David Zirkin, M.Sc. Science, Environmentalist, Haifa, Israel: “believe the book is a must for all true animal lovers. The adorable Koala pictures are moving and inspiring in that they go beyond the immediate apparent by promoting a concept. The concept being their protection and that of other endangered species. It excites me to know that the love of animals and the struggle of their survival is so dear to peoples hearts.”
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Andi Bruno, Yoga Instructor And Meditation Teacher: “Hundreds of magnificent photos as well as superbly written and very informative text make Koalas: Moving Portraits of Serenity a sheer delight. The amazing talent of artist and writer come shining through and a deep love for these wonderful animals is evident on every page. The book is a treasure, reminding us that we share the planet with many creatures that deserve our continual appreciation and respect. This is an extremely inspiring book.”
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Barbara Liebowitz, Inventor: “Koalas: Moving Portraits of Serenity was the best book I have read in years. Each fact and picture leaves you wanting for more. The photography was great! It felt like the koalas were in the same room with me. This book, if made into a movie, has the potential to be the next “March of the Penguins.” Recommended for all ages!”
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Britta Kantzer, Magic Note Press: “The beautifully produced book Koalas: Moving Portraits of Serenity is not only an hommage to one of the most curious and delightful wildlife species in the world. The magic of the portraits of the koalas open and touch our hearts and remind us of the deeper meaning and sacredness of all life forms. The fact that the Australian’s wild koala population is on a downward spiral to extinction should be a wake-up-call to all of us. In our mutual effort to save the koalas we cultivate the same qualities which will serve us in our own survival as human species: To accept the responsibility of lovingly caring, nurturing and preserving our relationship with the earth and all living organisms.”
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David Alexander, Engineer: “To animal lovers and naturalists everywhere…Koalas: Moving Portraits of Serenity is a tribute not only to a vulnerable species but to those whose passion has given rise to this book. The images of koalas come alive on these pages and the words express the deep feelings that Koalas inspire in everyone who comes in contact with them. I kept thinking while reading the text and looking at the pictures that all creatures, humans included, live in a very fragile world, and we must find a way to live in harmony with all of nature. If this book does nothing more than help to ensure a place in this world for koalas, it will have served its purpose. Yet, I think it has the potential to lift our hearts to new heights and give us a greater sense of purpose in seeking to understand how we each have a place and responsibility in maintaining the balance of everything on this planet.
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Peggy Markham, Koala Fan: “I just loved reading Koalas: Moving Portraits of Serenity. This book is a koala lovers dream. While I thought I knew everything there was to know about koalas, this book has really opened up my eyes even more. The photos show the many faces of the koalas that I have grown to love over the years. There are also a lot of cute babies photos here.”
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Colette Witcher, Anthropologist: “Koalas: Moving Portraits of Serenity is a wonderful and extensive collection of photographs from around the world, complimented with comprehensive information and descriptions of these beautiful animals. The photographs make you feel like as if you are face-to-face with the koalas. But they are not only beautiful; they also reiterate the importance of saving the habitat for these lovely, gentle, and vulnerable animals as well as all creatures of the world. I would highly recommend this book for both koala and all animal lovers.”
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Candice Botner, Airway Heights, WA:: I have had no recollections my childhood. Looking at the portraits Koalas: Moving Portraits of Serenity made me recall having an intense love, fascination, compassion, and infatuation for koalas. It conjured up memories of sitting on my dad’s lap and him telling me about these animals. It’s odd that something as simple as a book has brought back a time in my life I could not remember. Thank you for giving back a part of me that had been lost. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Judy Rees, Columnist, Tucson SaddleBag Notes: “After reading and enjoying the photographs in Koalas: Moving Portraits of Serenity I was deeply excited that this book is being published. Congratulations and best wishes for this huge undertaking that brings the koala to universal attention.”
