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Surviving the Wild #2
Rainbow the Koala
Rainbow the Koala is ready to go off and live on his own—or so his mom says. But Rainbow is scared! The kookaburra bird cackles at him and he struggles to find a tree to call his home. As scorching heat takes hold and Rainbow runs out of water, he'll soon face his most dangerous test: surviving a bush fire.
112 pages, Hardcover
Published April 5, 2022
6 people are currently reading
1857 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
April 25, 2022
A beautifully illustrated graphic novel for early readers that can be equally enjoyed by adults. This particular issue really touched my heart as it brought back harrowing memories of the tragic bushfires and its impact not just on residents but our wildlife especially the beautiful koala. Remy does a fantastic job in weaving this story with a strong message through her art. It brought a tear to my eye. With special thanks to Allen & Unwin for sending me review copies of this amazing graphic novel.
January 9, 2023
I just love everything Remy Lai writes! Always such a nice Aussie connection in her books 🇦🇺❤️
November 26, 2022
A really great introduction on the bushfires of Australia, especially of the 2019 season and the impact on the animals. However, the topic is quite dark for children and some more sensitive ones might not be able to handle this. If they are, then I highly recommend it to animal lovers and environmentally aware children in particular.
January 31, 2022
Surviving the Wild series: Rainbow the Koala, Star the Elephant
Remy Lai, author and artist, has two new early reader graphic novels in a series featuring animals in heroic situations and perilous adventures. Graphic novels are an alternative for early readers compared to the standard easy reader books, and increasingly there are more graphic novels for ages 4 to 8, although middle grades are probably the prime targets of this series. Kids who have a difficult time engaging with regular books or are learning to read can be drawn to graphic novels and these might inspire otherwise reluctant participants to eventually become voracious readers.
Both books are lengthy (over 100 pages) and beautifully illustrated. The narratives, however, touch on serious subjects such as environmental changes, separation anxiety from parents/herds, food insecurity, survival skills, injuries and questionable interaction with humans. Each book has an explanation at the end on what inspired the story, which develops a deeper appreciation of storytelling.
For Star the Elephant, the story is based on three elephants that lost their home due to deforestation and then swam across a strait to a populated island, necessitating a capture and transfer to an animal sanctuary.
For Rainbow the Koala, the inspiration was about the bush wildfires in Australia wherein millions of animals perished. Koalas were found by specially trained dogs, treated in animal hospitals and released back into forested areas.
There are a lot of sensitive scenes, as I mentioned above, that might be upsetting to a younger range of readers, so I’d recommend these for readers 8 and older. Star gets tranquilized and nearly drowns while swimming. Rainbow must flee the raging forest fires. Both are seen struggling to find food and are saddened when they are separated from their mothers (no worries, happy reunions occur). But both tales are ultimately charming. The author is expanding the series with a future book, Sunny the Shark, to be published in August 2022.
The illustrations are wonderful and add to the storytelling immensely. Included are numerous facts about the featured animals and their homelands. Remy Lai is multitalented storyteller and should have great success with this environmentally minded series. 5 stars.
Thanks to Henry Holt and NetGalley for the ARCs of this series.
Remy Lai, author and artist, has two new early reader graphic novels in a series featuring animals in heroic situations and perilous adventures. Graphic novels are an alternative for early readers compared to the standard easy reader books, and increasingly there are more graphic novels for ages 4 to 8, although middle grades are probably the prime targets of this series. Kids who have a difficult time engaging with regular books or are learning to read can be drawn to graphic novels and these might inspire otherwise reluctant participants to eventually become voracious readers.
Both books are lengthy (over 100 pages) and beautifully illustrated. The narratives, however, touch on serious subjects such as environmental changes, separation anxiety from parents/herds, food insecurity, survival skills, injuries and questionable interaction with humans. Each book has an explanation at the end on what inspired the story, which develops a deeper appreciation of storytelling.
For Star the Elephant, the story is based on three elephants that lost their home due to deforestation and then swam across a strait to a populated island, necessitating a capture and transfer to an animal sanctuary.
