Jimmy the Joey: The True Story of an Amazing Koala Rescue

by Deborah Lee Rose

This warm and inspirational photographic picture book for ages 4 to 8 is a compelling and uplifting true story, with a sweet message about coping with loss that draws attention to an important and threatened wild animal.
 
Jimmy is an adorable baby koala whose tender tale is sure to strike at the heartstrings of every animal lover. Readers will marvel at Jimmy's new life at Koala Hospital, being raised by loving human caregivers and interacting with other koalas healing from injury. The book also introduces young readers to the need for conservational awareness: Through Jimmy's life story readers will come to understand the many obstacles koalas and other species face today.

Genres: Nonfiction, Picture Books, Animals, Australia, Childrens, Nature, Science

32 pages, Hardcover

First published July 9, 2013

Reviews

[Storywraps · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is bittersweet. The bitter pill comes at the beginning when one night a mother koala and her baby cross a road to get to a new feeding spot. She is in need of a more abundant supply of fresh eucalyptus leaves to keep her and her baby healthy and alive. Upon crossing she is tragically hit with a car leaving her deceased and her little joey injured and alone at the side of the road. The next morning a good Samaritan, a workman, finds the frightened little fellow and calls the Koala ambulance to come and rescue him. The joey is whisked off to the hospital immediately to be tended to.

Now the sweet pill. Kind volunteers wrap him in a soft woollen pouch (simulating his mother's), give him the name Jimmy, and start his rehabilitation. The hospital's wildlife biologist checks him over from head to toe and then assigns him to a very special trained volunteer name Barb, who takes him to her home to take care of his every need. Jimmy feels safe and loved with her and they bond as a mother and son. Every day he grows bigger, becomes stronger, and discovers all he needs to know to become a fully functioning adult koala. After many months of intensive nurturing, Barb knowing he is fully recovered and can fend for himself, releases him back into the wild.

The book is informative as you learn many facts about the koala bear and uplifting because you become aware of the specialized facilities and volunteers that out there to help these injured and orphaned animals. At the end of the book, true to National Geographic's Kids brilliant style, are maps, koala bear facts, websites for you to visit, recommended books to read about these little critters, places to see koalas worldwide and ways you can become involved with these hospitals to assist their funding or even become a volunteer.

The photographs are big, bold and amazing and they enhance and enrich the text on every single page. National Geographic publish the best in children's books and I heartily recommend you add these non-fiction stories to your child's collection.

[June · Rating 4 out of 5]

A baby koala is rescued, reared and released back into the wild. Outstanding photos. The author conveys her koala "addiction" better in her note than story, but up to NG standards with information, maps and further resources.

[Ms. Shoshana · Rating 4 out of 5]

True story of how a baby koala was saved after a car accident and eventually rehabilitated and released back to the wild. Great photos and nice back matter.

It's a little long, but I'm definitely going to try this with a class of preschoolers I'm visiting who are learning about Australia.

[Chanelle Spencer · Rating 5 out of 5]

The genre of the book is nonfiction. The book was a Nominee in 2015 for the Monarch Award. The age range for the book is four to eight years old. The book is a true story about an amazing Kola Rescue. A baby kola was holding on to his mother fur while she walked around looking for a tree with fresh leaves. The kola fell to the ground and the mother didn’t know a worker found the kola and took it in the hospital for care. I rated the book at five stars because the book was very informational. The book had a nice message about a kola coping with loss that drew attention to it because of it being a wild animal. The mother kola never heard the joey cry out and continue to walk looking for leaves. The kola stayed at the rescue hospital with the rescue team. Over time the kola was taken in by Barb one of the rescue members who raised him remarkably. The use of language was simple. The texts were understood and clear allowing the reader eye to capture the special moments in the fascinating story. The photographs were enlightening, deep and inspirational. The colors were blended and made the picture pop of the page. This book would be appealing for young readers because it has factual information and it’s based on a true story about kolas. I would reread the story to the children and ask questions about the book for example, why didn’t Barb allow the kola to go back in the wild after it healed? Why did the kola have to go to the rescue hospital?

[K.L. Bernard · Rating 5 out of 5]

What's a joey? It's not a boy or girl. Instead, it's a baby koala. That's what they are called when they are babies. Jimmy is a koala bear that was rescued by a Koala Hospital in New South Wales, Australia. Jimmy and his mother lived in a forest, but as the trees were cut down and roads put in their place, they needed to find a new home. While crossing the road they were hit by a car and Jimmy was the only survivor. Jimmy was only six months old and needed special care. He spent his first year under the care of Barb, a caregiver at the hospital. She taught him to climb and eat leaves. When it was time Jimmy was relocated to a protected environment where he could live and thrive.

