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Wombat #3
Christmas Wombat
Christmas comes but once a year, and it′s just as well for Santa′s reindeer, who have to fight with Mothball for the carrots left out for them by the local children. And when Mothball takes an unexpected sleigh ride, it′s not just Santa who faces the prospect of getting stuck in the chimney.
Christmas from a wombat′s eye view is always going to be interesting - especially when that wombat is Mothball.
Ages 3+
Christmas from a wombat′s eye view is always going to be interesting - especially when that wombat is Mothball.
Ages 3+
32 pages, Hardcover
First published October 1, 2011
1 person is currently reading
231 people want to read
About the author
Jackie French
321 books872 followersJackie is an award-winning writer, wombat negotiator and the Australian Children’s Laureate for 2014-2015. She is regarded as one of Australia’s most popular children’s authors, and writes across all genres - from picture books, history, fantasy, ecology and sci-fi to her much loved historical fiction. In her capacity as Australian Children’s Laureate, ‘Share a Story’ will be the primary philosophy behind Jackie’s two-year term.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 128 reviews
December 9, 2022
Cute Childrens Book, featuring a tired and hungry wombat, in search of carrots.
Lovely illustrations.
Lovely illustrations.
November 27, 2018
The single-minded phascolomian heroine of author Jackie French and illustrator Bruce Whatley's hilarious
Diary of a Wombat
and
Diary of a BABY Wombat
returns in this charming holiday picture-book, discovering that she "never knew there were so many carrots in the world." Going about her daily routine of sleeping, scratching, sleeping, and then eating, Wombat is surprised to find a cache of carrots one day, and to see some strange creatures eating them. Quickly putting that to rights, she claims her proper role as the carrot-consumer, eventually tagging along on the creatures' sleigh, and enjoying a carroty meal at every stop...
Like its two predecessors, Christmas Wombat (originally published in Australia as Diary of a Christmas Wombat) is an amusing tale, one with an obliviously appealing heroine, entirely focused upon her own schedule (often to the detriment of her human neighbors), and charming artwork that perfectly captures the droll humor of the tale. That said, I don't know that it is quite the equal of the other two books, owing perhaps to the dearth of wombat-human interaction, which made the first two book especially hilarious. I suspect that the wombat-reindeer rivalry here is meant to be a substitute, and the expression on the faces of some of the reindeer is often quite amusing, but it just isn't quite the same thing. On the other hand, there is something so appropriate about the fact that this "Christmas" story is so carrot-centric, as this reflects its heroine's concerns.
All in all, this was an amusing tale, one that, even if not the equal of the others, will appeal to fans of the wonderful Wombat!
Like its two predecessors, Christmas Wombat (originally published in Australia as Diary of a Christmas Wombat) is an amusing tale, one with an obliviously appealing heroine, entirely focused upon her own schedule (often to the detriment of her human neighbors), and charming artwork that perfectly captures the droll humor of the tale. That said, I don't know that it is quite the equal of the other two books, owing perhaps to the dearth of wombat-human interaction, which made the first two book especially hilarious. I suspect that the wombat-reindeer rivalry here is meant to be a substitute, and the expression on the faces of some of the reindeer is often quite amusing, but it just isn't quite the same thing. On the other hand, there is something so appropriate about the fact that this "Christmas" story is so carrot-centric, as this reflects its heroine's concerns.
All in all, this was an amusing tale, one that, even if not the equal of the others, will appeal to fans of the wonderful Wombat!
December 22, 2011
Christmas pressie from down under.. And this one is autographed!!! Take that Aussie's.. LOL
So.. Yeah.. I love wombats.. You got a problem with that?
HAVE YOU SEEN ONE?!
Cutest. Thing. Ever.
The end!!
Carrots!!
So.. Yeah.. I love wombats.. You got a problem with that?
HAVE YOU SEEN ONE?!
Cutest. Thing. Ever.
The end!!
Carrots!!
December 31, 2012
Fans of Wombat will likely enjoy this amusing holiday tale featuring Wombat in a search for his favorite treat--carrots!--and having to win them away from other mysterious creatures (reindeer!). I can certainly see where many will be utterly charmed, but for some reason I just don't fully "get"/appreciate the Wombat books/humor.
