Jimmy the Joey (National Geographic Kids)

by Susan Kelly (Author)

Jimmy the Joey (National Geographic Kids)
Reading Level: 2nd − 3rd Grade
Describes the rescue and rehabilitation of a baby koala.
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Hardcover
$16.95

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Kirkus

[A] heartwarming, true story of an irresistible marsupial.

ALA/Booklist

An eye-catching book with a photogenic subject.

Publishers Weekly

In a hopeful story about animal rehabilitation in Australia, an orphaned koala joey is rescued and taken to the Koala Hospital. Author Rose and journalist/filmmaker Kelly chronicle Jimmy's time at the center, where he is fed special formula, sleeps "in a laundry basket filled with soft blankets," and is weighed and measured each week. Photographs (bordered by aboriginal patterns) keep Jimmy front and center as he clutches a volunteer's leg, munches on eucalyptus leaves (they make him "smell like mint candy") and slowly grows accustomed to the hospital trees, where he climbs with other koala residents. An endnote from Kelly describes her research into koalas, the threats facing their populations, and the Port Macquarie Koala Hospital, where Jimmy and koalas like him have received care. Ages 4-8. (July)

Copyright 2013 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

School Library Journal

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, NY

Copyright 2013 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Review quotes

"Written by a science writer and illustrated with photographs, readers become engaged in the story while being made aware of a myriad of facts about koalas and their environment." —Library Media Connection 

"Jimmy the Joey has everything kids in the preschool to kindergarten ages want: cute animals, adventure, and a tale of real life heroism." —VegBooks.org

Susan Kelly
Author DEBORAH LEE ROSE is the author of many children's books, including Ocean Babiespublished 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
Classification
Non-fiction
ISBN-13
9781426313714
Lexile Measure
710
Guided Reading Level
-
Publisher
National Geographic Kids
Publication date
July 09, 2013
Series
National Geographic Kids
BISAC categories
JNF003140 - Juvenile Nonfiction | Animals | Mammals
Library of Congress categories
Infancy
Australia
Wildlife rescue
Koala
Veterinary hospitals
Capitol Choices: Noteworthy Books for Children and Teens
Recommended 2014 - 2014
Garden State Children's Book Awards
Nominee 2016 - 2016
Eureka!
Silver Book Award Winner 2013
Children's Book Council
Notable Social Studies Trade Book for Young People 2014

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