More information about the Kylie’s Song Teaching Guide

Grades K-4

In the Land Down Under, a little koala inspires children to reach for their own potential.

Sometimes a koala has to do what a koala has to do. That’s what Kylie decides in this story that shows youngsters how important it is to develop their individual capabilities.

Born with a song in her heart, Kylie is at odds with the dictum that koalas are not supposed to sing. She soon learns that being different is lonely and hard, but she also discovers that conformity doesn’t necessarily lead to contentment.

Itoko Maeno’s lyrical watercolors of the flora and fauna of Australia make Kylie’s journey of self-discovery unforgettable. The Kylie’s Song teaching guide includes dozens of activities across your curriculum - from exploring the "songs" of other animal friends to eliminating stereotypes from familiar nursery rhymes and creating models of koalas from homemade play dough. Kylie’s Song will help you

• Demonstrate the dangers of stereotyping
• Promote pride in individualism
• Encourage calculated risk-taking
• Introduce background information about Australia and its inhabitants

What others think about Kylie’s Song

" . . . teaches a powerful message about conformity without being heavy handed. The songs Kylie sings are delightful. Can be used in guidance, language arts, social studies, or science classes."
–School Library Journal