Jimmy the Joey
Meet Jimmy, the world’s most famous baby koala, rescued and returned to the wild. An uplifting, true story with a gentle message about coping with loss that draws attention to an important and threatened wild animal. Photo Copyright: Susan Kelly
This plush Jimmy toy looks like the real Jimmy! You can buy it at http://www.koalaexpress.com.au/jimmy.htm
Reading is Fundamental’s guide to Jimmy the Joey suggests: “Have students write a persuasive piece—a flyer, letter to the editor, or blog post—to convince others in the community to donate or adopt a koala.” Teacher Christina Danielson had her elementary students write letters (and she wrote her own) to the Australian government’s top environment official, and they got a letter back!
2015 READING IS FUNDAMENTAL/MACY’S MULTICULTURAL COLLECTION
2013 EUREKA SILVER BOOK AWARD, CA READING ASSN.
NOTABLE SOCIAL STUDIES TRADE BOOK FOR YOUNG PEOPLE
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL
“This is a terrific choice for libraries and can be paired with other books about wildlife rescues…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. Young readers will be captivated by his tale and cheer for him and his new loving family. 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.”
KIRKUS
“Stories of animal rescue abound, but the cuteness factor here gives Jimmy’s story special appeal. This heartwarming, true story of an irresistible marsupial, not a true bear but with all a bear cub’s appealing qualities, is illustrated with photographs taken during the filming of a documentary about the Koala Hospital in Port Macquarie, Australia.”
GOODREADS REVIEW
“The text sparkles and is sure to evoke empathetic reactions from readers while the large photographs show how adorable Jimmy is and how carefully Barb, his caretaker works with him. Back matter from the photographer describes the environmental threats to koalas such as Jimmy as their habitat is increasingly destroyed and global warming makes life even more challenging for them. Readers will be surprised to learn that koalas are one of the species at most risk due to changes in Earth’s climate."
The book design was inspired by rainbow eucalyptus and Aboriginal dot painting.