Smooch and Rose by Samantha Wheeler

University of Queensland Press, 2013. ISBN 9780702249860.
(Age: 10+) Highly recommended. Smooch and Rose is an uplifting story proving that everyone is special and anyone can make a difference. Set in Queensland, Smooch and Rose is the story of primary school student Rose and her love for a rescued, baby koala called Smooch. Shunned and teased by other children, Rose has a new friend. Unfortunately, Gran can't afford to stay on their beloved strawberry farm and it is sold. What will happen to Rose, Gran and Smooch?
Smooch and Rose is an easy to read, quick moving story and is highly recommended for girls aged 10+. They will love reading about shy Rose and her fight to save her koala friend.
The book would be a great class novel as well, linking persuasive writing and the Geography curriculum.
Kylie Kempster