From Story Cove's extensive collection, this Australian tale will teach
readers the importance of teamwork. Why Koala Has a Stumpy Tail is an
Australian folktale about two friends, Tree Kangaroo and Koala. Long ago
they were very close, but their friendship soured after the events that
transpired during a long drought in Australia. Tree Kangaroo was a hard
worker and resourceful while Koala was lazy and selfish. Tree Kangaroo
had the idea of digging a hole for water in a dry stream bed. Tree
Kangaroo started to dig, but Koala kept making excuses about why he
couldn't help dig the hole. Finally, Tree Kangaroo ends up digging the
entire hole and when he finally finds water, Koala jumps in a drinks all
of it. Emblazoned with anger at Koala's selfish acts, Tree Kangaroo
grabs Koala by his long, furry tail and pulls so hard that it breaks off
at the base. Now Koala is left with a short, stumpy tail. The Australian
folktale is complete with an appendix of fun facts. August House
Publishers offers an animated version of Why Koala Has a Stumpy Tail as
well as free lesson plans!