For Rainbow the Koala, the inspiration was about the bush wildfires in Australia wherein millions of animals perished. Koalas were found by specially trained dogs, treated in animal hospitals and released back into forested areas.
There are a lot of sensitive scenes, as I mentioned above, that might be upsetting to a younger range of readers, so I’d recommend these for readers 8 and older. Star gets tranquilized and nearly drowns while swimming. Rainbow must flee the raging forest fires. Both are seen struggling to find food and are saddened when they are separated from their mothers (no worries, happy reunions occur). But both tales are ultimately charming. The author is expanding the series with a future book, Sunny the Shark, to be published in August 2022.
The illustrations are wonderful and add to the storytelling immensely. Included are numerous facts about the featured animals and their homelands. Remy Lai is multitalented storyteller and should have great success with this environmentally minded series. 5 stars.
Thanks to Henry Holt and NetGalley for the ARCs of this series.
April 1, 2022
Early Graphic Novel Series with a focus on animals and environmental issues.
I always love Lai's illustrations and they work very well in this format for younger readers. Use caution, however, as the material can be upsetting for younger kids or those sensitive to animals in danger, but the overall message is one of hope.
Rainbow the Koala is based on real events in Australia when severe bushfires overwhelmed the animal population, and many koalas were injured.
Overall, this is a great new graphic novel series! I think kids will love it. Thank you to the author and publisher for sharing a copy with me.
I always love Lai's illustrations and they work very well in this format for younger readers. Use caution, however, as the material can be upsetting for younger kids or those sensitive to animals in danger, but the overall message is one of hope.
Rainbow the Koala is based on real events in Australia when severe bushfires overwhelmed the animal population, and many koalas were injured.
Overall, this is a great new graphic novel series! I think kids will love it. Thank you to the author and publisher for sharing a copy with me.
Read
April 14, 2022Inspired by true events, Remy Lai’s heartfelt new graphic novel series, Surviving the Wild, is going to be a huge hit with animal lovers, especially young eco-warriors, conservationists and environmental activists.
Rainbow’s mum has taught him all he needs to know to survive in the wild and the time has now come for Rainbow to go and find his own place to call home. But Rainbow is scared! There are dangers on the ground, finding the right tree is tricky, kookaburra keeps making fun of him and a pesky bird takes his fur for a nest. There are bigger threats too. The sun has scorched the ground, the water has dried up and Rainbow must face his greatest test. Surviving a bushfire…
Star loves spending time with the herd but when their food supply runs out it is time for the family to split up and go their own ways. The search for food is hard going and swimming across wild waters is tiring. Separated from his mum and aunt, life only gets harder for little Star. Lost and alone in a big and dangerous world and with humans everywhere he looks, he knows he must keep running. But how long can one elephant run for until he runs into trouble…
Raw, honest and emotionally-charged, these tales of animals in danger are drama-filled and exciting. Both stories feature a delightful cast of animal characters and Rainbow and Star are two shining beacons, who readers will take to their hearts, as hope, courage and bravery triumphs over adversity. With parental separation, scarcity of food and water, and survival all explored, these are not for very sensitive little souls. Although happy endings and family reunions ultimately prevail, there is plenty of peril, danger and near-misses along the way.
Beautifully illustrated and very enjoyable to read, both stories do a superb job of highlighting some of the challenges that the world’s wildlife faces. The particular focus here is on climate change and wildfires, and deforestation and the threat posed by people. The sad truth is that not all animals have the happy endings experienced by Star and Rainbow. As humans we have a lot to answer for, placing animals in danger through no fault of their own is unfair and unjust.
While these are targeted for young readers, Lai does not shy away from the harsh realities that animals face. Dramatic scenes of bushfires destroying Rainbow’s habitat and the aftermath, of elephants submitting to tranquilliser darts (this did have a happy outcome) and of Star’s desperate swim across the ocean are especially sobering and will surely leave readers wanting to help.
