Rainbow the koala by Remy Lai

Rainbow the Koala, written and illustrated by Remy Lai is a new graphic novel from the Surviving the Wild series. This is a book with a message; SAVE OUR PLANET, PROTECT OUR BEAUTIFUL WILDLIFE! Filled with cute and engaging pictures, this story is sure to appeal to many. Endearing and thought provoking, everyone will love Rainbow and be caught up in her journey.

Rainbow is a baby koala trying to learn how to survive in the wild. Her mum teaches her to cling, climb, feed and always stay away from the dangerous humans. These life skills are embedded before she sends Rainbow out to fend for herself, after she turns one. Finding her own home, enough water to survive and battling unknown dangers are just some of the troubles that Rainbow encounters along the way. Being a koala isn’t as easy as it appears! Rainbow must navigate the outside world with strength and determination. But what happens when a terrible bushfire ravages her homeland? Will Rainbow and the other wild animals survive? Can Rainbow be helped, to become healthy and strong again?

Remy Lai has written another strong and thought-provoking graphic novel. This cute and adventurous story is fast paced and amusing, yet poignant and moving. The comic style writing and colourful pictures create great visuals to support the storyline. Based on true events, this story will be one that the reader will connect with and reflect on. An enchanting book for everyone to enjoy; but if you love Australian Wildlife and are a Climate Change Combatant, this story will have an extra special place in your heart.

Themes: Australian Wildlife, Environment, Climate Change, Bushfires, Koala rescue.

Michelle O'Connell