Product Description

Koalas are among the most beloved and popular animals in the world. The oversized hardcover Koalas: Moving Portraits of Serenity will be the most beautiful book of koala photographs ever published. The book features texts by editor Joanne Ehrich, a foreword by Deborah Tabart, Executive Director of the Australian Koala Foundation, and an afterword by Jack Hanna – America’s favorite television naturalist and host of the "Jack Hanna’s Animal Adventures" television series. This book is an international project with 315 photographs by 120 photographers from 24 countries. The book features carefully selected camera sequences that make the animals come alive by suggesting movements, revealing a world rich with surprises. The photographs are arranged within sections that uncover different aspects of this marsupial. Koalas: Moving Portraits of Serenity conveys insights about this phenomenal Australian native with resplendent visuals, deserving a place on the bookshelves of koala and nature lovers alike.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #2173345 in Books
• Published on: 2006-03-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 260 pages

From Booklist
Koalas, along with their kin the kangaroos, are icons for the continent of Australia. These cuddly, teddy bear-like marsupials, while instantly recognizable, are little known outside of their natural habitat. Editor Ehrich hopes to rectify this deficiency in her new collection of koala photographs taken by more than 100 photographers. Koalas are so inherently photogenic that many of the photos have a postcard or poster quality to them, but closer examination reveals details of the animals' daily lives. A grouping on the life cycle includes a photo of a tiny joey ensconced in its mother's pouch, along with numerous images of mothers cuddling their offspring. A view of koala characteristics focuses on their physical attributes, including the two-thumbed hand and grasping foot, large hairy ears, and bare nose. Feeding is documented in many amusing photos of the animals munching on eucalyptus, their only food. Although the illustrations sell the book, there are nice short essays that tie each section together. This is the best collection of koala images available and will find a ready audience. Nancy Bent
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Review
"... an excellent introduction to the koala ... useful resource for school reports and a book the koala fan will enjoy." -- Sheila Campbell, Library and Media Specialist, Columbus Zoo & Aquarium

"... seeing image after image of one of the most beloved animals ... is only part of this book’s attraction." -- Marlene Y. Satter, ForeWordReviews.com

"... tremendous job in making this peaceful marsupial shine to help us understand the importance of conserving its dwindling habitat." -- Barbara Wilkerson, Pets-R-People

"... wonderful book with an amazing visual display of all things ‘koala!’" -- Jenna Morasca and Ethan Zohn, Reality TV Stars “Survivor: Amazon, Africa, All Stars”

"This book should be in every home where there are children and in every heart that is human ... " -- Greener Magazine

"…intimate detailing and photographic documentation…vivid and touching…very highly recommended for its touching photography and informative content…" -- Midwest Book Review

About the Author
Joanne Ehrich lives in San Mateo, California, where she works as a commercial designer and illustrator. She has attended photography trade school and holds a University degree in printmaking. Joanne has created numerous etchings, lithographs, and monotype prints, as well as painting of animals and landscapes.

Deborah Tabart is the Executive Director of the Australian Koala Foundation. Under her guidance the Australian Koala Foundation has grown into an internationally recognized scientific organization winning a prestigious Computerworld Smithsonian Medal for excellence in mapping koala habitat.

Jack Hanna, popular host of the hit TV series, "Jack Hanna’s Animal Adventures" and author of several books, is one of the United States’ most beloved naturalists and adventurers. He actively supports conservation programs worldwide through his many national media appearances, his television series, and position as Director Emeritus of the Columbus Zoo in Ohio. He is a regular guest on shows including "Good Morning America," "Larry King Live," "The Late Show with David Letterman," "Hollywood Squares," and "The Maury Povich Show."

Customer Reviews

The koala stare melts your heart
Foreword by Deborah Tabart, Afterword by Jack Hanna

In America we have come to see the koala (commonly called a koala bear) as a cute, fluffy bear found in Australia. We see it as quintessentially Australian.

But the koala, technically speaking, is not a bear. As it has a pouch for its young it is technically of the marsupial family. Most marsupials are found in Australia, a good number in South America, and the Virginia opossum the only marsupial found in North America. Usually we think of kangaroos, another Australian animal, when we think of marsupials.

The koala also seems to be a laid-back, relaxed animal. It photographs well because it doesn't scare easily. Is this because the koala had no natural enemies? Of course it's trusting nature dooms them today-many Australians have not seen a koala in the wild.

This book is primarily a photo book featuring koalas. Brief text tells us about the koala, it's land, and it's habitat. There are three types of koalas in Australia and each is described with photos so the reader can tell the difference as they are pointed out in the book. In addition is a brief history of the koala and its habits. The enigma that is the koala is even found among the aborigines in Australia. The myths of the aborigines is filled with koala references-I imagine if these stories were gathered in a book you would have a "koala coda." Since koalas rarely drink any water at all, aboriginal folklore suggested that koalas have a knack for stealing water.

This delightful and colorful book brings to our attention the need to preserve the koala for future generations. With scintillating photos and crisp text the reader will come away with a greater appreciation og these serene animals--and a sense of wanting to do what's right to save these precious beings. With a gaze that only a koala can give, how can you not have it in your heart to buy this delightful book and enjoy the many pictures and brief descriptions of the cuddly koala?

awesome!
Rebeccasreads highly recommends KOALAS: MOVING PORTRAITS OF SERENITY as a rare & exquisite addition to your coffee table collection.

In easily read narratives, dotted among huge & fascinating portraits of these cuddly critters, are introductions to the three types of Australian Koalas, their habits & life cycles both in the wild & captivity, & their endangered habitats.

KOALAS: MOVING PORTRAITS OF SERENITY is a truly breathtaking book of photography & information your family will treasure for generations.

Beautiful Book
With hundreds of magnificent photos as well as superbly written and very informative text, Koalas: Moving Portraits of Serenity is a sheer delight. The amazing talent of the writer, Joanne Ehrlich, come shining through. Her deep love for these wonderful animals is evident on every page. The book is a treasure, reminding us that we share the planet with many creatures that deserve our continual appreciation and respect. This is an extremely inspiring book.

-Andi Bruno, Yoga Instructor And Meditation Teacher