The back matter content is as good as the stories and it is where readers will find the tips and tools that they need to empower them so that they can make a difference. Further information on elephants and koalas, the true events that inspired the stories, and simple and accessible ideas on what can be done to help are all included across several fabulous pages.
More must be done to protect our wild animals and to ensure they can live long and happy lives in their natural habitats. Stories like this are essential to have on the bookshelves to educate and encourage younger generations. In the words of Remy Lai’s animals, ‘Together, we can protect the Earth!’
With huge thanks to Allen & Unwin for the copies I received in exchange for an honest review.
Recommended for 6+.
Rainbow’s mum has taught him all he needs to know to survive in the wild and the time has now come for Rainbow to go and find his own place to call home. But Rainbow is scared! There are dangers on the ground, finding the right tree is tricky, kookaburra keeps making fun of him and a pesky bird takes his fur for a nest. There are bigger threats too. The sun has scorched the ground, the water has dried up and Rainbow must face his greatest test. Surviving a bushfire…
Star loves spending time with the herd but when their food supply runs out it is time for the family to split up and go their own ways. The search for food is hard going and swimming across wild waters is tiring. Separated from his mum and aunt, life only gets harder for little Star. Lost and alone in a big and dangerous world and with humans everywhere he looks, he knows he must keep running. But how long can one elephant run for until he runs into trouble…
Raw, honest and emotionally-charged, these tales of animals in danger are drama-filled and exciting. Both stories feature a delightful cast of animal characters and Rainbow and Star are two shining beacons, who readers will take to their hearts, as hope, courage and bravery triumphs over adversity. With parental separation, scarcity of food and water, and survival all explored, these are not for very sensitive little souls. Although happy endings and family reunions ultimately prevail, there is plenty of peril, danger and near-misses along the way.
Beautifully illustrated and very enjoyable to read, both stories do a superb job of highlighting some of the challenges that the world’s wildlife faces. The particular focus here is on climate change and wildfires, and deforestation and the threat posed by people. The sad truth is that not all animals have the happy endings experienced by Star and Rainbow. As humans we have a lot to answer for, placing animals in danger through no fault of their own is unfair and unjust.
While these are targeted for young readers, Lai does not shy away from the harsh realities that animals face. Dramatic scenes of bushfires destroying Rainbow’s habitat and the aftermath, of elephants submitting to tranquilliser darts (this did have a happy outcome) and of Star’s desperate swim across the ocean are especially sobering and will surely leave readers wanting to help.
The back matter content is as good as the stories and it is where readers will find the tips and tools that they need to empower them so that they can make a difference. Further information on elephants and koalas, the true events that inspired the stories, and simple and accessible ideas on what can be done to help are all included across several fabulous pages.
More must be done to protect our wild animals and to ensure they can live long and happy lives in their natural habitats. Stories like this are essential to have on the bookshelves to educate and encourage younger generations. In the words of Remy Lai’s animals, ‘Together, we can protect the Earth!’
With huge thanks to Allen & Unwin for the copies I received in exchange for an honest review.
Recommended for 6+.
April 3, 2022
As soon as I saw the title of this book, I knew that I had to read it. My first grade nephew's favorite animal is koalas and he loves rainbows. So, a koala named Rainbow - what could be better?!
The book teaches about the life of a koala in a simple comic book style format. Rainbow is a young koala who grows up and must fend for himself, using the skills his mother taught him. At one point in the story, he has to find water due to lack of rainfall and dehydration. Then, a forest fire comes and he is rescused by humans. This book explores the dangers of climate change and how it negatively impacts the lives of koalas. At the end of the book there are simple suggestions for children on ways that they can help slow climate change, such as turning off electrical items not being used and riding bikes instead of driving in cars.
I would recommend this book for children ages 4-9 to help teach about how the things humans do have an impact on animals. The illustrations are beautiful and the writing is simple. I will be keeping my eyes out for more books in this series.
Thank you to #NetGalley for an ARC of #SurvivingtheWild:RainbowtheKoala by #RemyLai in exchange for an honest review.
