|
Luis Rodriguez
Mascot Books
May 1, 2012 / ISBN978-1620860311
Children/Fiction/Ages 6-10
Amazon
Reviewed
by Beverly J. Rowe
Samantha Parker's dad presented her with a fuzzy life-sized toy
koala bear to take with her on the trip to Australia. He was adorable,
and his arms would clamp around just about anything. Samantha named
him Klampie. Samantha clamped her new toy's arms around her backpack
and she and her family were off to Australia to visit relatives
for Christmas. They have a wonderful adventure down under when Samantha
meets Uncle Tim and Aunt Sophie for the first time.
A parallel plot shows a real Koala bear clamping himself to a eucalyptus
tree for a long nap, and after a series of mishaps, the real koala
finds himself in the Parker's car, clamped to Samantha's backpack.
On the plane home, Samantha discovers that Klampie is a real live
koala... but how did that happen? Could a stuffed toy come alive?
Rodriguez gives us a quick history and geography lesson in this
engaging story, showing Samantha the differences between countries
on opposite sides of the equator as well as showcasing some Australian
customs that are new to the North American Parkers. There are some
new vocabulary challenges for young readers as well. The bright
illustrations for this heartwarming story are charming.
Read this story aloud to children for a feel-good bedtime story,
or encourage older readers to enjoy the story independently.
|
