A NEW INITIATIVE IN THE FIGHT TO SAVE WILD KOALAS
Australian Koala Foundation
To coincide with September’s, Save the Koala Month, the Australian Koala Foundation and Wild Dog Books announce the release, on 26 August, of One Koala, One Hundred Trees, a picture book by debut author Leesa Allinson and award-winning illustration team Heather Potter and Mark Jackson.
One Koala, One Hundred Trees is a heart-warming story about one family’s determination to create a safer environment for the Koalas living on their land. The story is interspersed with Koala facts and practical tips for readers wanting to build their own ‘Koala corridor’ to help protect one of Australia’s most precious animals. Proceeds from the book will directly support the Australian Koala Foundation’s Koala Kiss Project.
The picture book can be pre-ordered now at any bookstore. On release, it will be available across Australia in bookstores, selected gift shops, and on the Australian Koala Foundation’s Save The Koala Online shop. A portion of each sale will go towards the Australian Koala Foundation’s Koala Kiss Project.
The Koala Kiss Project aims to build an uninterrupted Koala conservation corridor from southern Victoria all the way to north Queensland by linking intact sections of Koala habitat separated by cleared land, called ‘Kiss Points’.
Leesa Allinson is a physiotherapist-turned-author with a deep devotion to Koala conservation. Her passion is engaging young readers with imaginative stories and vibrant characters to support their global development.
Heather Potter and Mark Jackson are illustrators and frequent collaborators whose works have been featured in several exhibitions. They are the recipients of many awards, notably the CBCA Book of the Year Award and the Wilderness Society Environment Award for Children’s Literature.
Quotes attributable to Australian Koala Foundation Chair Deborah Tabart OAM
“As I read this wonderful book and after nearly 40 years watching habitats go down, I was so pleased that Leesa Allinson has been able to really show the complexity of Koala conservation.”
“The Australian Koala Foundation is dedicated to existing habitats being protected and our slogan No Tree No Me is ever so important, but many people think that if Koalas go into hospital and get better that they will be safe.”
“They can only be safe if they are returned to a safe forest or if people plant 100 trees or more. Quinlans, our Research Station, is a place where we can plant trees.”
“I am confident this lovely story will encourage people to plant; not to mention essential for all those wanting to learn more about the Koala Kiss Project. Well done, Leesa.”
Quotes attributable to Author Leesa Allinson
“After reading the Koala Kiss Project media release, I was inspired to write this picture book for the Australian Koala Foundation. My lofty goal is to raise awareness of and $1 million dollars for this vital project.”
“I could not have asked for a more talented team for my first picture book than the one assembled by Maryann at Wild Dog Books. Heather and Mark’s exquisite illustrations and earthy palette capture the tone and feel of my story.”
“My wish for the book is to reach the hearts and minds of children and the adults who encourage them. If kids are motivated to join the fight to save Koalas, then there’s potential to motivate the entire nation.”
Quote attributable to Illustrators Heather Potter and Mark Jackson
“There’s a really good, fundamental message here. Anyone at all, even a young child if they truly care enough, can do something worthwhile to help our endangered wildlife. We’re hoping this book contributes something to that important, timely, never ceasing battle, and we’re proud to be a part of it.”
About us:
About The Australian Koala Foundation
The Australian Koala Foundation (AKF) is the principal non-profit, non-government organisation dedicated to the effective management and conservation of the Koala and its habitat. Our proudest achievement is the recent finalisation of mapping the entire geographic range of the Koala, via our Koala Habitat Atlas mapping methodology. The AKF is also dedicated to a Koala Protection Act.
About Wild Dog Books
Wild Dog Books (WDB) is a multi-award-winning Australian independent publisher of the best books for children and young people. They publish beautiful picture books and brilliant non-fiction books that children will devour.
Contact details:
AKF - [email protected]
Office: (07) 3229 7233
Mobile: 0459 451 916
WDB - [email protected]
Mobile: 0459 451 916