The book teaches about the life of a koala in a simple comic book style format. Rainbow is a young koala who grows up and must fend for himself, using the skills his mother taught him. At one point in the story, he has to find water due to lack of rainfall and dehydration. Then, a forest fire comes and he is rescused by humans. This book explores the dangers of climate change and how it negatively impacts the lives of koalas. At the end of the book there are simple suggestions for children on ways that they can help slow climate change, such as turning off electrical items not being used and riding bikes instead of driving in cars.
I would recommend this book for children ages 4-9 to help teach about how the things humans do have an impact on animals. The illustrations are beautiful and the writing is simple. I will be keeping my eyes out for more books in this series.
Thank you to #NetGalley for an ARC of #SurvivingtheWild:RainbowtheKoala by #RemyLai in exchange for an honest review.
January 27, 2025
3rd in Remy Lai’s Surviving the Wild series, this graphic novel delivers solid non-fiction information about koalas in a narrative form. Rainbow’s story begins when he is a young joey in his mother’s pouch, hairless and helpless, continues through his new independence and eventual rescue and rehabilitation from a bushfire. Included are facts about koalas’ food, habitat, and adaptations along with information about other animals living alongside them in the bush. Rainbow’s story is based on the true story of animal rescue during Australian bushfires during 2019-2020 and Lai details the truths in end notes also presented in graphic panels as is a diagram of a koala and its adaptations.
As with other Remy Lai works (Pawcasso, Fly on the Wall, Pie in the Sky…), the panels are realistic but drawn in a very child-friendly way, almost like the reader could do them, making the book very approachable for the target age group of grades 1-4. Presenting animal science information in a narrative form adds to this accessibility but may leave very strong readers with a solid animal knowledge base wanting more depth.
As with other Remy Lai works (Pawcasso, Fly on the Wall, Pie in the Sky…), the panels are realistic but drawn in a very child-friendly way, almost like the reader could do them, making the book very approachable for the target age group of grades 1-4. Presenting animal science information in a narrative form adds to this accessibility but may leave very strong readers with a solid animal knowledge base wanting more depth.
March 8, 2022
Graphic Novel
I received an electronic ARC from Macmillan Children's Publishing Group through NetGalley.
Part of Lai's Surviving the Wild series.
Readers meet Rainbow when they are a very young koala still living in their mother's pouch. We learn that koalas live there for months as their mothers teach them how to survive. Then they set off on their own. Rainbow struggles to find a new tree. Finally, Rainbow has a home but it is almost destroyed in a bush fire. The devastation is portrayed gently and realistically as the fire sweeps through the entire area. Rainbow is rescued, treated and released to finish the story.
Following the story, Lai shares the facts behind the book. She takes readers through what happens and how koalas and other animals are rescued and returned to their habitats. She also offers helpful ideas to conserve our natural resources.
Well done to introduce elementary level readers to wildlife habitats, rehab, and survival.
I received an electronic ARC from Macmillan Children's Publishing Group through NetGalley.
Part of Lai's Surviving the Wild series.
Readers meet Rainbow when they are a very young koala still living in their mother's pouch. We learn that koalas live there for months as their mothers teach them how to survive. Then they set off on their own. Rainbow struggles to find a new tree. Finally, Rainbow has a home but it is almost destroyed in a bush fire. The devastation is portrayed gently and realistically as the fire sweeps through the entire area. Rainbow is rescued, treated and released to finish the story.
Following the story, Lai shares the facts behind the book. She takes readers through what happens and how koalas and other animals are rescued and returned to their habitats. She also offers helpful ideas to conserve our natural resources.
Well done to introduce elementary level readers to wildlife habitats, rehab, and survival.
