Embark on an emotional journey with "Fluffles: The Brave Koala Who Held Strong Through A Bushfire" by Vita Murrow, a poignant and beautifully illustrated children's book that has earned its well-deserved five stars in my heart.

From the very first page, the story of Fluffles unfolds with a grace that both captivates and tugs at the heartstrings. As a reader, I was immediately drawn into the narrative, following Fluffles, the brave koala, through the devastating bushfires in South Australia. The descriptive prose paints vivid images, allowing readers of all ages to empathize with the trials and triumphs of this courageous koala.

The themes of bravery, resilience, and the importance of compassion resonate powerfully throughout the narrative. Fluffles' journey, from seeking refuge at the top of a tree to the heartwarming moments of healing and cuddling with fellow koalas, showcases the indomitable spirit of these incredible animals. The book cleverly highlights that sometimes, the smallest acts of love, like a hug, can be heroic and profoundly impactful.

The illustrations by Rachel Qiuqi are nothing short of magical. Each page is a visual feast, evoking a range of emotions as Fluffles navigates the challenges brought by the bushfire. The art style is both adorable and poignant, perfectly complementing the narrative. The tender moments of cuddling among koalas radiate warmth and comfort, creating a visual language that adds depth to the storytelling.

The fact section at the back is a thoughtful addition, providing valuable information about koalas and suggesting ways readers can contribute to their well-being. It transforms the book into not just a heartwarming tale but also an educational tool, fostering a love for wildlife and environmental awareness.

"Fluffles" is a gem that transcends age barriers, offering a touching narrative that both children and adults will cherish. Vita Murrow and Rachel Qiuqi have masterfully crafted a story that celebrates the resilience of wildlife and the healing power of love. It is a testament to the strength within us all, making it a must-read for those who seek inspiration and hope.

This is the first true stories of animal heroes that I have read. It's an adorable series and I love reading about the animal heroes. I remember hearing a lot about the disaster in Australia and paying special attention to the stories of the animals. This book is perfect for children because it doesn't focus on the devastation that occurred but highlights a story with a happy ending.

*received for free from netgalley for honest review* Really adorable artwork in this book! love how fluffy fluffles looks lol will be looking into more books in this series

These stories are a great bridge between fiction and nonfiction for young readers. These titles would be great for social studies units in early elementary classrooms.

I can already tell this is a series I’m going to enjoy. This book covers the Australian wildfires and a koala named Fluffles. It explains things on a basic level that won’t overwhelm children. The illustrations are gorgeous. Highly recommended!

Soft, beautiful illustrations offset the harrowing tale of Fluffles, a koala who survived the intense bushfires that ravaged Australia and its wildlife. This touching story will tug at the heartstrings and thankfully has a heartwarming ending. The facts at the end of the book are a good stepping-stone to learning more about koalas in general as well as how you can help the animals who were affected by the wildfires. A strong recommendation for library and personal collections.

Thank you to Quarto Publishing and NetGalley for an opportunity to read Fluffles’ story

This story is based on a real Koala bear that survived the Australian bushfires of 2020. The bushfires and damage to the environment broke my heart last year, this is a great book for parents (and teachers) to read with heir children and to explain to them of these devastating event, and it’s impacts and koalas and other animals,

The illustrations are quite beautiful and the story is told in a manner that will appeal to kids and will also be educational..

Oh my goodness this story was so precious! The art matched the narrative perfectly (!!) because it was hazy like the smoke of a wildfire and soft like the fur of a koala. This little book explains how wildfires can start and how koalas try to stay safe when they happen. Fluffles and the other koalas were so cute in the illustrations and they had little facial expressions to show happiness and distress. I loved the ending. The hug that could rebuild the forest! Makes my heart all tight. This is a great read for kiddos and it’s not scary like some children’s books can be when animals are in distress. I think the artwork did a lot for it there because it’s so soft and simplistic.

The illustration is very cute. Everything's kind of round? It suits the title Fluffles.
I've seen photos of officers taking care of koala bears after rescuing them from the fire. They're very moving and just lovely.
This book is good for parents to tell their kid what happened during the fire, and what koalas are like. I recommend it for that reason.

"In this new series, based on real-life animal tales, discover that not all heroes wear capes – some have four legs, a wet nose, and a brave heart. Big or small, fall in love with animal friends who have lived truly wild lives."

Fluffles is an adorable little koala bear that lives in southern Australia. She hangs out every day in her eucalyptus forest with other friendly koalas. They continually eat yummy leaves from the trees and sleep in the branches. Life is good.

Then one day everything changes. A huge storm blows in with lighting and loud thunder BOOMS! Fluffles watches the grey sky turn red and she knows she is in danger. She must move quickly and bravely to find refuge. A fire ensues and she climbs high up into a tree and clutches on for dear life. After a time the fire subsides and Fluffles knows she must climb down and find her friends even though the tree is still very hot. Will she be brave enough to defy the danger and strike out on her mission to find the other koalas?

