(NOTE: I was given a copy of this book to review but all opinions are my own.)
An Australian brushfire howls above Wombat who is snug in his deep burrow. He’s not worried. Not in the least.
But then . . .
Wallaby frantically knocks on Wombat’s door. He’s frightened. He needs refuge. Wombat is big-hearted . So he invites Wallaby in.
Then Kookaburra comes knocking.
And Platypus.
And Koala (carrying a sooty branch).
And Sugar Glider.
They all seek safety from the fire. Wombat is willing to help in time of need. So, he invites them in. Every. Single. One.
(Don’t you just love the Wombat’s body language in the picture below? It speaks volumes about how he feels.)
Days pass. Wombat realizes the fire is out. The danger is gone. Wombat tells everybody to go home. Every. Single. One.
This is such a delightful children’s picture book! It’s totally different from any of the others that I’ve seen. (And since I’m as old as dirt — or so my kids tell me — I’ve seen quite a few!)
Let me tell you some of the reasons why I love this book.
First, the animals. The critters in this book might not be too well-known to those who do not live in Australia. Do you know what a wombat is? (A badger-like animal.) A kookaburra? (A bird whose call sounds like laughter.) A platypus? (A beaver-like animal with a duck-like bill.) A koala. (We all know what a koala is, right?) A sugar glider? (A possum that glides through the air.) Reading this book to grandchildren provides an opportunity to talk about animals that might be new to them.
Second, the text. Wombat’s invitation for everyone to come in is so lyrical. The 5 lines rhyme but are not the typical basic rhythmic structure. And, the rhyming words are not the typical cat-hat-bat type of rhyming scheme either. (Since Wombat says the same thing every time, you might want to practice how to say it so it is expressive.)
When Platypus tumbles into Wombat’s home, his words tumble out in a rush. They are printed in a wavy line across the page which adds a visual tumbling look to those tumbling words. (You can read this part in a hurried, breathless way which would add a tumbling effect.)
Third, the artwork. The illustrator uses various shades of brown to depict Wombat’s burrow. The other colors are muted to add to the ambience of being underground out of the bright sunlight.
There are fun details in the pictures like Wombat holding a plate of cookies as he prepares to hunker down, an open book hanging over the back of the couch, Wombat peeking out his mail slot in the door, Koala eating leaves from his sooty branch, and Wallaby reclining in a chair with his legs flung over its arms.
So, be sure to take plenty of time to look at the illustrations when you read this book to your grandchild.
Fourth, the theme. Actually, themes — themes of kindness, generosity, the challenges of Australia’s annual bushfire season, how houseguests should behave, how to respect other people’s home, what it means to be a good friend, patience (especially during stressful times), and gratitude (when someone extends kindness and help to you).
I highly recommend this book. It’s a great one to add to your library.
(Psst! Since Christmas is around the corner, it would make an awesome Christmas present. It would make a great birthday gift, too.)
You can get a copy of Wombat Said Come In by Carmen Agra Deedy on Amazon for $17.99.
