The Koala Bounces Back by Jimmy Thomson and illustrated by Eric Lobbecke (Random House)
HB RRP $19.95
ISBN 978-1-7427-5007-1
Reviewed by Oliver Phommavanh
The Koala Bounces Back is the cheerful sequel to The Koala Who Bounced. Karri the bouncing koala is settling into his new home when he’s disturbed by a gang of moggies. They’re dumped domestic cats creating havoc with the native wildlife. Karri tries to convince them to go but the cats challenge him and his bush friends to a soccer match. If the cats win, they stay.
Karri stars in another funny story with a distinct Australian favour. Karri finds the cats a new home and it’s ripe for discussion about feral and stray cats in the wild. Lobbecke nails each animal, giving them human features that make them stand out. His experience as a cartoonist shines throughout. The gang of moggies look like bikies and the bush animals in their soccer gear is a hoot. But Karri’s expressions steal the book. Readers will love this crazy koala.
The narrative is playful and the pictures capture the quirky tone of the book. The Koala Bounces Back is a delight to read aloud, again and again. Bring on the next Karri adventure! Recommended for ages 5 and up.
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