June 4, 2022
Author/illustrator Remy Lai continues her excellent new series, Surviving the Wild, with the fraught adventures of Rainbow the Koala. When she's about a year old, Rainbow leaves her mother's care and ventures out on her own. She soon encounters trouble, struggling to find enough water and falling into a swimming pool in her quest for a drink. She then faces her first bushfire, surviving only by clinging to the very top of the tallest gum tree in the forest. Luckily, a rescue team finds Rainbow and takes her to a makeshift koala hospital to recover before being released back into the bush. “The True Story Behind Rainbow's Adventure,” which closes out this early reader graphic novel, discusses the real events that inspired Rainbow's story, the perils posed by climate change, and what readers can do to help protect vulnerable ecosystems. Between the adorable animals and their nail-biting adventures, readers will tear through this series!
April 7, 2022
Finished this one in one quick sitting. This graphic novel shares the story of Rainbow the Koala growing up and learning to survive in the outback of Australia. With record heat waves and bushfires, Rainbow has to learn how to survive during these disasters.
This is targeted towards younger readers and I feel like it was a very successful story to teach children about Koalas, Australia and Climate Change. The back of the book also provides some tips on how to slow down Climate Change so native animals like Koalas can have a safe home. With beautiful and familiar artwork, Remy Lai has done a fantastic job once again.
I’m excited to continue reading the “Surviving the Wild” series and hope to share this with the young readers in my life.
Thank you to Allen and Unwin for providing me a copy of this graphic novel to review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This is targeted towards younger readers and I feel like it was a very successful story to teach children about Koalas, Australia and Climate Change. The back of the book also provides some tips on how to slow down Climate Change so native animals like Koalas can have a safe home. With beautiful and familiar artwork, Remy Lai has done a fantastic job once again.
I’m excited to continue reading the “Surviving the Wild” series and hope to share this with the young readers in my life.
Thank you to Allen and Unwin for providing me a copy of this graphic novel to review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
May 4, 2022
Though ostensibly fiction, this juvie graphic novel is a general overview of what it's like to be a koala in the Anthropocene. Specifically, it looks at what it was like to be a young koala during recent horrific wildfires in Australia. One would be hard pressed to say it sounds ideal.
It's cute, simply written, and pretty effectively conveys what it sets out to. It's also horrifying to see what this little dude goes through, from failing to find water in a drought to trying to climb a really high tree to survive a fire. Considering its target audience, this book does not pull many punches. Consider me scarred.
Good afterwards detailing koala and plant life, as well an animal rescue.
It's cute, simply written, and pretty effectively conveys what it sets out to. It's also horrifying to see what this little dude goes through, from failing to find water in a drought to trying to climb a really high tree to survive a fire. Considering its target audience, this book does not pull many punches. Consider me scarred.
Good afterwards detailing koala and plant life, as well an animal rescue.
June 22, 2022
Inspired by a true story, this juvenile graphic novel features a young koala who is marooned after a major Australian brushfire destroys the stand of eucalyptus trees in which he lives. The story is lively and engaging, and emphasizes that while humans can cause problems for wildlife and the environment, we can also choose to help.
A section in the back offers more info on koalas, the Australian brushfires, and climate change, as well as what people can do to help. As always, I wish that in any discussion of lessening our climate impact, dietary issues were discussed. Sadly, that content is missing from RAINBOW.
A section in the back offers more info on koalas, the Australian brushfires, and climate change, as well as what people can do to help. As always, I wish that in any discussion of lessening our climate impact, dietary issues were discussed. Sadly, that content is missing from RAINBOW.
July 1, 2022
7/1/2022 ~ A heart-tugging fictionalized story (graphic novel) about a koala, its mom, and a massive Australian wildfire. The backmatter includes the real-life events that provided the kernel of the idea for this tale of survival.
As you read, pay careful attention to the copyright page. The author does a "land acknowledgement" of the indigenous peoples who first lived on the land where the author/illustrator was when working on this book. I first read of land acknowledgements in Textured Teaching: A Framework for Culturally Sustaining Practices by Lorena Escoto Germán (pp. 22-24), but I'd never noticed something like this in a book published for kids.
As you read, pay careful attention to the copyright page. The author does a "land acknowledgement" of the indigenous peoples who first lived on the land where the author/illustrator was when working on this book. I first read of land acknowledgements in Textured Teaching: A Framework for Culturally Sustaining Practices by Lorena Escoto Germán (pp. 22-24), but I'd never noticed something like this in a book published for kids.
