Koala Lou

Reach for this book when your child feels overshadowed by the arrival of a new sibling or when you notice them performing for your attention. It addresses the quiet heartache of a child who remembers a time when they were the sole focus of their parent's world and now feels lost in the shuffle of a growing family. Koala Lou decides to win the Bush Olympics to earn back her mother's special words of love, but the story takes a poignant turn when she doesn't win the gold medal. Through this gentle narrative, Mem Fox provides a safe space to discuss feelings of displacement and the pressure children feel to be 'the best' in order to be seen. It is an essential read for preschoolers and early elementary students navigating the complex emotions of sibling rivalry and the need for unconditional reassurance. Parents will find it a beautiful tool for reminding children that their place in the family heart is permanent and unchanging, regardless of achievements or new additions.