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Jo Beck, CEO, Beck Interactive: “I was delighted to receive my copy of Koalas: Moving Portraits of Serenity. Each page delves into the private world of koalas, and you find yourself discovering a little bit of humanity staring back at you. I found myself laughing out loud at the funny little furry faces and all-to-familiar postures of these amazing creatures. The beautifully designed presentation masterfully compiled by Joanne Ehrich takes you on a journey into the world of koalas as seen through the eyes of talented photographers around the world. Moving indeed! This book is a perfect gift for my friends and family.”
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Yossi Shoshany, Ph.D. Science, Tel Aviv, Israel:: I found Koalas: Moving Portraits of Serenity deeply moving. It made me want to drive my car to the nearest zoo. The pictures in the book will probably bring me the closest I’ll ever get to a Koala without actually seeing one in person; the text was very interesting and educational. I admire the initiative in writing the book, and bringing the Koala’s plight to the public.
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Greg Salter, Golden Valley, MN: “I’ve worked my way (believe me, a labor of love!) through [the] book—the photographs are just marvelous, some I just can’t get over… I just hope and wish that people all over the world will take the time to read and look through [this] book—hopefully, people will see that if everyone that loves koalas makes just a small effort, we can be successful in saving them in the wild for future generations … thanks for [the] beautiful work!”S
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Steve Lesser, InfoWorks International, Sydney, Australia: “Fan-bloody-tastic! … I have now “wasted” the best part of the last two hours browsing through and being amazed by a creature I thought I was familiar with.
… I hope the book is a screaming success.”
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Mark Underwood, Online Marketing Consultant: “I love it. Even as an Aussie I never realized the variation there was in koala’s from state to state or how cute they could be. I think I have only really seen the same type of koala in the Sydney area and then probably only four times in my life I guess … so I realized how koala-ignorant I was. … You have educated an Australian about koalas, that has to be a mark of success. [M]any thanks, it is a beautiful book that will always remind me, ironically of my years living away from home.”
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Ron Fischer, World Traveler: “My first stuffed animal, 37 years ago, was a koala. Everybody loves Koalas. They are clean and cuddly, with soft fur in gray or brown and white. They have wide eyes and big fluffy ears and a clown’s nose stuck on in the front. Only an animal hater could dislike a book about koalas.
This book presents many photographic examples of the koala, with interspersed text sections providing background information (feeding, characteristics, life-cycle, etc.). The photos are broken down by topic and photographer.
It’s easy to anthropomorphize the koalas. When they are not shown sleeping they appear to be staring off the page, into your eyes. The book title, ‘Moving Portraits of Serenity,’ reflects the buddha-like appearance of the animals. … Particularly engaging were the baby koala pictures by Mike Larder.
Surprisingly, for such well-loved animals, the danger to them (more directly their habitat) appears strong. A portion of the proceeds form the sales of the book will go towards the Australian Koala Foundation.”
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Don Steffy, Software Release Engineer: “Koalas: Moving Portraits of Serenity will make anyone fall in love with koalas. They are not only interesting animals with a fascinating history. They also are cute, gentle, and kind. The contributors present a collection of photographs that allow the Koala to speak for itself and be its own best argument for saving it from the excesses of modern land-use. This book has impressed a special place in my heart for koalas, and I am very grateful to the author for introducing me to them.”
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Janet Jones, Retired Bank Executive: “I had no idea that koalas were in trouble and in danger of facing extinction in a perhaps not too distant future. Like the panda, I find these little creatures cute and cuddly. I think Koalas: Moving Portraits of Serenity will allow people to learn more about koalas, their personalities, and how they are struggling to survive in Australia.”
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Preeti Mehta, QA Manager: “If you don’t already love koalas, you will after reading this book. Koalas’ behavior and movements come alive with Ms. Ehrich’s empathetic and colorful descriptions. I felt like I had actually witnessed the sights that she describes. Koalas: Moving Portraits of Serenity is a wonderful, easy-to-read, lovingly written account of koalas, their character, their habitat, their appearance and behavior, their biology, and the survival challenges they face. The writing is simple, clear, and informative, and the variety of photos she has included are adorable, making the book appealing to children, teenagers, and adults alike.”
