Koala Koala – John Williamson. Illustrated by Jonathan Bentley.

Penguin Australia

April 2025

ISBN: 9781761344244
Imprint: Puffin
RRP: $19.99

Koala, Koala – we love you
So soft in the fork of your tree . . .
Koala, Koala – where will you go
If we take your gum trees away?

I’ve mentioned my association with John along with koalas previously on this blog. While my fond memory is about Goodbye Blinky Bill, Koala Koala was the B side of the original 45, which John kindly sent me along with the sheet music.

It’s actually quite sad to think that my Brownies and I were actively supporting the Koala Foundation to help the situation of our iconic marsupial back in the late 1980s and, yet, our koala populations in many places are still struggling.

The latest data-driven estimate of population size for the listed koala population, without making any additional assumptions, is between 95,000 and 238,000. (National Koala Monitoring Program – you can download the app and become a koala spotter!). We do have a local koala population but I’m yet to personally see one of ours – yet always hopeful!

The lyrics for John’s songs often translate perfectly to picture book format and have again for this one. And, as always, Jonathan Bentley’s illustrations are both adorable and perfectly matched – the man oozes talent! I’ve followed John’s career and work since his early days, and still delight in reading his regular newsletters. It fills me with joy to know that our Smalls are also getting to experience this truly great Australian’s talent and passion.

It goes without saying that this gets a 5 🐨🐨🐨🐨🐨 rating – it’s a true blue winner! Put it on your orders list and why not get your kiddos involved in some action for koalas. There is so much potential for extended activities that would match perfectly with real and meaningful support, and awareness raising.