Rainbow the Koala (Surviving the Wild #2)

by Remy Lai (Author)

Rainbow the Koala (Surviving the Wild #2)
Reading Level: 2nd − 3rd Grade

Planet Earth meets Narwhal and Jelly in this funny and suspenseful early reader graphic novel series featuring heroic animals surviving in the perilous wilderness! Inspired by true events, the book includes facts about climate change, koalas, and how kids can help protect the environment.

"A heartening and pensive story, told through irresistibly charming art, Star the Elephant is an utter delight." --John Patrick Green, New York Times-bestselling creator of InvestiGators, on Star the Elephant

Rainbow the Koala is ready to go off and live on his own--or so his mom says. But Rainbow is scared! The kookaburra bird cackles at him and he struggles to find a tree to call his home. As scorching heat takes hold and Rainbow runs out of water, he'll soon face his most dangerous test: surviving a bush fire.

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School Library Journal

Starred Review

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.

Review quotes

A heartening and pensive story, told through irresistibly charming art, Star the Elephant is an utter delight. —John Patrick Green, New York Times-bestselling creator of InvestiGators, on Star the Elephant

Gorgeously drawn and bursting with charm, adventure, and tenderness. . . Star the Elephant is a pure delight for young readers. —Jonathan Stutzman, author of Llama Destroys the World, on Star the Elephant

Praise for Pawcasso

It's tail-wagging entertaining! —Kelly Yang, New York Times bestselling author

A beautifully drawn and delightful story bursting with art, books, and fun! —Maria Scrivan, New York Times bestselling author

Fly on the Wall

A Best Book of the Year for Kirkus, Booklist, Chicago Public Library, and School Library Journal!

"Funny, enthralling, and a great reminder that being a little odd isn't a bad thing." —Kayla Miller, author of Click and Camp

Bright, funny storytelling . . . in this sharp, sweet story there is much to connect with. —The New York Times Book Review

* Near-misses and laugh-out-loud moments abound, which will endear it to readers who like 'Big Nate' and 'Wimpy Kid.' —SLJ, starred review

* A smile-inducing crowd-pleaser. —Booklist, starred review

Pie in the Sky

Winner of the Sid Fleischman Award for Humor!

Named a Best Book of the Year by Parents Magazine, NPR, NYPL, CPL, BookRiot, Horn Book, and Kirkus! An Indie Next pick!

Heartwarming and rib-tickling. —Terri Libenson, bestselling author of Invisible Emmie

* Perfect for fans of Gene Luen Yang and Victoria Jamieson. —Shelf Awareness, starred review

* The perfect mixture of funny and emotionally resonant. —SLJ, starred review

[A] stunning debut. —NPR

Remy Lai
Remy Lai studied fine arts, with a major in painting and drawing. She was born in Indonesia, grew up in Singapore, and currently lives in Brisbane, Australia, where she writes and draws stories for kids with her two dogs by her side. She is the author of the critically-acclaimed Pie in the Sky, Fly on the Wall, and Pawcasso. You can follow Remy on Instagram.
Classification
Fiction
ISBN-13
9781250785442
Lexile Measure
-
Guided Reading Level
-
Publisher
Henry Holt & Company
Publication date
April 05, 2022
Series
Surviving the Wild
BISAC categories
JUV002030 - Juvenile Fiction | Animals | Bears
JUV029010 - Juvenile Fiction | Nature & the Natural World | Environment
JUV008050 - Juvenile Fiction | Comics & Graphic Novels | Animals
Library of Congress categories
-

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