Klassic Koalas Ancient Aboriginal Tales in New Retellings

Product Description ForeWord Magazine: "Whether used in an educational setting to teach the diverse animal life and folklore of the often overlooked Australia or simply for the stories themselves, this title will appeal [to those] eager to learn about the kind, mischievous, and secretive sides of Koala." --Angela Leeper. The Dreamtime is Australia's time before time. Animals and birds and plants came into being and took their current forms, and Australia became what it is today--a place of wonder and diversity, populated by unique creatures found nowhere else. This book of Aboriginal stories, retold by award-winning author Lee Barwood,illustrated by Joanne Ehrich and kids of the Central Ohio Art Academy, brings the time of Dreaming to life, from the Great Flood to the story of how the koala lost its tail, these are some glimpses into ancient Aboriginal folklore. Each copy of the book contributes to the Australian Wildlife Hospital, a major project of Australia Zoo Wildlife Warriors Worldwide Ltd. Review Cute and cuddly is how koalas are usually described, but in this collection of eight Aboriginal tale retellings, these endearing marsupials possess a more complex character. Set in the Outback during the Dreamtime -- the time of creation when neither men nor animals had taken their final forms --these pourquoi tales explain why the koala and many of his fellow inhabitants of Australia exhibit certain physical and behavioral characteristics today.... In the tradition of storytelling, the author employs an engaging yet respectful tone to recreate these ancient tales. A glossary provides useful descriptions of less familiar animals and terms. Whether used in an educational setting to teach the diverse animal life and folklore of the often overlooked Australia or simply for the stories themselves, this title will appeal to older elementary and middle school students, eager to learn about the kind, mischievous, and secretive sides of Koala. --Angela Leeper, ForeWord Magazie About the Author Storyteller Lee Barwood has been writing fantasy, environmental fiction, and mystery for over thirty years. Her stories and poetry have appeared in numerous magazines and anthologies, including Ellery Queen's Mystery Magazine, Futures Mystery Anthology Magazine, Catfantastic III and V, and Horsefantastic; her environmental novel A Dream of Drowned Hollow won Andre Norton's Gryphon Award. She has also worked as a magazine and newspaper editor, technical writer, and book and music reviewer.