August 26, 2021
In this second installment, we see Rainbow, the koala, learn from his mom and grow. Rainbow has to be out on his own, finding a home, food, and water. When a brush fire invades his forest, he needs to figure out how to survive. The end of this book has facts about animals and brush fires, particularly the ones in Australia that this book is based upon. The text is simple to read and well-written. The art is good. I like that it's a fictionalized story (talking animals) but that we learn facts. (Read a digital ARC via Netgalley.)
August 18, 2021
I received a digital ARC from Henry Holt & Co. via NetGalley. My 7 year old son and I read this and we really enjoyed the dramatic story of Rainbow surviving a bush fire in Australia. Rainbow the koala's mom teaches him how to go off on his own. Then when he is ready it is very hard to navigate the world alone, but he follows all her rules and survives even the scariest situations. This book made it easy to discuss our environment and climate change with my son. Highly recommended.
May 21, 2022
I didn't like this one as much as the first in the series. While it has a great conservation theme and shows what is happening due to climate change, it's a little bit dark for the target audience. There are ways to help at the end but I think this one is a little bit more hopeless than the first one.
October 26, 2022
Cutesy koalas and other forest creatures face forest fires and drought in Australia. Lots of back matter on why it’s happening and what people can do to stop it. I didn’t know koala mommas chased their babies away to find their own trees. Pair with Koala Hospital by Suzi Eszterhas. Ecology message not subtle, the intended audience will get it.
December 31, 2022
A lot of education is packed into this cute graphic novel. I love the extra information at the end of the book and the fact that it's still in a fun format rather than a wall of text a child might ignore. The illustrations are colorful and easy to follow. The action keeps you reading to see what happens next, perfect for young readers.
November 16, 2021
Delightful story about a young koala called Rainbow trying to survive during after leaving his mother. Based in the facts surrounding the 2019-2020 wild fires, this story is lovely drawn, but has some intense moments due to the fire scenes.
March 13, 2022
I read this to my 6 year old and she was completely engaged. Her favorite part was when the mom and baby koala were together. I think this book will be a great classroom resource for any grade level!
April 28, 2022
Read-aloud.
My kids want to see a koala in real-life now...so I guess we're going to Australia...or the zoo. They were very concerned about the brush fires in Australia and wanted to make sure the koalas are okay.
Super cute story, loved the illustrations.
My kids want to see a koala in real-life now...so I guess we're going to Australia...or the zoo. They were very concerned about the brush fires in Australia and wanted to make sure the koalas are okay.
Super cute story, loved the illustrations.
Read
July 22, 2022This graphic novel, probably meant for younger kids, tackles serious topics such as drought and fire.
The book will get checked out since it's a brightly colored graphic novel, but while the storyline may not in the end appeal to the younger kids, older children might be interested.
The book will get checked out since it's a brightly colored graphic novel, but while the storyline may not in the end appeal to the younger kids, older children might be interested.
April 9, 2023
This was my favorite of the whole series. Such an excellent book about a young koala facing the Australian bushfires of 2019-20. The climax of the story was full of peril, but there are lighter moments and amusing visuals in this short graphic work as well.
April 15, 2023
Inspired by true events, this new early reader graphic novel series has animals facing all kinds of perils in the wild. Includes a section full of ways readers can help prevent causing more harm to the planet and the animals. In this story, a koala's new independence is tested with wildfire.
April 8, 2022
Remy Lai’s new graphic novel Surviving the Wild series sends an earth-loving message. Star the Elephant and Rainbow the Koala are just perfect for young readers who love animals! Adorable!
April 14, 2022
Another great addition to the series. My students LOVED this one!
April 17, 2022
4.5 stars
April 18, 2022
Interesting and informative story about koalas and their habitat. Written like a graphic novel.
April 20, 2022
Both me and my daughter liked this book. The illustrations were wonderful and a great story about the environment and animals. #goodreadsgiveaways
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews