Lulu Bell and the Koala Joey (5 page)

That evening there was a knock on the door downstairs. Lulu, Rosie, Mia and Zac were playing a board game on the rug. Gus was driving his truck under the kitchen table. Alison went to the door and brought someone up the stairs.

‘Lulu and Zac,' said Alison, ‘you have a visitor.'

Everyone looked up. Mr O'Connor stood there. He nodded at everyone. His face looked serious. The two children stood up. Mum came in from the kitchen.

‘Lulu and Zac, I came to say thank you,' Mr O'Connor said. ‘You were right. I was so lucky to grow up here. When I was a boy lots of koalas and wildlife lived in the bush. I guess I forgot how special that was.'

Lulu smiled at Mr O'Connor. He smiled back.

‘I went to the koala hospital,' said Mr O'Connor.

‘Are Tarni Lulu and Tarni Zac all right?' asked Lulu.

‘Great,' said Mr O'Connor. ‘Monica said she is going to release them back here next week.'

All the children looked at each other in excitement.

‘Monica talked to me about clearing the land,' said Mr O'Connor. ‘She suggested that we clear the middle of the block for new houses. But we could leave lots of tall trees that koalas like to eat.'

He paused. ‘It seems to me like a good idea.'

Lulu jiggled up and down. ‘Really?' she said. ‘You're going to save trees for the koalas?'

Mr O'Connor nodded. ‘We could also plant some new gum trees between the houses.'

Mum stood behind Lulu. She put her hands on Lulu's shoulders and gave a little squeeze.

‘That sounds like a wonderful idea, Mr O'Connor,' said Mum. ‘Perhaps you'd like to stay for dinner and we can talk about it?'

Mr O'Connor looked around. Gus pushed his truck out into the middle of the floor.

‘Brooom!' he shouted.

Mr O'Connor smiled around at everyone. ‘I'd be delighted to stay.'

It's Harmony Day at Shelly Beach School, and Lulu's class is going to star in the school play. What will be the special theme this year?

Lulu is sure that the new girl in her class will have good ideas. How can she make Amira feel welcome? The answer is a happy surprise for everyone!

Out now

Lulu Bell and the Birthday Unicorn

Lulu Bell and the Fairy Penguin

Lulu Bell and the Cubby Fort

Lulu Bell and the Moon Dragon

Lulu Bell and the Circus Pup

Lulu Bell and the Sea Turtle

Lulu Bell and the Tiger Cub

Lulu Bell and the Pyjama Party

Lulu Bell and the Christmas Elf

Lulu Bell and the Koala Joey

Lulu Bell and the Arabian Nights

Plus more to come!