Klassic Koalas: A Coloring Book of more than 80 Koalas and Uniquely Australian Creatures edited by Joanne Ehrich and Lee Barwood Softbound; 86 pages, 8.5' x 8.5'; (21.5cm x 21.5cm) October 1, 2009; Juvenile/Activity Books; FREE: Full-color example pages $14.99

Koala and nature lovers of all ages will enjoy this visual celebration of Australia's magnificent wildlife, with detailed such as the kookaburra, platypus, kangaroo, Tasmanian devil, Tasmanian tiger, cassowary, emu, ostrich, wombat, sugar glider, brushtail possum, desert mouse, dingo, goanna, and frilled lizard—as well as the lesser-known bilby, tamenoir, bandicoot, numbat, betong, quoll, phalanger, and bandy bandy snake.

Attractive illustrations, several of which were also featured in the book Klassic Koalas: Ancient Aboriginal Tales in New Retellings, were designed with any skill level and age in mind. Finished landscapes may serve as an inspiration to unleash the artist within. Line art can be completed with colored pencils, felt-tip markers, oil pastels, crayons, or acrylic and watercolor paint. Skilled illustrators are invited to make practical use by scanning in illustrations for existing projects, collage work, stained glass designs, knitting, quilt and appliqué patterns, or framed wall art.

This menagerie of Australian creatures promises many hours of fun activities, while also teaching us about our amazing planet. A glossary composed by Lee Barwood contains fact-filled descriptions of the animals featured in the book, as well as general, uniquely Australian terms.

A book review by aspiring journalist Caitlin Hung, Canada:

With its wide variety of imaginative pictures that allow for children to get a better understanding of Australian wildlife "Klassic Koalas: A Coloring Book of more than 80 Koalas and Uniquely Australian Creatures" is a wonderful display of the peaceful nature of the koala while showcaseing other animals from Down Under. By providing children with a better understanding of what life is like for the Koala in the Australian wilderness children can learn what they do can impact this world. Possibly the most beneficial part of the book for children is the glossary at the end. If they are truly interested in the animals and scenes that they see in the coloring book, the glossary can provide them with information their growing minds need. This coloring book allows for children to have fun and learn at the same time, which is something that both children and parents are looking for.