immigrant. Everyone should read this book.

Reviews

  “This book will change everything. . . . A perfect book about imperfection.” —Juan Felipe Herrera, Poet Laureate of the United States

 

“A wonderfully complex and interesting character.” —Los Angeles Review of Books

 

“Blistering. Julia’s persona rockets off the page and into your face from the get-go.” —Christian Science Monitor

 

“If you ever wanted to [understand] the harsh truths of immigrant life, this is the book you need to read.” —Bustle

Connections

National Book Award Finalist!

Instant New York Times Bestseller!

Other books by Erika L. Sanchez include: Crying in the Bathroom: A Memoir and Lessons on Expulsion: Poems.

Module 2 Black/African American literature

 

Nelson, K. (2013). Nelson Mandela. Katherine Tegen Books. ISBN:978-0061783746.

Plot Summary

Nelson Mandela grew up in South Africa and was the smartest child out of his thirteen brothers and sisters. When Nelson’s father died he was sent away to live with a powerful chief so that he could continue his schooling. Nelson was then surrounded by powerful men and learned about the history and politics of South Africa. This inspired Nelson to view the world around him more clearly and to fight for the injustices that he saw. Nelson became a lawyer and continued his fight to right the wrongs around him. Eventually Nelson became wanted by the government and later was sent to prison. When Nelson was finally freed he became the first black president of South Africa.

Anaylasis

This beautifully written biography of Nelson Mandela is written in free verse. The story uses African language such as the rallying cry of “Amandia!” and “Ngawethu!” which is the South African version of “power to the people”. Also referenced are the various tribes that live in the region such as Thembu, Pondo, Xhosa, and Zulu. This story gives young readers a peek at Nelson’s life, what apartheid is, and how it affected the people of South Africa. Nelson fought for change and is an inspirational person for young readers to learn about. The illustrations are breathtaking and add life to the biography. The cover is a full page portrait of Nelson and is undisturbed by the title and author which was moved to the back cover. The title page uses the colors of the South African flag to add to the culture of the story. Also included in the back of the book is an Author’s note with more facts about Nelson’s life. This inspirational story is a perfect addition to any library.

Reviews

“A beautifully designed book that will resonate with children and the adults who wisely share it with them.” — Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

“An extremely powerful picture-book biography of South Africa’s first black president. It’s a solid biography in its own right, but thanks to Nelson’s characteristically stunning paintings, it soars.” — Publishers Weekly (starred review)

“A dramatic encounter indeed.” — Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books

“This picture-book biography matches Mandela’s outsize achievements with large, powerful images, resulting in a presentation that will seize and hold readers’ attention.” — School Library Journal

Connections

Coretta Scott King Honor Award 

Other books by Kadir Nelson include: If You Plant a Seed, Baby Bear, and Heart and Soul: The Story of America and African Americans. 

Pinkney, A.D. (2010). Sit-In How Four Friends Stood Up by Sitting Down. Little, Brown

 and Company. ISBN: 9780316070164. 

Plot Summary

This story tells of four courageous boys who use peace to stand up for their rights. David, Joseph, Franklin, and Ezell sit politely at the Woolworth’s counter in Greensboro, North Carolina and wait to be served. Segregation laws make it impossible for them to eat at the counter and they are refused service. The young men use the words of Dr. King to give them the strength to stand up for what is right. Eventually others join their cause both black and white, fighting for equal rights. This act helped to fuel the Civil Rights movement which led to the end of segregation.

Analysis

This picture book is written in free verse and tells the story of the historic sit-in protest to integrate the Woolworth’s lunch counter. Beautifully written with Dr. King quotes sprinkled throughout. The author also uses bolded text to highlight important quotes and phrases throughout the story. A recipe metaphor is used to describe the protestors recipe for integration. The stunning illustrations are done in watercolor with black line drawings completing the scenes. The theme of the story is about standing up and doing what is right, peacefully. The students never used violence even though violence was used on them. The characters in the story are African American and their culture is represented through the story of fighting for their right to be treated equally. Also included in the back of the book is a Civil Rights timeline which gives facts about the Civil Rights movement. There is also “A Final Helping” section which goes along with the recipe metaphor and discusses other Civil Rights activists and more about the author's thoughts on the movement and writing this story.

Reviews

School Library Journal Starred Review. Grade 3–6—Through effectively chosen words, Andrea Pinkney brings understanding and meaning to what four black college students accomplished on February 1, 1960, by sitting down at a Woolworth lunch counter in Greensboro, NC. Her repeated phrase, "Their order was simple. A doughnut and coffee with cream on the side," along with other food metaphors, effectively emphasizes the men's determination to undo the injustices of segregation in a peaceful protest, which eventually led up to the 1966 Supreme Court ruling against racial discrimination. With swirling swabs of color that masterfully intertwine with sometimes thin, sometimes thick lines, Brian Pinkney cleverly centers the action and brings immediacy to the pages. Both the words and the art offer many opportunities for discussion. The book concludes with a civil rights time line and an update on the aftermath of the lunch-counter struggle.—Barbara Elleman

Connections

Other books by Andrea Davis Pinkney include: The Red Pencil, Bright, Brown Baby, and Bird in a Box. 

