Fluffles

Title: True Stories of Animal Heroes: Fluffles
The Brave Koala Who Survived a Bushfire
By: Vita Murrow
Publisher: Quarto Publishing Group – Frances Lincoln Children's Books
Frances Lincoln Children's Books
Genre: Children's Fiction
Pub Date: 2 Mar 2021
Review on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3776524753

This is a short children's book about a Koala bear called Fluffles.
Fluffles survived the Australian bushfires of 2020.

There are only approximately 18 pages in this book. It would not be difficult for a young child to learn to read this book on there own. They may need help with one or two words but generally I think it is an extremely easy read.

I didn't like how in some parts the Koala bear was humanized, the word hand appears instead of the word paw. I also felt that describing the Koala bear as "Friendly" may give some children the wrong impression that Koala bears are not wild and sometimes dangerous animals. Perhaps the word cutie may have been a suitable alternative.

The fact section did save the book for me, I think this is the part that most older kids and adults will enjoy.

True Stories of Animal Heroes: Fluffles by Vita Murrow is the first book in a series based on real-life animal stories. Fluffles survived the bush fires in South Australia. It tells how was rescued by firefighters and they helped Fluffles heal and be reunited with the other koalas, This book also included information with real pictures of koalas who were impacted by the bush fires. As the koalas were recuperating from their injuries, they were placed with another koala because they felt more comfortable holding on to something. It also tells how readers can support and raise awareness for koala rescue projects. I think this story would be great to read aloud as students learn about Australia, wildfires, koalas, and animal conservation. The illustrations are absolutely adorable and students will enjoy seeing the koalas; sweet faces.

This story for children is based on what really occurred during the fires in Australia. Adorable, human like Fluffles is a happy young koala until…a bushfire! How does Fluffles survive? Who helps? Children will be relieved to find out that Fluffles is okay and reunited with her fellow Koalas.

The illustrations in this story are very appealing. Children will love seeing Fluffles throughout the text.

This book also raised the issue of protecting the koalas habitat. The author refers readers to the website http://www.savethekoala.com.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title. All opinions are my own.

This is a story about a Koala that survived the bushfire in Australia. The book follows Fuffles from before the fire until after her release. The illustrations are beautiful and they did a nice job of telling the story. I also love when books based on a real story show the real thing at the end and this one did just that. Children everywhere will love this book. I can't wait to add it to the library.

This is a sweet story about a koala and surviving a fire. Thunder and lightning begins a forest fire, were a koala and it's family is rescued. They are placed back when everything is better again. The best thing about this book is the illustrations.

I got this on Netgalley in exchange for an honest review!

This was a cute little picture book about the koalas and the wildfires in Australia! I knew before reading this what exactly it was referencing, and I think they really did it justice. Also really nice art style, and I thought there was just the right amount of text on each page. Also loved the final spread with the facts about the events and the pictures.

Thank you NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Okay, seriously.... I adore Fluffles. What an amazing animal.
This is a short children' book all about the koala Fluffles and how amazing they are.
My kids and I loved reading this book and will likely buy a copy!

I'll definitely be looking out for other work by this author.

My daughter is in a huge koala phase right now. I downloaded this book to read with her. She adored it. I loved how it was a true story of the Australian bush fires. It allowed her and me to talk about what happened and look at pictures. The story allowed her to really connect with Fluffles and all he went through. The illustrations were adorable, and it was a book both her and I loved.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group – Frances Lincoln Children's Books for my copy of True Stories of Animal Heroes: Fluffles by Vita Murrow in exchange for an honest review. It publishes March 2, 2021.
I had the help of a 6 Year old animal lover for the reading and reviewing of this book. The illustrations were really simple and beautiful. I enjoyed the color palate used, and that it was appropriate for the topic. I appreciated the gentle way the bush fires were treated and that they were told through the eyes of the koala, and didn't focus too intensely on the scary parts. We also enjoyed seeing the pictures of Fluffles in the end!
This would be a great addition to a classroom library!

