Review: Nala the Koala

Nala the Koala is a beautiful, heartfelt story about a koala’s search for a new home, it relates to recent events in Australia and touches on loss, environments and community spirit. 

In a disaster which will be recognisable to those aware of the 2019 Australian bushfires, a koala named Nala has lost her home.

She walks and walks in search of a new home, exploring possible tree alternatives such as the beach, a city, an echidna’s burrow, and more; but none of these are quite right. Eventually, Nala finds a suitable tree, but discovers that it isn’t immediately sustainable. With a warming community spirit, friends arrive and work together to rebuild the surrounding environment, making Nala’s new home one she can stay in.

The story is written in an engaging way, posing questions around which environments will suit Nala and prompting possible discussions on broader topics including animals' habitats, bushfires and environmental circumstances. An inspiring message about community spirit and making a difference shine through. 

I adore the modern stylised illustrations which feature bold shapes and painted textures with a muted palette of mostly greens, greys and other colours inspired by Australian flora and fauna.

Penny Min Ferguson is an artist and designer based in Victoria, Australia, Nala the Koala is her debut picture book. All royalties from sales of Nala the Koala are donated to NSW Wildlife Information Rescue and Education Service (WIRES).

Title: Nala the Koala
Author/Illustrator:  Penny Min Ferguson
Publisher: Penguin Random House, $17.99
Publication Date: 1 September 2020
Format:  Hardback
ISBN:  9781760898830
For ages: 3 – 5 
Type: Picture Book