August 19, 2022
A very cute wombat in an Australian Christmas tale, perfect for reading aloud to 5-7 year old children. The illustrations shine from the book and give it a true Australian Christmas feel.
November 30, 2017
Following the format of “Diary of a Wombat,” “Christmas Wombat” details the activities of a wombat as it goes about its day – resting, scratching, eating, and discovering…CARROTS! After a delicious snack, the wombat curls up for a nap in Santa’s sleigh and then finds itself making the rounds on Christmas Eve as packages are delivered to homes all over the world. The wombat is delighted by subsequent discoveries of carrots and opportunities for naps, and by the end of the story it is somewhat fatter (still sassy), and surprisingly NOT hungry for grass.
Wombats must have their own world view and be very particular about their likes, dislikes, and routines. This wombat is no exception – stubborn, self-absorbed, focused focused focused on its daily business! I loved “Diary of a Wombat,” which did a lovely job introducing wombats in a humorous way to a young audience. Kids who are already familiar with that book should also enjoy “Christmas Wombat,” which also pokes fun at the wombat and its nature. Bruce Whatley’s illustrations are just adorable – you will want to snuggle a wombat (not recommended) after reading this.
Wombats must have their own world view and be very particular about their likes, dislikes, and routines. This wombat is no exception – stubborn, self-absorbed, focused focused focused on its daily business! I loved “Diary of a Wombat,” which did a lovely job introducing wombats in a humorous way to a young audience. Kids who are already familiar with that book should also enjoy “Christmas Wombat,” which also pokes fun at the wombat and its nature. Bruce Whatley’s illustrations are just adorable – you will want to snuggle a wombat (not recommended) after reading this.
January 24, 2020
This book is a wonderful holiday read about a wombat who loves carrots, naps, and scratching. This love of carrots takes him on an adventure (a holiday adventure), though wombats don't celebrate holidays and have no concept of what Christmas or Santa is. The wombat finds himself face-to-face with reindeer (he names them strange creatures), who he battles with using intense eye contact and a stern expression. Wombats love to nap, and this love of napping finds the wombat in the most unexpected places.
"Christmas Wombat" is a silly book for all ages, perfect for interactive reading due to the limited words and expressive pictures. If you're looking for something to read during the holiday (or after!) that's quirky and surprising, this book is for you and your child.
Hannah D. / Marathon County Public Library
"Christmas Wombat" is a silly book for all ages, perfect for interactive reading due to the limited words and expressive pictures. If you're looking for something to read during the holiday (or after!) that's quirky and surprising, this book is for you and your child.
Hannah D. / Marathon County Public Library
October 5, 2012
Cute illustrations. The theme of the Wombat stories may be wearing a bit thin.
March 9, 2024
A carrot obsessed wombat gets into all sorts of antics for a bunch of carrots.
December 3, 2024
This series is getting less interesting as it progresses, unfortunately. The illustrations are better than the text, in my opinion.
January 7, 2013
Also called Diary of a Christmas Wombat.
None of the Diary of a Wombat books have been quite as good as the very first one, when it was fresh and absolutely hilarious, but they're still funny, enjoyable and entertaining.
In this third book, the wombat's schedule of eating, sleeping and scratching is interrupted when he manages to hitch a ride on Santa's sleigh after taking the carrots left out for the reindeer.
What follows is his (her?) naive narration of accompanying Santa as he delivers presents, which has all the trademarks of wombat self-absorbed'ness and greed which is always so amusing (so long as it stays on the page!). The illustrations are just as lovely as in the previous books, though they are still a bit too much for a young toddler.
None of the Diary of a Wombat books have been quite as good as the very first one, when it was fresh and absolutely hilarious, but they're still funny, enjoyable and entertaining.
In this third book, the wombat's schedule of eating, sleeping and scratching is interrupted when he manages to hitch a ride on Santa's sleigh after taking the carrots left out for the reindeer.
What follows is his (her?) naive narration of accompanying Santa as he delivers presents, which has all the trademarks of wombat self-absorbed'ness and greed which is always so amusing (so long as it stays on the page!). The illustrations are just as lovely as in the previous books, though they are still a bit too much for a young toddler.
