Leesa Allinson (text) and Heather Potter & Mark Jackson (illustrators), One Koala, One Hundred Trees, Wild Dog, August 2025, 32 pp. RRP $24.99 (hbk), ISBN 9781742036854
Reports of the endangered status of Australia’s beloved koalas along the east coast have been a source of sadness for me—and, I know, for many others. That’s why One Koala, One Hundred Trees was such a heartening read for me. It is an inspiring story about a farming family’s decision to improve koala habitats on their property.
When the child narrator discovers an injured koala, her family take it to their local Koala Hospital. There, they learn that one koala needs about 100 trees in their home range. This knowledge motivates the family to gather communal support to plant many more trees on their property so as to improve koala habitats there. I especially appreciated the story’s hopeful message that even daunting environmental challenges can be faced with optimism, action, and patience.
Debut author, Allinson, tells this story of animal conservation with authentic dialogue and clear, concise language. Told in the first person by a child narrator, the story feels both genuine and relatable for young readers. There is an earnestness and sincerity in the narrator’s concern for the plight of koalas which made the story feel quite emotional and real for me.
Award-winning illustrators, Jackson and Potter, have collaborated in bringing the story to life with detailed landscapes and streetscapes, as well as authentic depictions of human interaction and activity. Their portrayal of facial expressions, body language, and dynamic movement add meaning to the story. With loose sketch lines and soft, light-coloured water washes in earthy farming environment tones, their illustrations evoke a gentle and authentic visual atmosphere that reflects the rural setting of the story.
Interesting koala facts are interspersed in the story, with an enlarged image of the Koala Hospital fact sheet and a brief practical guide for building a ‘koala corridor’. More koala fun facts are listed in dot point format at the back of the book.
One Koala, One Hundred Trees is highly relevant for anyone concerned about the conservation of Australian native wildlife. It is suitable for older picture book readers (about 5- 7 years old) who can understand the story’s complex themes. Teaching notes are available at the publisher’s website.
Reviewed by Barbara Swartz
