Pistes d'exploration

Discuss how the arrival of a new sibling affected Koala Lou. Talk about any personal connections you may have.

In the story, Koala Lou set a goal and made a plan. With a partner, plan to do something such as build a snow fort, design a birthday card for a friend or craft a present for someone. Share your plan with the class.

Discuss and write about something that comforts you when you feel sad.

Discuss: What happens when a new sibling is born? How does the arrival of a new sibling affect Koala Lou in the story? Talk about any personal connections you may have.

What are your goals? How do you make your plans to ensure you achieve your goals? Make a poster explaining a plan you have made. Share it with the class. After hearing the plans of your classmates, revise and improve your plan.

Using a model, write about something that comforts you when you feel sad. (What is it? Where did you get it from? When do you use it?)

The Very Brave Bear

Mots-clés

Picture book , brothers and sisters , koalas , mothers , Olympic Games , perseverance , unconditional love

Commentaire descriptif

Ever since she was a baby, Koala Lou has loved hearing her mother praise her with “Koala Lou, I DO love you! I always have, and I always will.” But now that there are little brothers and sisters in the picture, her mother rarely has time for her. So Koala Lou starts training to win the gum tree-climbing event at the Bush Olympics. Maybe if she wins, her mother will notice her again. This book will resonate with older siblings who have had to share their parents with a new baby. The ending, which teaches that you don't have to be the best at something to have a parent love you, will reassure children of all ages. Colourful pencil images of wallabies, wombats, platypuses, emus and kangaroos recreate the exotic riches of the Australian bush and reveal details of the story not mentioned in the text. The animals' facial expressions parallel the emotions running through the story and further define Koala Lou's tender nature. A story that can be read aloud or alone, it might even inspire some to write their own family memoir.