The other day, several books dropped on my foot. After a few frails and dressings were uttered, it became clear that one of those little darlings turned out to be a skinny (though pointy cornered) beginning graphic novel called Meet Maud the Koala by Jennifer E. Morris. Looking at it I asked myself, “Self. Why did you buy this book?” I answered myself, “Maybe because it has a Koala Bear? You like Koalas.”
Regardless of the why, I figured that this was a sign to read one of the books that fell. I was not in the mood to reread the other books and/or start one of them, so I figured Maud it was. And Maud did not disappoint. Even after our less than friendly introduction.
Meet Maud the Koala contains two stories about the fear kids (and young koalas) might have and the situations they might find themselves in. Simple text and cute illustrations are the backbone of the book. First story has Maud wishing she were a fish in, Fish Are Not Afraid of Doctors, so she does not have to go to the Doctor. The second story, Much Too Much Birthday, deals with the overload of sensations during a party containing too many friends and much noise. The cover artwork shows the details, colors, and style of Morris’s book. It has a mostly modern feeling. The text itself is modern which characters like a female doctor and a (seemingly) single mother. Plus, the actions of the mother creates a modern tone (she has let Maud do the inviting to the party and is not really phased at the number that will be joining them; just gets more cupcakes).
After each story there is a short page giving advice and tips to adults about what you read: why Maud is nervous at the doctors, the visualization trick and the sensation overload of Maud and a friend of hers at the party, plus the things you can do to help a child calm down. (Granted not having 56 kids at a backyard party might help.)
Overall, I am not the exact audience for the book. However, ages 6-7 to around 10 (though slightly younger 10) would be the better option for a reading audience.