Rose and Kelly have done a fantastic job of photographing and documenting Jimmy's amazing journey from rescue to release. Vivid images and simple sentences bring this amazing animal right into any young readers home. The back of the book has interesting facts about koalas, notes from the photographer, websites and links for young readers to explore. Parents and teachers will find this guide to be a handy tool.

[Rll52014_barb_zachwieja · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a National Geographic picture book by Debrah Lee Rose and Susan Kelly. It is currently on the Monarch list for 2015. This true story follows the life of an orphaned koala joey whose mother is killed by a car. He was just about 6 months old when he was found by a worker who rushed him to an animal hospital for care and rehabilitation. He lived with a foster family, and a woman named Barb (great name!) took care of him and raised the joey by hand. She still brought him to the animal hospital for routine check ups, and together his rescuers decided to call him "Jimmy." After about a year of rehabilitation, Jimmy was ready to be tagged and released back into the wild. It was a bittersweet day for Barb and the other volunteers and workers.

As one would expect from National Geographic, the photographs are colorful, detailed, and amazing. The text is minimal as they tell Jimmy's story, so I would think this would work best with k-3 students, although anyone can enjoy this heart-warming tale of humans working together to save a single koala--which is an endangered animal. --Barb

[Jim Erekson · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a fairly plain rendering of what I might have seen in one of Susan Kelly's films. The standard for a documentary book of an individual animal's life is pretty high by now. Sure, not all books have the production luxuries Moonbird B95 got, but this one could have been differentiated a bit more to offer some variety in the transaction. The story itself is a compelling rescue drama, so it was an interesting read and held together well as something worth spending time with. The back matter provided context as well as a nice varied list of other resources to look into.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

When his mother is presumably killed, a baby koala named Jimmy is rescued by an ambulance from the Koala Hospital. After being fed, nurtured, and taught to climb, Jimmy is released into the wild. The text sparkles and is sure to evoke empathetic reactions from readers while the large photographs show how adorable Jimmy is and how carefully Barb, his caretaker works with him. Back matter from the photographer describes the environmental threats to koalas such as Jimmy as their habitat is increasingly destroyed and global warming makes life even more challenging for them. Readers will be surprised to learn that koalas are one of the species at most risk due to changes in Earth's climate.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Upon seeing the adorable and beautiful baby koala photographs from National Geographic, readers will say “aww”. This is the attention-grabbing tale of a joey that is rescued by wildlife biologists and brought to a Koala Hospital. The story goes into detail about how Jimmy is cared for at the hospital. The book will appeal to parents and teachers looking for a quality nonfiction story to read to younger kids in kindergarten or first grade. It has a very uplifting ending that everyone can enjoy. Plus, in the back of the book, it has a map showing where Jimmy and other koalas live and facts that give you some new insights into the story.

[Kristen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of those "awwwww!" books that will be snatched up and pored over by your animal lovers. Jimmy the Joey was rescued at 6 months old (from the context we get that his mother was hit by a car) and taken to the Koala Hospital. There are lots of sweet photos of fluffy little Jimmy being cared for and growing stronger, and when he is released into the wild in the end, there's a fantastic photo of Jimmy looking back as if to say goodbye to his caregiver.

Before showing the cover, tell the kids that the book is about Jimmy the Joey. Most will predict the story is about a kangaroo, and they'll be intrigued to know that baby koalas are called joeys, too.

[Michele Knott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this informational text about a young joey that is separated from his mother and rescued by the Koala Hospital.
Animal lovers will enjoy this heartening tale and the wonderful photographs. The photographer does a wonderful job, and as I learned in the back of the book, is the one who did most of the research.
A great animal rescue tale that gives readers information about what a young joey needs and how there are wonderful workers that help these animals learn to survive in their natural habitat.

[Sheri Levasseur · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was recommended to me by a 5 year-old at my public library. He said, "It's great! You should read it!"

I did.

Jimmy the Joey is a heart-warming rescue story of a baby koala, yet simple with koala facts to support the story at the end. The photos are excellent, as is expected from Nat Geo. I recommend it as a read-aloud for K-G2, for young animal lovers, or a unit on Australian animals or even service profession (biologists and veterinarians. ELA CSS Standards CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.K.1, CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.1.6, NGSS.K-ESS3-1, NGSS.2-LS4-1.

[Tirzah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Traveling to Australia and holding a koala bear is either on my bucket list or dream list...I am not quite sure if I will ever make it over there due to various reasons, but it is second best to read about the adorable animals. Jimmy's story is sad, sweet, and ultimately happy. At the end of the book, there are interesting facts about koalas and the note from the photographer is touching.

Great for: Kindergarten-3rd Grade

Teaches: scientific facts about koalas, Australian geography, being mindful of wildlife and environment

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the story of an orphaned koala. His mother was hit by a car and the little koala, or joey, was left in the street on his own. There was no way he could survive. But he was found and brought to the Koala Hospital. There they worked to keep him alive and then to help him survive. He was placed with a volunteer who took him home with her. This is the story of Jimmy the joey who was saved and thrived thanks to the wildlife rescue workers.

