Product Description

A wombat's work is never done! Take a trip with a wombat, and discover the ins and outs of her day in this modern classic Australian picture book. There are holes to be dug and territory to be defended -- and don't forget all the eating and sleeping that needs to be squeezed in too!

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #8145 in Books
• Published on: 2006-01-03
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback

Review
'French and Whatley have conjured an affectionate, believable wombat self-portrait.' New York Times Book Review 'Bruce Whatley's illustrations bring the story to life in a way that is both endearing and amusing. It's easy to see why this book has won several awards in Jackie French's native Australia. It deserves to be a huge hit here too, as it feels really fresh and original.' Publishing News

About the Author
Jackie French was born in Sydney in 1953, grew up in Brisbane, graduated from the University of Queensland and moved to her present home in NSW bush land in her mid twenties. Over the past 10 years she has published over a hundred books on diverse subjects ranging from children's fiction to pest control! Bruce Whatley was born in the United Kingdom and emigrated with his parents to Australia during his childhood. He often collaborates on picture books with his wife, Rosie Smith.

Customer Reviews

Wonderfully engaging book for very young readers
I found this book in Australia, and bought it there. On return to the U.S., my sons and I spent night after night reading it to each other and acting out the illustrations. The text is simple - aimed for the youngest reader - but humourous, and the illustrations are absolutely charming.
The book chronicles a week in the life of a wombat and its human "pets" - all from the wombat's point of view. Many "entries" in the diary reflect the wombat's nocturnal nature ("Monday - Morning: Slept; Afternoon: Slept...). The humour and charm stem from the animal's interaction with the world around it - battling a "welcome" mat, discovering an endless supply of carrots (the garden), tackling wet laundry on the line, communicating its desires to the humans (by bashing trash bins, chewing flower pots)...
The book's humour is comparable to "Click Clack Moo" and "Giggle Giggle Quack", but the text is easier for youngsters to read themselves. The adult readers (both in Oz and America) were delighted with the book, and several teachers requested copies. It is not available in the U.S., and I was very grateful to obtain a copy for our school library through amazon.co.uk marketplace. Also, the U.K. version contained an additional page explaining "I am a wombat, a nocturnal animal..." which is an excellent addendum to the original book.

Utterly adorable!
No other way of describing it, absolutely adorable. The illustrations of the wombat are unbelievably cute, a book you can read endlessly and enjoy it more every time., Will never fail to bring a smile to your face and make you melt inside. A wombat with an attitude she may be, but also engaging, endearing and an absolute gem.

Wonderful book, priceless illustrations!
I found this book by chance and was overwhelmed with how cute the wombat is. This is one of those books that parents won't mind reading to their children over and over again because it is simply adorable and comic at the same time. The diary format makes this the Bridget Jones of the wombat world!