10 of the Best Kid’s Books With Koalas In Them
Looking for ripper koala-themed picture books for the little ones? You’ve landed in the right spot! As the bloke behind The Adventures of Bazza Koala series, I’m keen to share some of the best books about koalas that Aussie kids (and their parents) absolutely love.
FYI – Just click any book title or cover to check it out on Amazon, where your purchase supports both the author and our Bazza Koala series at no extra cost to you (I earn a small commission as an Amazon Associate).
Table of Contents
Why Books with Koalas in Them Are Winners for Young Readers
We’re pretty lucky to be the only country on the planet with koalas getting around. These iconic Aussie marsupials make perfect characters for kids’ stories. They’re instantly recognisable, cute as, and help introduce the ankle-biters to our amazing native wildlife.
Kids seem to be naturally curious about these unique animals, and the right koala storybooks can answer their questions, deliver strong, important messages while keeping them entertained with great stories and eye-catching illustrations.
Awesome Koala Books Your Kids Will Love
Bazza LOVES to surf. After a scary wipeout he learns a technique for staying calm in tough situations and find out that trying again has a special payoff.
With beautifully illustrated coastal settings, native Aussie animals and a strong message of resilience, it’s no wonder this little koala has become a favourite with families from country to coast!
Perfect for ages 3-8 though younger koala fans will enjoy the pictures while older kids will get the deeper message.
2. The Koala Who Could – Rachel Bright & Jim Field
Kevin the koala likes to play it safe, staying in his comfortable tree rather than joining his mates on adventures. But when unexpected change comes along, Kevin learns that stepping outside your comfort zone can lead to brilliant new experiences.
With a 4.3/5 star rating on Goodreads, this book’s gorgeous illustrations and rhythmic text make it a top choice for bedtime reading.
The story shows kids that though change can be scary, it often leads to positive experiences and growth.
Perfect for ages 3-6
3. Koala Lou – Mem Fox
This classic by legendary Aussie author Mem Fox tells the touching story of Koala Lou, who enters the Bush Olympics hoping to win back her busy mum’s attention and hear her say “Koala Lou, I do love you” again.
With over 2,100 ratings and a solid 4.1/5 stars on Goodreads, this timeless story explores themes of motherly love, sibling rivalry, and self-acceptance.
The book has stayed popular since its publication in 1988, proving it’s a genuine classic.
Perfect for ages 4-7
4. Don’t Call Me Bear! – Aaron Blabey
Warren is a koala with a problem – everyone keeps calling him a bear! This funny, rhyming story follows Warren as he tries to educate everyone that koalas are NOT bears.
With a 3.9/5 star rating from over 1,000 readers on GoodReads, Blabey’s humorous illustrations and engaging text will have kids giggling while learning an important zoological fact.
Fans of Pig the Pug and Thelma the Unicorn will recognise Blabey’s distinctive style in this entertaining read.
Perfect for ages 3-8
5. Surviving the Wild: Rainbow the Koala – Remy Lai
This beautifully illustrated early reader tells the story of Rainbow, a young koala who must leave his mother’s protection and survive in the Australian wilderness. When scorching heat and bushfires threaten his new independence, Rainbow faces his greatest challenge yet.
This story has earned starred reviews for combining adorable illustrations with powerful environmental messages about climate change and conservation.
Perfect for ages 6-9
6. Joey: A Baby Koala and His Mother – Nic Bishop
This beautifully photographed book follows a joey and his mother through their daily life in the eucalyptus forests.
With stunning wildlife imagery and simple text, it’s perfect for beginning readers curious about koalas in their natural habitat.
Published in 2020, this book is full of gorgeous photography and kid-friendly information.
Perfect for ages 4-8
7. Jimmy the Joey: The True Story of an Amazing Koala Rescue – Deborah Lee Rose
Based on a true story, this heartwarming National Geographic Kids book follows Jimmy, an orphaned koala joey who is rescued and taken to the Koala Hospital in Port Macquarie.
Filled with beautiful photographs by Susan Kelly, it introduces kids to wildlife rescue and the importance of protecting Australia’s vulnerable koala population.
This inspiring real-life story shows how dedicated volunteers help injured and orphaned koalas return to the wild.
Perfect for ages 3-5
8. Koala: A First Field Guide – Professor Chris Daniels
If you want a thorough, fact filled, informative guide this is the one!
This informative guide is perfect for curious minds who want to know everything about koalas. With colourful illustrations and engaging facts, this book covers koala habitats, diet, behaviour, and conservation efforts.
Written by a respected Australian professor, it introduces young readers to scientific concepts through accessible language and detailed visuals that explain koala anatomy, lifecycle, and their unique place in Australia’s ecosystem.
Perfect for ages 6-9
9. Maud the Koala in Much Too Much Birthday – J.E. Morris
In this epic little story, young Maud discovers that sometimes birthdays can be overwhelming. When her special day arrives with too many guests, games, and excitement, the sensitive little koala finds it all a bit too much to handle.
Through Maud’s experience, children learn it’s okay to feel overwhelmed and need quiet time, even during celebrations. This relatable tale is perfect for sensitive kids who might find big parties a bit too much.
Perfect for ages 5-7
10. Koala – Claire Saxby & Julie Vivas
Part of the award-winning Nature Storybooks series, this beautifully illustrated book with koalas in it combines lyrical storytelling with factual information about koalas.
Following a young koala as he leaves his mother’s pouch and begins to explore the eucalyptus forest, readers experience the world through a koala’s eyes.
Julie Vivas’s stunning watercolour illustrations complement Saxby’s dual-narrative approach that weaves an engaging story with scientific facts about koala development and behaviour.
Perfect for ages 5-10
Honourable Mentions: More Books with Koalas in Them
Other top books with koalas in them that nearly made our top 10 include:
Baby Animals Take a Nap by Marsha Diane Arnold – Features koalas among other sleepy baby animals (3.7/5 stars)
Choosing the Right Books with Koalas in Them for Your Child’s Age
For toddlers (ages 1-3):
Books with koalas in them that have simple storylines, bright illustrations and sturdy pages work best. Look for board books or those with short text on each page that can handle a bit of rough treatment because you know it’s going to get it!
For preschoolers (ages 3-5):
Books with koalas in them like “The Koala Who Could” and “Don’t Call Me Bear!” offer engaging stories with gentle lessons and introduce basic facts about koalas and their habitats.
For early readers (ages 6-8):
Books with koalas in them like “Rainbow the Koala” and “Koala: A First Field Guide” provide more complex themes and factual information as their reading skills and interests develop.
Why These Books with Koalas in Them Are Great for Your Kids
Reading books with koalas in them to your kids does more than just entertain them. These stories:
• Introduce important concepts like courage, change, and conservation
• Help build a connection with our amazing Aussie wildlife
• Develop empathy for animals and their habitats
• Support early literacy development through engaging storytelling
• Provide a great opportunity to discuss the importance of protecting endangered species
Find Your Next Favourite Book with Koalas in It
Whether you’re looking for an adventure story like “Bazza Braves the Waves,” a classic like “Koala Lou,” or an educational read about these wonderful marsupials, there’s a book with koalas in it for every child.
For more adventures with Bazza Koala and other ripper books with koalas in them, check out our website to explore the full range of The Adventures of Bazza Koala series!
What’s your kid’s favourite book with koalas in it? Drop a comment below and let me know which ones they love!