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Huyen Huynh, QA Manager: “Koalas: Moving Portraits of Serenity reminds me of the koala’s ability to appeal to our altruistic tendencies. It is not merely enough to protect koalas but also, to safeguard the survival of this species by protecting their natural habitat. Joanne Ehrich acknowledges the Australian Aborigines’ regard of koalas, a perspective that is not widely familiar to others. This book describes the Australian Aborigines’ respect for the mysticism of koalas and their belief that achieving spiritual communion with koalas will bring prosperity to humans. The photographs within this pictorial demonstrate the gentle natures of koalas and the importance of preservation efforts on behalf of one of Australia’s national symbols.”
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Sidney Mitchell, Award-winning Elvis Impersonator: “I found Koalas: Moving Portraits of Serenity to be an enthralling read that touched my sense humanity while reminding me of my own vulnerabilities as a human being. The Koala couldn’t have hoped for a more sincere, humane, and genuine ally than this book.
This title documents a heart-moving and intriguing story of a priceless creature that is in special need of our attention given that it is not an aggressive animal. Since the koala has not had many natural predators before white settlement, its natural proclivity to fight or flight is greatly diminished. The example of how Tibetan monks depend on people for their daily needs helps us understand how the koala, too, is dependent on us in much the same way.
The foreword written by “the koala woman,” Ms. Deborah Tabart, makes an undoubtedly poignant appeal to the altruism inside of us to save this precious animal from extinction. Insights on how the destruction of eucalyptus trees, koalas’ only food source and habitat, leads to dwindling numbers in the wild, are key to understanding how we can ensure its continued survival.
After reading this book, it becomes clear to me that the message of conservation needs to be relentless with a mandate to respect the koala’s habitat along with perhaps more meaningful consequences for senseless destruction of its rightful environment.” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Kris Tamaki, former CEO, Maxwell Communications Corp., Asia: “Koalas: Moving Portraits of Serenity is a pictorial account of the life cycle and spiritual aspects of koalas. It is undeniably influential in delivering proof for the need to do all humanly possible to preserve the habitat for this fragile, harmless, and mystical animal of minimal needs.
In Japanese, the two words “kawaii” (cute)” and yasashi” (gentle) best define this most lovable marsupial. Varying personality traits are hidden behind their inquisitive eyes that radiate a God-like sense of “goodness.” It is most vulnerable to only the evils humans could bring.
As former CEO of Maxwell Communications Corporation, Asia with Australia part of my territory, I have visited the koalas in 1989. After taking this photographic journey, anyone would be hard-pressed not to cheer for the protection of koalas.”
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Jeff Haight, Director of Technical Marketing: “Having visited Australia several years ago, and, like so many, having been captivated by them, I was highly entertained and enlightened by Koalas: Moving Portraits of Serenity. The wide range of photos shows different styles of natural photography, with the common obvious thread of love for these creatures, while the text is light and informative. Although I have read scientific popularizations extensively, I had no idea that the koala’s existence is threatened. This engaging book, in addition to providing an informative and enjoyable read, should provide a wake-up to all who question the mindless “progress” eliminating natural habitats and endangered species.”
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Lan Nguyen, Marketing Manager: “Koalas: Moving Portraits of Serenity offers us more than just mere facts on habitat and anatomy, so common to most books about animals. Joanne Ehrich’s personal perspective paired with in-depth knowledge gives us a rare glimpse inside the world of this magical creature of powerful serenity, and challenges us to move beyond the “cute” stereotype so gladly attached to the koala.
While news of the Australian Koala Foundation’s scientific research will open your eyes to the true plight and vulnerability of the Eastern Australian Koala, the intimate photographs will touch your heart, as numerous insights will open your mind to the Zen-like possibilities our own souls could reach, if only we would allow ourselves to, “get in touch with a koala within.”