Thank you to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group Frances Lincoln Children’s Books for kindly providing me with a digital copy of this book for review.
This was a lovely little book to read with my 5 year old son. We’re big animal lovers in our house- I’m a veterinary nurse by profession so it’s not really surprising that my children are interested in animals and want to learn about them.
This was an informative story inspired by the real bush fire events in Australia 2020. It follows a koala that was burned in those fires, rescued, nursed back to health, and then released back into the wild. I think this book is important in keeping these events in the forefront on our minds. So much happened in 2020 and events such as the covid-19 pandemic and the black lives matter civil rights protests, were so huge- I think other events may have been eclipsed in the public attention. This is a good reminder that the clean-up and recovery from those terrible bush fires was still continuing throughout 2020 and into 2021.
My son really liked the pictures and he particularly liked the inclusion of some photos at the end of the book. He thinks koalas are very cute and he wants to re-home one now- I think I’ll read it to him again and re-emphasise the part where the koalas got released back into the wild! So a definite recommendation from my son, I just need to convince him that koalas are better in the wild, not sleeping on the end of his bed!

It's hard not to be overwhelmed by the beautiful soft illustrations that cover the inside of this book. I learned that koalas need hugs to help them heal, and those pictured are certainly hugable. This story is based on the real plight of koalas in the 2020 Australian bush fires that devastated local wildlife and led to a stronger need than ever for compassionate people who care about all living creatures. Although the situation is portrayed very simply, the basic facts are powerful and just the thing to help introduce children to the concerns of climate change and natural disasters. It's written simply enough that most second and third grade students could handle reading it without help. I loved the ending. I hope that many children (and adults too!) pick up this book and consider ways that anyone can help make the world a better place for all its inhabitants.

I LOVED the artwork in this book. It was well-done and I felt I could reach out and hug Fluffles myself. I liked that the story told the whole story, of life before the fire and after being rescued. I liked that it had actual pictures from the fire and explained what happened. Some of the words would be harder for younger children to read, but once they read through it a few times they would have the words down.

The real life story of Fluffles, a Koala caught up in the Australian bush fires. My 6 year old daughter used this book for her reading practice at home while the schools are closed here in the UK. It’s a beautifully illustrated book and I love the fact it becomes a talking point with my daughter about the bushfires, caring for our planet and koalas in general.. I like the fact it included pictures of the real Fluffles along with more facts and a link to www.savethekoala.com. Thanks to NetGalley for the advance copy.

Thanks to Quarto Publishing Group/Frances Lincoln Children's Books + NetGalley for the eARC of "True Stories of Animal Heroes: Fluffles" by Vita Murrow, illustrated by Rachel Quiqi.

This is the perfect introduction to both the wildfires in Australia (in 2020) and illustrating how a Koala named Fluffles was able to survive the fire. The personification of Fluffles makes the story relatable to young readers while talking about important climate issues.

Such a cute picture book! I love that it is based on a true Koala story, and kids and parents can read about the 2020 bushfires at the end of the book. I will be buying this series for our library!

First, I do not think these illustrations could be any cuter. I adore these fluffy little koalas. I also adore how brave the poor little koalas had to be during the bush fires in Australia. This is a inspiring little story.

True Stories of Animal Heroes: Fluffles
The Brave Koala Who Held Strong Through A Bushfire
by Vita Murrow

Thank you to Netgalley and Frances Lincoln for the chance to review and read this uplifting and inspiring story.

This book is just wonderful. It tells the story of Fluffles, a Koala rescued in the Australian Bush fires of early 2020. The illustrations are extremely touching and tell the story so well, the text provides lots of information about Koalas and details the rescue efforts and touching details that make this book stay with you long after reading.
I loved Koalas before reading this book but my admiration and respect for these wonderful creatures has grown even more through reading this touching tribute.
There were lots of ‘ooos’ and ‘arrrrs’ from my children and myself and we will be buying the hard copy of this book for ourselves and Our Aunty who works for the RSPCA in Australia. A really wonderful book!

A wonderful story shedding light on the plight of koalas during bushfire season. The illustrations are lovely, making the koalas appear soft and fluffy, so much so that you want to give Fluffles a hug.
It is an uplifting story that educates children all over the world on the life of the koala and the dangers they face here in Australia.
I especially appreciated the fact section, which provided further information on the work of the koala rehabilitation organisation, referring readers to the website http://www.savethekoala.com.

Thank you to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group Frances Lincoln Children’s Books for kindly providing me with a digital copy of this book for review.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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..