The Klangaroo – A Kangaroo Story for Kids
A joyful kangaroo story for kids about difference, belonging and being proudly imperfect
The Klangaroo is a lively, rhyming kangaroo story for kids that celebrates creativity, kindness and the joy of not quite getting things right. Written by children’s poet and teacher Mark Bird (that's me 🤩) and illustrated by the brilliant Chris White, this picture book blends humour, invention and heart to show children that fitting in isn’t about being perfect: it’s about being accepted.
Full of playful language, bold imagery and big emotions, The Klangaroo is designed to be read aloud and shared, sparking laughter, empathy and conversation.
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What is The Klangaroo about?
The story follows Dr Try, the world’s worst (and most determined) inventor, who is asked to help two confused baby kangaroos who can’t yet hop. Her solution is a giant robotic kangaroo — a clanking, wobbling invention that doesn’t work in the way anyone expects.
When the robot crashes, clangs and falls flat on its face, the crowd laughs. But the baby joeys see something different. They recognise themselves.
In a moment of warmth and acceptance, the joeys name the robot The Great Klangaroo, showing that being awkward, noisy, clumsy or different doesn’t make you broken — it makes you belong.
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Themes children connect with
The Klangaroo gently explores:
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being different
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failing and trying again
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kindness and empathy
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acceptance and belonging
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confidence growing from friendship
The message is never preachy — it’s joyful, funny and full of heart.
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Why children love The Klangaroo
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Big, bold rhymes that bounce off the page
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A funny, inventive story full of surprises
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A kangaroo character who isn’t “perfect”
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A warm ending that celebrates friendship
Children laugh at the chaos, cheer for the joeys, and feel comforted by the idea that wobbling and falling are part of learning.
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A kangaroo picture book for classrooms
Written by a practising teacher, The Klangaroo works beautifully in schools and libraries. It links naturally to:
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creative writing and storytelling
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poetry and rhyme
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PSHE themes such as empathy, identity and belonging
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discussions about failure, resilience and self-belief
Teachers often use the story to explore how mistakes help us grow — and how kindness can change everything.
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About the author
Mark Bird is a UK-based children’s poet, picture-book author and teacher. His writing is shaped by years in the classroom and a deep belief in creativity, empathy and the power of stories to help children understand themselves and others.
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Looking for a kangaroo story for kids with heart and humour?
The Klangaroo is a joyful picture book that reminds children — and adults — that it’s okay to wobble, clang, fall flat, and still be loved.
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⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ What readers are saying about The Klangaroo
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“Klanging, banging bonkersness abounds!”
— Amazon reviewer
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“Absolutely loved this — a firm story-time favourite.”
— Amazon reviewer
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“Brilliantly bonkers.”
— Amazon reviewerRated 5 stars by readers on Amazon, with reviews praising the humour, rhyme and joyful chaos of the story.
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Where to buy The Klangaroo
The Klangaroo is available from a range of trusted bookshops and online retailers.
You can find the book at:
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Amazon (UK & international editions)
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Waterstones
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Independent bookshops
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School book suppliers and fairs
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If you’re a teacher, librarian or school looking to order copies for classrooms, reading corners or events, The Klangaroo is ideal for shared reading and group discussion.
👉 For dedicated signed copies, school orders or author visits, please contact me directly.