December 4, 2012
Wombats have three priorities in life. Carrots, naps and carrots. So when Mothball wakes up from his nap to find a plate of carrots and some strange creatures trying to eat them, he has to defend his claim. And then he finds a great place for another nap... on Santa's sleigh.
Why I started this book: Diary of a Wombat was charming and delightful. I was excited to see what a Christmas wombat would do.
Why I finished it: The illustrations highlight the wry wit and understatement of the text. Will delight children and adults.
Why I started this book: Diary of a Wombat was charming and delightful. I was excited to see what a Christmas wombat would do.
Why I finished it: The illustrations highlight the wry wit and understatement of the text. Will delight children and adults.
June 5, 2015
These books are highly simplistic and completely utterly "children's" books. And they never fail to amuse and delight me. They are simply adorable and this one is no exception. The illustrations are the cutest things, especially the facial expressions and also somehow the posture of the wombat. Recommended to all, young and old alike.
Wombatsand hedgehogs appear to be my spirit animals, minus all the carrots.
Wombats
December 15, 2016
Wombat loves to eat grass and carrots. And he will steal them from Santa's reindeer, polar bears, and other creatures. Written like a journal entry, the silly wombat takes us on the journey to eat as many carrots as possible.
December 14, 2021
A wombat loves to sleep, scratch, and eat. His favorite food are carrots, but he discovers that reindeer enjoys a good carrot as well. Wombat finds himself riding along on Santa's sleigh to get more carrots, he also get to experience the joy of Christmas along with all carrots he can eat.
December 2, 2013
the kind of funny that is only funny once.
wombats like carrots.
we get it.
wombats like carrots.
we get it.
May 29, 2015
3.5 stars
A wonderfully cute Christmas story featuring our favourite wombat!
A wonderfully cute Christmas story featuring our favourite wombat!
January 19, 2016
Because nothing says Christmas Spirit like wombats.
Library copy
Library copy
December 7, 2016
A fun, silly Christmas story. Illustrations are great and it had us all laughing.
August 6, 2025
This is a really cute book about a wombat encountering traditional Christmas decorations! Reread 5 years later and still as enjoyable!
March 25, 2023
Today's a big day. Finally I learn, thanks to this book, what a wombat really is.
Incidentally, I have an additional reason for reading this book. It's about Christmas from a wombat′s eye view. And I happen to know that, downunder, Christmas happens during the summer.
Every time I remind myself how the seasons are flipped upside down in Australia (and some other places)...
Or I remind myself that, whenever speaking on the phone with somebody in New Zealand or Australia, that person is talking to me from my tomorrow...
It's as though my soul starts to giggle, just from the fun of it.
What an amazing world this is. Including the wombats.
As for the story, Jackie French clearly has a terrific sense of humor, as well as a deft touch with blunt speech. The entire story is consistently hilarious. So edgy and original!
As for Bruce Whatley, his illustrations help make this Wombat tale downright comfortable to read. The pictures bring the fantasy events into everyday view, as if that were nothing. (This Goodreader knows better. Awesome job here, Bruce!)
Incidentally, I have an additional reason for reading this book. It's about Christmas from a wombat′s eye view. And I happen to know that, downunder, Christmas happens during the summer.
Every time I remind myself how the seasons are flipped upside down in Australia (and some other places)...
Or I remind myself that, whenever speaking on the phone with somebody in New Zealand or Australia, that person is talking to me from my tomorrow...
It's as though my soul starts to giggle, just from the fun of it.
What an amazing world this is. Including the wombats.
As for the story, Jackie French clearly has a terrific sense of humor, as well as a deft touch with blunt speech. The entire story is consistently hilarious. So edgy and original!
As for Bruce Whatley, his illustrations help make this Wombat tale downright comfortable to read. The pictures bring the fantasy events into everyday view, as if that were nothing. (This Goodreader knows better. Awesome job here, Bruce!)
September 14, 2021
Christmas is a time when Wombat finds strange dangly things, then gets rid of them.
Meets strange animals, battles them and wins. Eats the carrots left out for the strange animals.