Thomas, Angie. (2021). Concrete Rose. Balzer and Bray. ISBN: 978-0062846716

Plot Summary

Maverick Carter is trying his best to be a real man and take care of his family while his father is away in prison. Maverick runs with the same gang his father ran with called the King Lords which only makes his life more complicated. Especially because he just found out that he is a father and he has not only his mother depending on him but his son Seven as well. Maverick has to decide between going straight or selling drugs to provide for his family. Also, there is finishing high school and his relationship with Lisa, his girlfriend, which has its own problems that he must deal with. Then the unthinkable happens, a tragedy that hits too close to home. Maverick teeters between right and wrong and really learns what it means to be a father and take care of your family.

Analysis

This story is the prequel to The Hate U Give and is the coming of age story of Maverick. The characters in this story are black and the readers get a glimpse into the black culture. This is noted with the language/dialect that is used and also references to family culture and the daily life of a person who is black. There are also references to music such as Tupac as well as references to hairstyles and the complexity to care for black hair. The author also notes how black people are treated by the police, Maverick talks about how his parents taught him what to do when pulled over and how to not stay out too late when not in their neighborhood. The character of Maverick is complex and real, helping his mother with the bills, taking care of one child and another on the way. He takes you through the daily struggle of trying to make the right choices but the odds are always stacked against you. Readers will empathize with Maverick’s struggle and his story will open the door to conversations about race and compassion for others. This novel is a powerful story and a much needed addition to every library.

Reviews

“Thomas brings her trademark wit, nostalgic love of the 1990s and all things R&B and hip-hop, and her penchant for heartfelt characterization to this first-person exploration of Maverick Carter’s coming-of-age.” — Publishers Weekly (starred review)

“This is the perfect example of a narrative that straddles the beauty and pain of belonging and having the courage to make your own choices…. Thomas writes with a depth of humor and clarity that really allows readers to bond with the characters.” — School Library Journal (starred review)

"Authentic to the point of heartbreak, Maverick’s voice is earnest as he wrestles with his decisions. Fans of Thomas’s work will not be disappointed in this intense portrayal of this phase in the Carter family’s story." — Horn Book (starred review)

Connections

Other books by Angie Thomas include: The Hate U Give, On the Come Up, and Black Out. 

Grimes, N. (1999). My Man Blue. Dial. ISBN: 978-0803723269. 

Lagarrigue, Jerome. 1999. My Man Blue by Nikki Grimes. Dial. ISBN: 978-0803723269.

Plot Summary

This beautifully written collection of poems tells about a boy and a man named Blue. Blue is his mother’s old friend but Damon isn’t sure about Blue. Blue wears sunglasses day and night and looks like a heavyweight boxing machine. Over time Blue becomes a steady influence in Damon’s life. Blue lost his son to the streets and wants to ensure that he doesn’t lose Damon too. Blue spends time with Damon and teaches him how to be a strong person and to do what is right. Damon knows that he always has Blue in his corner.

Analysis

The story of Damon and Blue is told in 14 individual poems. The characters in this book are black and portray the black inner city culture. This is shown in the references to the gold teeth, style of dress, and the illustrations of the inner city. The author also tells how Blue lost his son to “the streets” and how he wants to protect Damon since he was too late for his son. Damon also talks about a shooting at his school and the daily fear that he lives with. The overall story in these poems is the bond that Damon and Blue develop and how Blue keeps him safe and teaches him to be his own person. The vibrant illustrations are done in acrylic paintings. They are softly blurred and depict the grittiness of city living. This book is a perfect addition to any library.

Reviews

This against-the-odds book from Grimes (Jazmin's Notebook, 1998, etc.) tells of an African-American boy living in a neighborhood that cuts him no slack, and the man who helps keep his feet grounded and his self-esteem steady against the occasional buffeting of his peers. Damon and his mother have just moved to a new apartment when an old friend of the mother's introduces himself: Blue, a rather steely character wrapped in shades and enigma. Damon (who has just lost his father) is wary of Blue; he gives the man a chance only when it becomes evident that Blue is not about to move in on Damon's home turf. Blue (who ``had'' a son, now lost to the streets or worse) offers advice of haiku-like simplicity, teaching Damon to be his own man: anger is a dangerous waste, fear useless unless subverted, men don't hit women. Grimes gets across more subtle life lessons as well in both rhymed and unrhymed verse, on the dignity of work, and the sheer physical pleasure of sport when competition isn't the sole motivating factor. It is a story of a boy who is old for his age, but not callousand perhaps saved from callousness by Blue. Lagarrigue's illustrations are brooding gardens of color that hold the forces of disorder and menace at bay, while Damon's cool earnestnessas well as his courage and independencebrighten each page. Kirkus Reviews

A great picture book for older readers. -- Booklist, starred review

Heartfelt poems and deeply-hued paintings -- Publishers Weekly, starred review

Connections

Other books by Nikki Grimes include: Words with Wings, Glory in the Margins: Sunday Poems, and Ordinary Hazards.

