Rainbow the Koala

Starred review from March 1, 2022

Gr 1-3-One of two books in a new wildlife-focused graphic novel series from critically acclaimed author Lai, this tale follows a young koala named Rainbow as he spends the first year of his life learning the ins and outs of surviving the wild with his mom, until the day she sends him off to live on his own. After a few false starts, Rainbow's search for a new, unoccupied tree proves fruitful; however, his search for water in the dry, parched climate takes him beyond the bush and into human territory. Escaping a curious family (and their angry dog) puts Rainbow into the path of a bigger danger-a ravenous, quick-spreading bushfire. This thoughtful and emotional adventure from Lai emphasizes self-reliance and learning through experience in order to find one's way in the world. The increasingly serious story line is made more palatable for young readers thanks to gentle, soft-lined illustrations depicting adorable animals, along with some occasional mild humor. The negative impacts of climate change, such as rising temperatures, lack of water and sustenance, and fires, are an important reoccurring element within the narrative. In particular, the intense bushfire scenes and pages of wordless, starkly illustrated aftermath are standout moments that will drive home the large toll that climate change events take on wildlife and their ecosystems. Following Rainbow's tale is an informative section that covers the 2019-20 Australian bushfires, koala facts, and ways that kids can make a difference. VERDICT Though high on the adorable factor, this is also a powerful, stirring example of the devastating impact of climate change.-Pearl Derlaga

Copyright 2022 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

April 15, 2022
Grades 1-3 Rainbow the Koala has spent the first year of her life close to her mother, learning how to drink rainfall, eat gum leaves, and climb high and hold on whenever there is danger. Now that she's a year old, it's time for her to explore the wild on her own, but that means facing other territorial koalas, seeking out water during a drought, and even facing the worst brushfire in recent history. Inspired by the 2019-2020 brushfires that decimated Australian forests and killed over a billion animals, this early graphic novel is packed with facts about koala life, animal rescue, and rehabilitation. It introduces readers to Australian animals like the lorikeet, kookaburra, and kangaroo as they run, flee, hide, and seek shelter. The panic and devastation of the rolling smoke and churning fire is excellently portrayed, and Lai skillfully uses wordless spreads to heighten the white-knuckled tension of Rainbow's experience until she is at last reunited with her mother in a charred forest that is finally starting to show signs of life. Simultaneously released with Star the Elephant, inspired by a real elephant rescue.

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May 23, 2022
Employing her signature visual storytelling prowess, Lai explores the stark consequences of climate change in this graphic novel inspired by the 2019–2020 Australian bushfires. As the story opens, young koala Rainbow, the story’s narrator, learns various survival tactics from his mother: “drink your fill” when it rains, find a tree with good shade, and in case of danger, climb high “and hold on.” When it’s time for maturing Rainbow to become independent, he quickly finds that the forest is dry and lacking in water sources, and when animals begin fleeing an impending fire, he finds a tree to climb as the fire burns below. Doodle-like artwork and emotive character expressions add gentle levity to such themes as death and loss in a story that highlights resilience alongside human effects on the natural world. Back matter details the story’s beginnings, koala facts, and advice for slowing climate change. Publishing simultaneously: Star the Elephant. Ages 6–9.