Jimmy the Joey: The True Story of an Amazing Koala Rescue (Baby Animal Tales)

Author DEBORAH LEE ROSE is the author of many children's books, including Ocean Babies published by National Geographic. Her books are among the New York Public Library's 100 Titles for Reading and Sharing, and have twice won the National Association of Parenting Publications (NAPPA) Gold Award. Deborah is a science writer and editor for the renowned Lawrence Hall of Science at UC Berkeley. She helped create and blogs for www.howtosmile.org, an award-winning science education/STEM activity site. She is an engaging and experienced speaker for professional conferences and schools on the art and work of writing and the power of words.
 
Author/Photographer SUSAN KELLY is an award winning video journalist, whose multi-award-winning documentary film "Koala Hospital"  inspired the book about Jimmy the Joey's life story.   The film presents the poignant and surprising life of koalas set at the world's first hospital dedicated to koalas.  More information about the book and the film is available at www.koalahospital.com

Gr 1-4-Irresistibly adorable photographs and a clear, lively text capture the charming story of an orphaned koala infant taken in and raised by a remarkable rescue team at an Australian koala hospital until he was ready for reintroduction to his natural habitat. Sadly, readers are informed, koalas are finding those habitats dwindling, as eucalyptus forests are increasingly being toppled to make way for homes and roads. It was a traffic mishap, in fact, that took the life of Jimmy's mother. This incident is presented in a nonfrightening way for a young audience who should be heartened by the sight of a "koala ambulance" rushing the new orphan to the hospital. Eventually, with the help of expert hospital workers and the loving, home-based care of a devoted volunteer, Jimmy was strong enough to return to the forest. Young readers will be captivated by his tale and cheer for him and his new loving family. The book's attractive design heightens the Australian setting. An endnote explains that the pages' bright background colors reflect those found on the bark of certain eucalyptus trees, and the photo borders include traditional Aboriginal designs. Helpful features include a map of Australia depicting the koala's range; facts about koalas; notes from the photographer; where one may see koalas in the U.S. and around the world; and ways readers can help these animals. This is a terrific choice for libraries and can be paired with other books about wildlife rescues.-Carol Goldman, Queens Library, NYα(c) Copyright 2013. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.