Takes a nap in a cosy spot at the back of the sleigh. More strange animals are eating Wombats carrots. Strange animals help Wombat reach the carrots. Back at home, the grass looks yummy but, for some reason, wombat isn't hungry.
Another brilliant collaboration between a masterful storyteller Jackie French, and an exceptional artist Bruce Whatley, to add to the award-winning Wombat series.
Meets strange animals, battles them and wins. Eats the carrots left out for the strange animals.
Takes a nap in a cosy spot at the back of the sleigh. More strange animals are eating Wombats carrots. Strange animals help Wombat reach the carrots. Back at home, the grass looks yummy but, for some reason, wombat isn't hungry.
Another brilliant collaboration between a masterful storyteller Jackie French, and an exceptional artist Bruce Whatley, to add to the award-winning Wombat series.
December 21, 2021
Christmas Wombat by Jackie French.
I really liked this Christmas book for kids of all ages, even Adults. The little Wombat from Australia woke up hungry, for carrots!!! He finds strange creatures (reindeer) eating his carrots. He goes to battle over them and wins. He eats and eats and gets tired and finds a place to sleep on Santa's sleigh.
He goes to strange places that eat his carrots. Read this clever book and find out if the Wombat gets home. I recommend you do.
I really liked this Christmas book for kids of all ages, even Adults. The little Wombat from Australia woke up hungry, for carrots!!! He finds strange creatures (reindeer) eating his carrots. He goes to battle over them and wins. He eats and eats and gets tired and finds a place to sleep on Santa's sleigh.
He goes to strange places that eat his carrots. Read this clever book and find out if the Wombat gets home. I recommend you do.
December 21, 2025
Because when you think Christmas, you think wombats. Or will after reading this wombat whatthefuckery. For example -- who the hell leaves out food for the reindeer on Christmas Eve? If this has been a thing for 50 or more years, then no wonder I had such a miserable childhood.
I haven't read the previous books in the series, but I have a feeling they wouldn't have helped. At least it was different.
I haven't read the previous books in the series, but I have a feeling they wouldn't have helped. At least it was different.
December 1, 2017
This is my favorite of the Wombat books. It takes the simple telling of its day diary format and intertwines a Christmas Eve story complete with Santa, reindeer and more. I love how the simple words when paired with the illustrations are perfectly laugh out loud funny. A clever and unique Christmas story.
December 12, 2018
Wombat funds carrots. Wombat sleeps on sleigh. Wombat finds more carrots.
This is cute and pretty basic, but what I’m actually using this for is to teach “caveman language” for notetaking to fourth and fifth graders. The wombat speaks in short phrases that mirror what I’m trying to teach kids to use when taking notes during research.
This is cute and pretty basic, but what I’m actually using this for is to teach “caveman language” for notetaking to fourth and fifth graders. The wombat speaks in short phrases that mirror what I’m trying to teach kids to use when taking notes during research.
June 20, 2019
A really fun picture book for the festive season, with a wombat not quite getting what's going on. He's only used to sleeping, scratching and eating, so what is this surfeit of carrots all about? And who are these other strange creatures trying to get in the way of his eating them? The young audience will really enjoy feeling superior to this loveable critter.
December 18, 2019
Who knew wombats liked carrots?! Not me! L surprised me by choosing this at the library (it's a departure from her usual dog books) and we all had a good laugh at the cute wombat's antics. This is a bit challenging as a read aloud because it's written in shorthand diary form, not really complete sentences. L deemed the wombat "pretty weird."
December 30, 2021
A clever little book in some ways, but I begin to think I should have started with the first in the series. The viewpoint and seemingly illogical progression, with sudden unexplained changes of setting, didn't convince me that this was a book I could read with my grandson without potentially confusing him. Again, maybe starting with French's first wombat outing might have helped?
November 23, 2017
We love the humorous diary of a wombat books, so we were delighted to read this one. (If you know any wombat fans, this is a wonderful holiday read.)
In this one our wombat hero hitches a ride on Santa’s sleigh and discovers carrots all over the world.
Great illustrations by Bruce Whatley.
In this one our wombat hero hitches a ride on Santa’s sleigh and discovers carrots all over the world.
Great illustrations by Bruce Whatley.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 128 reviews