[KimBear · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the story of a baby koala bear named Jimmy. He is orphaned one night after an accident, and then taken in by the team at Koala Hospital where they heal his wounds. From there he goes home to live with a hospital volunteer who feeds him and nurtures him. It's a nice story about a bond between a human and an animal. The book also includes some interesting facts about koalas at the end of the book.

[Joyce · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jimmy is an orphaned baby koala joey who is rescued and cared for before being released back into the wild. The photos are amazing. The text uses simple language to inform readers about koala joeys and tell the story of Jimmy's incredible journey. The end of the book includes a map of Australia, quick facts about koalas, and a page full of resources for more koala info. It's still early to tell if this will win the Monarch, but Jimmy the Joey is definitely a contender.

[Emily Ever · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jimmy is a Koala who loses his mother early on and is raised by the caring people at the koala hospital. Though the beginning is sad, it goes on to describe how Jimmy learns to be a koala again and gets to make friends.

It's a great lesson for kids about conservation and the effects that humans (and their construction projects) have on the animals around them.

Great for any kid who loves animals!

[Pam Page · Rating 5 out of 5]

These amazing creatures just do not look real which adds to the charm of this story. Children can learn about the koala rescue that tries to rehabilitate koalas to the wild. Great information but even better are the photos! Notes from the photographer add more information at the back along with additional books, websites, ways to help koalas, etc.

[Alice · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a 3 1/2 a half but I shoved it to 4 stars.! This was a true story about a real joey named Jimmy! This is a great non-fiction book and the photographs are details and crisp. You feel like if touch the paper you will feel Jimmy's fur. Highly recommenced for Elementary school class rooms as well as a great story to read to your kids!

[Julia Beavis · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very sweet and true story about a baby Koala (or, a Joey) named Jimmy. With help from some of his human friends, Jimmy is rescued and able to grow into a fully developed Koala living in the wild.

This picture book includes a map, facts about koalas, as well as websites, books and other information pertaining to knowledge of koalas.

[The Styling Librarian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jimmy the Joey The True Story of an Amazing Koala Rescue by Deborah Lee Rose and Susan Kelly, photographs by Susan Kelly – So special to read this. Excellent information presented throughout the book in addition to beautiful photographs. Animal rescue stories are special. This is a pretty easy smooth read aloud for 1st-3rd grade.

[Martha · Rating 4 out of 5]

An intriguing story of the rescue of a koala baby. Readers will love the photos of adorable fuzzy Jimmy and his happy ending. The photographer's backpage article is informative, clearly describing the plight of koalas in Austrailia. Websites, book resources, locations to view koalas, and ways to help these endangered animals are included as well.

[Kellee Moye · Rating 4 out of 5]

Full review at: http://www.unleashingreaders.com/?p=2191

So I must warn you. This book is full of adorable. You fall in love with Joey instantly and will love every second of his story. Joey’s story is combined with information about koalas as well as information about conservation. However, it never gets preachy; it is just the facts of Jimmy’s story. Oh, and did I say ADORABLE?!?!

[Jackie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Packed with information about koalas, their environment, habits, and unique traits, Jimmy the Joey: The True Story of an Amazing Koala Rescue follows the events after Jimmy was injured on the road and his re-entry into wild life.

Includes a bibliography, facts about Australia and Koalas, and glorious color photographs.

[Karen Arendt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book about how one specific animal is endangered and how the animal was taken care of. Koalas are so adorable to look at. This book would be great to pair with Tara and Bella, Saving Yasha, or A Little Book of Sloth.

[Oak Lawn Public Library - Youth Services · Rating 3 out of 5]

Monarch Award Nominee 2015
Summary: A baby koala is rescued and taken to a koala hospital to be raised and then released into the wild.

Comments: The photos are super cute. The story is okay – straightforward and informative.

3 out of 5 stars

Reviewed by: Sarah

[Bethe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice blend of photograph size and placement, backgrounds, and medium size text present the efforts made to save a baby koala orphaned by a car accident. Thorough back matter and moving photographer note. Read aloud-able text should appeal to elementary age readers.

[Pat Salvatini · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting story of a rescued baby koala and his path back to his natural habitat. The photograph illustrations are wonderful but the story itself is a bit too heavy on words. Which is unfortunate because this is just the type of story that would appeal to my youngest of students.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This beautiful book is a 2016 Black Eyed Susan nominee but I had already bought it and shared it with some of my students this year. Of course they liked it. It has beautiful photographs and a great story about the rescue of a baby koala and its eventual return to the wild.

[Meg · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the best nonfiction books I've seen for this reading level. Excellent resources and a good balance of narrative and information. I'd highly recommend for a second grade or early elementary gifted & talented classroom.