By Abbey Cannan
BOUNCE in Noosaville transformed into the colourful Great Barrier Reef for the launch of Karla the Koala’s new book on Thursday 10 November.
Officially launched by Mayor Clare Stewart, ‘Karla Discovers The Great Barrier Reef’ is the third book in the Karla picture book series.
Written by local icon Elizabeth ‘Fizzi’ Reynolds, and illustrated by her lifelong friend and artist Lili, the books have proved to be hugely popular, selling out as soon as the hit the stores.
Three years ago Fizzi and Lili began creating the Karla books to showcase the region and to raise money for koala conservation and habitat preservation for these much loved Australian animals, who have recently been declared an endangered species.
To date more than 5000 books have been sold and sent all around the world, and more than $5000 has been raised to assist the threatened local koalas.
Author Fizzi said, “We always wanted Karla to discover the Barrier Reef and to learn to snorkel but pondered where to set the story.”
“We finally decided on Lady Elliott Island as this glorious and world famous, sustainable reef destination, is basically in our backyard.”
In preparation, Fizzi travelled to Lady Elliot Island, and immersed herself in island life, undertaking all the activities that Karla would do if she visited the island, then locked herself away to write the tale without distraction.
Lili then worked her magic creating the glorious watercolour illustrations featured throughout the book.
“The books came out of our heads on to paper and then to paint. So we’re thrilled to be able to share another one with you,” Fizzi said.
Guests at the launch learnt about Karla’s new friends on the reef, how Karla came to meet King Charles III, and how Karla is now the official Mascot of the Noosa Heads Surf Lifesaving Club.
Mayor Clare Stewart said, “I’ve read this book and the previous two books to my daughter.”
“The book is a testament to how important reading is, it showcases how colour and community come together, and also showcases our beautiful natural assets.”
All proceeds from the book launch went to Noosa District Landcare and Tourism Noosa’s Trees for Tourism program.
Noosa District Landcare general manager Phil Moran said, “Noosa Landcare has been working to try and preserve the habitat that supports koalas for many years and we can’t do that without raising the profile, and that’s what these two have done to a great extent.”
“We will be selling the books at the Hinter Hub up in Pomona.
“We do active on ground stuff, so there’s the Yurol and Ringtail Project, where we’ve already done 256 hectares of revegetation and there’s another 890 hectares to go.”
Peter and Julie Gash, the genius drivers behind Lady Elliot Island, have already given Karla Discovers The Great Barrier Reef’ the thumbs up.
Visit karlathekoala.com.au for more information.