The illustrations are amazing and the colour pallet chosen is perfect. This bittersweet tale celebrates the amazing value of hugs. Hugs have healing power and giving them is an act of heroism. This heartwarming story has a fact section at the back so kids can do more research on koala bears and discover how they can be helped. I highly recommend this book.

I received an advance reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review via netgalley and the publishers.

Fluffles is a brave Koala who survived through the Bush fires in Australia. This book tells the story of Fluffles survival and helps to raise awareness  in children of disasters occurring in the world around them.
The illustrations are absolutely adorable and the heartfelt meaning and love of this animal is captured beautifully in this story.
I remember the Australian Bush fires last year and the devastating loss off natural habitat, species and animals it caused. This is a great way of helping children understand what happens in the world and the book gives information for both children and adults at the back of the book, as to how we can help.
I can't wait to read more in this series.

When I read the title, Animal Heroes, I thought this will be a super koala (like superman). But this is a story about koalas who survived the Australian bush fire in 2020 and how can we help them when they are in trouble. Also how to prevent koalas from losing their home.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

This book and the koalas inside are so cute and so sweet. Y’all really have me crying over illustrated koalas. I adored every page! They handled a delicate subject with care and I look forward to reading other books in this series.

4.5★
“Fluffles the koala lived in a eucalyptus forest. It stretched across southeastern Australia.
Fluffles’ home was filled with tasty trees, and many other friendly koalas.”

My Goodreads review includes an illustration here.

Fluffles and her friends are shown as very appealing, rosy-cheeked (??), friendly little animals that anyone would love to cuddle. Eat, sleep, repeat. What a life! Until – STORMS!

My Goodreads review includes an illustration here of the storm.
”BOOM! . . . Storms were sneaky so Fluffles had to stay alert. It didn’t storm often, and the land was very dry. If lightning struck the forest, it could start a fire.”

My Goodreads review includes an illustration of the koalas with flames licking at their toes.

Sure enough, the sky turned red, so she and the others raced up the trees to escape the flames below.

After the fire burned out, Fluffles climbed down, but OUCH! Her paws were burned and sore!

My Goodreads review includes an illustration or Fluffles looking at her sore paws.

Fluffles spotted some helpers among the burned trees and ‘climbed’ one

My Goodreads review includes an illustration or Fluffles climbing a leg of a bushfire helper.

The helpers put special cream and mittens on her paws until they healed. As soon as the mittens were off, they put her with a friend, since koalas seem to feel better hugging something or someone.

My Goodreads review includes an illustration or Fluffles and another koala hugging each other.

When they were well enough to go back, Fluffles and the others were returned to the forest.

The book shows lovely green trees, but so much of the forest has been lost to fires that Australia is at risk of losing these unique animals. At the end of the book are some actual photos of the koalas who were rescued near Adelaide, South Australia in 2020. Fluffles was one such koala. There is a discussion about their plight and loss of habitat, plus a link to a website to read more and contribute. www.savethekoala.com

This is one of a series of animal stories based on real animals. I applaud the stories and teaching children to care about wildlife and learn nurturing behaviour. I was pleased to see the koalas returned to green trees and not become pets. It does concern me that kids will think animals are just like us, and the rosy cheeks are a bit over the top. I also wasn't crazy about using the word 'mom' instead of 'mum' or 'mother', since this is Australia, and the word 'mum' is well understood.

Thanks to NetGalley and Quarto’s Frances Lincoln Children’s Books for the preview copy.

Based on the true story of a koala that survived the Australian brush fires "True Stories of Animal Heroes: Fluffles is a great picture book that introduces an important topic that young readers will enjoy.

True Stories of Animal Heroes: Fluffles The Brave Koala Who Survived a Bushfire by Vita Murrow is a book that my granddaughter wanted read to her not once but twice. While I knew about the Australian fires of the recent past few years my kindergarten granddaughter did not. Besides learning about the devastation of the fires along with Fluffles’ brave survival, she learned to appreciate the power of a hug.

The story is simply told with lovely illustrations but it is the last two pages of photographs and facts that we lingered on while reading. Fluffles’ story so impressed by granddaughter that she told her older sister about it who then asked to read it too. As a third grader she had no problems reading it independently. This is a story that is able to be enjoyed by young and old, no matter rather they read it themselves or have someone read it to them.

The publisher through Net Galley provided a digital ARC. I have voluntarily decided to read and review, giving my personal opinions and thoughts.

Such a cute story about Fluffles’ survival after the 2020 fires that ravaged Australia. The illustrations are just beautiful and the story is simple for little kids to follow along and understand. Can’t wait to check out the rest of the series featuring brave animals.

Thanks NetGalley and Frances Lincoln Children’s Books for a digital copy!

My 3 year old loved this book! What a great concept and excellent writing. I want to buy the physical copy now!

This is a sweet story about a koala surviving the Australian brush fires. The illustrations are beautiful and the story has a happy ending even though parts could be scary for little ones.
Many thanks to Frances Lincoln Children's Books and NetGalley for the advance copy.

What a sweet and endearing true story for little readers. My 4 year-old loved the warm illustrations and perfect pacing.