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Lydie Reviglio, Math Teacher: “I did not know anything about koalas until this wonderful book has provided me with essential information about this interesting animal. Foremost, Koalas: Moving Portraits of Serenity has opened the doors to my heart. I felt strangely compelled to hold a koala one day. It reminds us of the eternal beauty of mother love, the simplicity of happiness. Don’t take a yoga class. Look at a baby koala sleeping between two branches. The people shown holding a koala have an indescribable glow on their faces, the same glow brought about by holding a baby. Thank you for bringing this new sweetness into our lives.”
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Helen C. Paul, English Teacher: “Captivating! Enchanting! Magical! Describing Koalas: Moving Portraits of Serenity is easy. Extricating oneself from its pages is the hard part…Page after page of enticing photographs keeps one riveting to the story of the furry little animal who is rapidly becoming a rarity in the wild. Buy this book! Keep it close and open it often. It’s wonderful.”
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Colleen Gleason-Baicher, Marketing Consultant: “This book contains some amazing photos of koalas. The love shared between the mother koala and its offspring on display in Koalas: Moving Portraits of Serenity is just phenomenal—these portraits are the next-best thing to seeing live koalas. I enjoyed learning interesting facts I did not previously know about, such as how joeys spring to life, the paramount role of eucalyptus in the koala’s diet, the various combinations of traits the three different types of koalas display, or why we should protect their habitat.”
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Franke Stallworth, M.F.A. Art: “Both profoundly insightful and visually fascinating…Koalas: Moving Portraits of Serenity is not your every-day, ordinary wildlife book. Each of the featured photographers contributed different visual qualities in an interesting medley of stunning pictorials. Once you’ve been fortunate enough to read and look through all pages, you shall know the reason why these animals are worth saving…This book is definitely a keeper.”
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Michelle Charpentier-Rohr, President, Art Concepts: “Moving Portraits of Serenity is an invitation to discover the fascinating world of the koala—a creature that is also tenderly known as the true, real-life teddy bear. The reader travels through well-written texts full of interesting information. Each chapter is enriched with ethereally beautiful photographs. It is also a journey of awareness that teaches us about how this cherished fluffy animal is in trouble and thus needs our protection. There is no doubt that this title is not only meant for nature- and animals lovers. It is for everybody. I would certainly recommend reading this book to anyone who would like to wander onto a path of enchanted nature.
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Jessica Miller, Fitness Trainer, Bulli, NSW, Australia: “Browsing through the pages of Koalas: Moving Portraits of Serenity and finding this many photographs of one of the cutest animals on earth is pure magic! I, along with my children, have always been intrigued and fascinated by these unique creatures. This marvelous work is the end product of drive, knowledge, photographic genius, vision, and sheer talent. We will display this book on our bookshelf with pride. Its inception is breathtaking. This book is richly deserving of success.”
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Lynn Crockett, Business Manager: “Koalas: Moving Portraits of Serenity is a book everyone should be thrilled to possess. It takes the reader on a journey through the life of the koala that many of us will never encounter. The photography is exceptional, capturing your attention from cover to cover. The passion for koalas is well expressed throughout and thus becomes very easy to understand—this title is just WONDERFUL!
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Denis Sweeney, San Jose: “Klassic Koalas: The Book of Valentines and Other Loves captivated me in a similar way the Griffin and Sabine letters books did. As a guy, this feels a bit like reading through a girl’s diary, except this time you know it isn’t forbidden. This book will appeal primarily to a female audience, but it is really well done, with rich visuals and interesting letters and old photographs to peruse. I bet anyone knows a girl or woman for whom this would make a great gift.”
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Jasrene Amaoui, Frankfurt: “In this modern-day world time is money, speed is achievement. The struggle of strive and drive sometimes causes us to drift away from the simple wonderful moments of life. No emails, SMS, and online activity can replace the happiness of taking time out, waiting not to miss and to open a love letter revealing the heart beat of someone from afar you long so see again. Each page of Klassic Koalas: The Book of Valentines and Other Loves stirs emotions of pure love all over again, from the depths of my heart. A wonderful gift.”