Module 1 Multicultural/International Literature

 

Peretti, P. (2018). The Distance between Me and the Cherry Tree. Atheneum Books

for Young Readers.  ISBN: 9781534439627 

Plot Summary

Mafalda is an average girl who likes to play soccer, count the stars, and climb her favorite cherry tree. However there is one thing about her that is not average, she is slowly going blind. As she descends into the darkness she starts to notice people treating her differently and she doesn’t like it. In order to avoid the changes she decides to go live in the cherry tree by the school she attends. Through this journey of going “into the dark” Malfalda starts to see the light and learns more about life than she expected.

Analysis

This story takes place in Italy and references an Italian book The Baron in the Trees. The main character Mafalda is slowly going blind and in order to cope with this as well as the loss of her grandmother she talks to Cosimo, a character in The Baron in the Trees nightly almost as a prayer. From this story that was beloved by her father she gets the idea to run away and live in the cherry tree. Throughout the story there are references to Italian culture, such as names and activities. Mafalda also makes friends with Estella the school janitor who is a Romanian immigrant and her cousin's girlfriend is Indian which adds to the diversity of the book.

Another aspect of this book is the fact that Mafalda has Stargardt disease which is also what the author of this book has. It gives readers a perspective of what it might be like to slowly go blind. Mafalda shows readers that she is scared of what is happening to her but the people surrounding her support her and often tell her to never give up. This story is heartbreaking but necessary to develop empathy for the visually impared community.

Reviews

 "A quiet, philosophical story for thoughtful readers." -- Kirkus Reviews

"Peretti provides a tunnel of light for readers to reach for." -- Booklist

"A great opportunity to teach empathy and understanding." ― School Library Connection

Connections

Recipient of a Batchelder Honor

Video Clip of the Author discussing this book and her inspiration.  

Ferrada, M. J. (2018). Mexique: A Refugee Story from the Spanish Civil War. Eerdmans

Books for Young Readers. ISBN: 978-0-8028-5545-9

Penyas, Ana. 2018. Mexique: A Refugee Story from the Spanish Civil War by Maria Jose Ferrada. Eerdmans Books for Young Readers. ISBN: 978-0-8028-5545.

Plot Summary

In 1937 the ship the Mexique sailed from France to Mexico carrying hundreds of children trying to escape the Spanish civil war. The children were sent alone with no parents into the waiting arms of Mexicans who were sympathetic to their cause. This story shares the journey through a child's eyes. The children were told that the trip would just be like an extra long summer vacation that later turned into forever for many of the children.

Analysis

This story takes a closer look at the experience of refugee children. It depicts the journey that Spanish children took to escape the civil war in their country. It shows the older children having to care for the younger ones and the kids playing games that show the toll the war has taken on them. Children crying out in their sleep and the very long journey to a safe place that they will never return from tug at the reader's heart strings. The illustrator uses dark muted grays with an occasional splash of red to depict the somber tone of the story. The illustrations seem to be done in pencil with basic images. Also included in the back of the book is an afterword that gives the reader more information about the journey that these children had to embark on as well as the unfortunate fact that most of the children never returned to their homeland of Spain. This story gives the reader empathy for refugees and the struggle that this group of people experienced.

Reviews

Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

“Specific yet universal in its narration, this makes the refugee experience accessible to young readers.”

Booklist

“In commemoration of a lesser-known predecessor to WWII’s Kindertransport, this atmospheric import recalls a 1937 voyage in which the titular ship carried 456 children of Spanish Republicans to safety in Mexico for, supposedly, a brief stay. Ferrada, a Chilean writer, takes the voice (if not the language) of a younger child for her terse, poetic narrative: ‘War is a huge hand that shakes you / and throws you onto a ship.’ Working from period photos for her illustrations, Penyas uses a dark, somber palette to portray downcast children trooping aboard a ship made small on a broad ocean, being welcomed in Veracruz, and then taking a train for Morelia, a city in Michoacán where, due to the outcome of the Spanish Civil War, most were to remain until at least 1948.”

Publishers Weekly

“A sobering contribution to the history of Spanish-speaking people in North America, and a memorial to a little-known group of refugees.”

