The Invisible Womble

The Wombles

by Elisabeth Beresford, Nick Price (Illustrations)

Classic and much loved characters brought back into print with a fresh new cover look and inside illustrations to celebrate over 40 years of the Wombles

Orinoco is perhaps the Womble who needs the most encouragement to go out on the daily sortie to clear up and recycle all the rubbish that humans leave behind. Meanwhile, Tobermory, DIY-er extraordinaire, is getting to grips with the one of the humans' more ingenious inventions: the vacuum cleaner!

Genres: Fiction, Childrens, Short Stories, Classics, Animals, Fantasy

112 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1973

About the author

Elisabeth "Liza" Beresford MBE was a British author of children's books, best known for creating The Wombles. Born into a family with many literary connections, she worked as a journalist but struggled for success until she created the Wombles in the 1960s. The strong theme of recycling was particularly notable, and the Wombles became very popular with children across the world. While Beresford produced many other literary works, the Wombles remained her most well known creation.

Reviews

[Kara · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lovely read — well written and holds up. A fond memory from my childhood.

[Laura S · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having watched the wombles when I was really little, I couldn't wait to read this. Despite being written of children, it brings back so many memories of all the wombles :) the illustrations are lovely and despite being aimed at children there is the message of the wombles for all of us to take into account. These little critters are probably the most environmentally conscience fictional characters :) if only we could do the same!

[Dani · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yeah so I read that really quickly. It's the quickest read I've ever read but i really enjoyed it. As soon as i opened the page i felt my love for the wombles creeping back in. I felt like i was meeting some old friends.
I dont know why but the wombles have a very special place in my heart.

I really enjoyed all the short stories and I found myself laughing at some of the funny things Orinoco said and being sad with Bungo.

The wombles are very special to me and loved getting to be with them again :)

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a slim book and the stories were less of a book and more individual stories. So, a book of short stories. But I just love the Wombles. I loved them as a kid, and when we went to London when I was 10, we visited Wimbledon Common, although it was not that exciting except the home of Wombles. As a grown-up I pay attention to different things than when I was a kid, but the amount of enjoyment is the same :)

[Andrew Ives · Rating 3 out of 5]

Five short-ish stories based on the Wombles TV series. All of them are about one tiny little thing, such as Bungo's birthday, spun out into a 20 pages when 4 would suffice. The drawings are ok, the writing is slightly tiresome. I like the Wombles as far as I remember them, but this book wouldn't make me become a fan. 3/5

[Tamara Zann · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute, not life changing.

[Ben · Rating 2 out of 5]

Short and discontinuous but each individual story was ok

[Johanna · Rating 3 out of 5]

A variety of short stories exploring themes around hard work, friendship, and caring about the environment. It is no wonder the Wombles books are considered classics. Beresford demonstrates an ability to sum up characters in a few words without turning them into cardboard cutouts. An entertaining read, even for adults!

[Alex · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short but extremely charming collection of stories from the Wombles. These stories are based on episodes of the seventies children's series, but do not lose anything because of it.

I really enjoyed the stories which were very funny, especially the antics of that rather rotund womble, Orinco. My favourite stories were 'The Purple Paw Mystery' and 'The Invisible Womble'.

I would recommend this book to children and adults alike, as children will be charmed by the stories and characters, as will the big kids which reside in all adults.

[Toby Chapman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quite short book, but still good