Lulu Bell and the Koala Joey Read Online Free Page A

to the beach. Time to go surfing.’
    â€˜I don’t really feel like surfing,’ whispered Lulu.
    â€˜Some fresh air and sunshine will make you feel better,’ said Dad. ‘Come on.’
    Lulu changed into her wetsuit. Lulu, Zac and Dad walked down to the beach, carrying their surfboards. At the north end, Rosie, Mia and Gus had built a huge sandcastle. Mum was sitting in her chair reading a book.
    Everyone was keen to know what had happened to the koalas, but Lulu didn’t want to talk about it. Zac and Lulu paddled beyond the breakers. Zac caught a wave straight away and zoomed off.
    When the next wave came, Lulu paddled for it. She tried to jump to her feet, but all she could think of was the injured koala and her joey. She slipped and fell. The wave tumbled her over and over. Lulu tried again. Her legs felt heavy and slow. She slipped and sank.
    â€˜Let me push you onto some waves,’ said Dad. ‘That should make it easier for you.’
    Dad pushed and heaved. The board bumped over the frothy whitewash. Zac raced past standing tall and proud. Lulu flipped into the water.
    â€˜It’s no good, Dad,’ said Lulu. ‘I’ll never get the hang of this.’
    Dad laughed. ‘Of course you will, sweetie. All it takes is practice and patience.’
    Lulu rode her board flat on her tummy all the way into the sand. She stood up and carried her surfboard onto the shore. Mum walked down to meet her. She gave Lulu a hug.
    â€˜Are you all right, honey bun?’ asked Mum. ‘You look upset.’
    â€˜I was so excited about coming to Tarni Beach,’ said Lulu. ‘I was looking forward to learning to surf. And seeing koalas. But everything is going wrong.’
    Mum kissed Lulu on the forehead and held her close.
    â€˜Why don’t we go for a little walk,’ said Mum. ‘You can tell me all about it.’

    Lulu told Mum everything. She told her about the koalas losing their home. She talked about the bulldozer and about Mr O’Connor, who had said he wasn’t going to stop the clearing.
    â€˜I just wish there was something we could do,’ wailed Lulu. ‘If only Mr O’Connor could see that the koalas might die out and disappear forever.’
    Mum looked at Lulu.
    â€˜There must be a way,’ said Mum. ‘All we need to do is help Mr O’Connor see things differently. We need a clever plan.’

Chapter 9
A Clever Plan
    Lulu paddled her board out into the water. She needed time alone to think. She sat up on the board and stared out to sea. She thought and thought. How could she make Mr O’Connor see things differently? How could she help the koalas?
    Slowly, a thought came to her. Maybe it would work …
    Lulu scooted in, riding the wave to shore.
    â€˜Can we go back to the house, Mum?’ asked Lulu. ‘I think I have an idea.’
    At the beach house, Lulu raced inside. She found some paper and the art box. Lulu flicked one honey-coloured plait over her shoulder. She set to work.

    Lulu wrote a letter. She read it over and changed a few words. When she was happy with it, she wrote it out in her very best writing and decorated it with drawings. When it was as good as Lulu could possibly make it, she took it to Zac.
    â€˜Zac, could you come with me?’ Lulu asked. ‘I want to visit Mr O’Connor.’
    Together, the two friends went next door. Lulu had to summon all of her courage. Mr O’Connor could definitely be scary. She lifted up her hand and knocked.
    Mr O’Connor opened the front door. When he saw Lulu he sighed.
    â€˜Well, what do you want, young lady? I suppose you want to talk about the koalas?’
    Lulu smiled.
    â€˜I know that people want to build more houses at Tarni Beach,’ said Lulu. ‘Why wouldn’t they? It is so very beautiful here.’
    Mr O’Connor nodded slowly.
    â€˜My family and I love coming here,’ said Lulu. ‘It’s one of the best