The Horn Book Magazine

“Although the specifics of the story are clearly historical, there is a universality to them that connects these pages ot the tale of every child sent away from home for safety during times of war.”

Connections

Other books by Maria Jose Ferrada include: How to Order the Universe and Ninos: Poems for the Lost Children of Chile. 

Krone, Bridget. (2020). Small Mercies. Catalyst Press. ISBN: 978-1-946395-16-0.

Plot Summary

Mercy is an orphan who is living with her two eccentric foster aunts. Her aunts are poor and one is struggling with Alzheimer's disease. Mercy is a quiet and shy child who does not have many friends in school. One day a developer knocks on their door and tries to buy their house. Mercy feels as though her world is falling apart when the social worker shows up out of nowhere, her home is being sold, and her aunt is having to move into an old folks home. What will happen to Mercy? Through this difficult time Mercy learns who she can count on and what it means to tell the truth and ask for help.

Analysis

This story takes place in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa. At the beginning of the book the author includes a note about the term “coloured” and how it is used in South Africa versus how it is used in the United States. In this story Mercy is a mixed race child and her aunts are white. Her class and neighbors are all diverse which is common in the community of where she lives in South Africa. The author also brings in a character, Mr. Singh, who is Indian. Mr. Singh introduces Mercy to the practices and principles of Gandhi. After learning about Gandhi this gives Mercy the courage to tell the truth and speak up for herself. This story is full of vocabulary specific to South Africa including foods, slang, and cultural references. There are also references to the history of South Africa and the apartheid. Another topic that is portrayed in this book is the bullying that happens in school. Mercy is subjected to bullying by a student in her class and it takes all of the students together to stand up and protect themselves. Also included in the back of the book is a section that gives facts about Gandhi’s time in South Africa as well as interesting facts about bees. Both of these subjects are important parts of this story. A quick read with short simple chapters that will appeal to many readers.

Reviews

 "Mercy is a winning protagonist who is by turns anxious, observant, and brave. South Africa is represented in its diversity: Mercy is mixed race, her aunts are white, and neighbors, classmates, and community members are from a range of racial and cultural backgrounds. Short, episodic chapters in the book's first half build to an emotionally compelling conclusion that is rich in insights about community, family, and social action. VERDICT This novel has a gentle, timeless feel, complex secondary characters, and quirky humor. A heartfelt, human, and wise addition to middle grade shelves.―Elizabeth Giles, Lubuto Library Partners, Zambia (School Library Journal)

"You will not leave the pages of this book without feeling somehow smarter and wiser and kinder. Why? Because Mercy's story is one that makes space for our hearts to grow. Beautifully written, here's an offering of love on the page." ― Kathi Appelt, New York Times Bestseller, Newbery Honor Award and National Book Honor winner

“Set in post-apartheid Pietermaritzburg, South Africa, this realistic story traces protagonist Mercy’s quest to speak up for truth and, consequently, for herself. […] Sensitive, funny, and tender.” — Kirkus, starred review

Connections

Named a Best Middle-Grade Book of 2020 by Kirkus Reviews

2021 Outstanding International Books List

Other books by Bridget Krone include: The Cedarville Shop and the Wheelbarrow Swap, I Can Dress Myself, and Great African Sports. 

Fox, M. (1988). Koala Lou. Clarion Books. ISBN: 978-0152005023.

Lofts, Pamela. 1988. Koala Lou by Mem Fox. Clarion Books. ISBN: 978-0152005023.

Plot Summary

Koala Lou is feeling left out when her mother is paying more attention to her younger brothers and sisters.  She misses her mother always telling her “Koala Lou, I DO love you”. One day she decides to enter the bush olympics to show her mother how special she is.  Koala Lou gets an unexpected result from the race but learns how much her mother truly loves her no matter what.

Analysis

This heartwarming story tells of a mother’s love for her child. The illustrator uses colored pencil drawings to show the beauty and vibrancy of the bush in Australia. Many species of animals native to Australia are depicted in the precise and well drawn illustrations. Other than the setting and the characters being native to Australia, the culture is not necessarily depicted in this story. However, the theme of love and family bonds is universal and makes for a welcome addition to any library.

Reviews

“As a baby, cuddly Koala Lou is everyone's favorite, especially her mother's; but as more little koalas join the family, her mother forgets to say, ""Koala Lou, I DO love you!"" So--hoping for attention--Koala Lou trains mightily for the Bush Olympics, only to come in second. Surprisingly, this disappointment makes her wish come true; her mother is there to comfort her with the treasured words and a big hug. This satisfying reworking of a familiar and ever-important theme is appealingly illustrated--bright colors, soft-edged sculptural forms, precise detail, dozens of expressive animals. Another winning import from one of Australia's favorite authors.” Kirkus Reviews

Connections

Other books by Mem Fox include: Cat Dog, The Tiny Star, and Tell Me About Your Day Today.