Wurrtoo: The Wombat Who Fell in Love with the Sky

by Tylissa Elisara

Described as an Indigenous Blinky Bill meets Winnie the Pooh, this heartwarming and beautifully illustrated middle-grade novel from 2021 black&write! fellow Tylissa Elisara follows Wurrtoo the wombat on his quest to marry the love of his life, the sky, while facing his fears and learning the importance of friendship along the way.It all began in a burrow. The fifty-fifth burrow of Bushland Avenue to be exact. If you were ever lucky enough to find this beautiful clearing on Kangaroo Island where the arching gum trees kiss, you'd know that Wurrtoo's home is the one at the end with the big red trapdoor and large gold doorknob. Can you see it?Wurrtoo the wombat lives a quiet and solitary life in his burrow on Kangaroo Island, hoping to one day travel to the mainland and marry the love of his life, the sky. When Wurrtoo inadvertently saves Kuula the koala from a bushfire, he acquires the adventure companion he didn't know he needed. With Kuula by his side, Wurrtoo leaves the safety of his burrow and sets out on an epic journey to cross the island, reach the mainland and climb to the top of tallest tree in the Forest of Dreaming. But it's fire season, and danger and strange creatures lurk behind every gum tree. To make it, the pair must face their fears together, learn the importance of friendship and discover the power of wombat wishes.Tylissa Elisara draws on classic children's literature in the tradition of Winnie the Pooh and Blinky Bill as well as stories from her own Narungga, Kaurna and Adnyamathanha heritage in this unique middle-grade novel about friendship, adventure and facing your fears.

Genres: Middle Grade, Fiction, Childrens

160 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 27, 2024

Reviews

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

Teaching years 1/2? This is the perfect read aloud

[Atlanta Bushnell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wurrtoo by Tylissa Elisara and illustrated by Dylan Finney is a beautiful middle grade novel filled with adventure and wonder, but at its heart is a story about friendship.

Wurrtoo the wombat is a gorgeous character and I loved following him and his friend Kuula on his great adventure through the bush.

As a primary school teacher I believe this book would make a wonderful addition to any middle grade classroom. It is written by a First Nations author and includes a glossary at the back with First Nation words and Dreaming stories referenced in the book, which can open up further discussions and learning with children and students.


4 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank you Hachette Australia for the gifted review copy.

[Katey Flowers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read for #middlegrademarch 2024: https://youtu.be/7uMSJCRGvYc

[Thea · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am crying at how beautiful this book is. Described as Winnie the Pooh meets Blinky Bill by an Indigenous author, wow! Wurrtoo is an anxious little wombat, his burrow sounds cosy like a hobbit hole, it even has a bright red door with a shiny handle! I love that more books like this are being published. The wombat is my favourite marsupial, I got to cuddle one at a wildlife park, oh I adore them.

[Julie Garner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great little Aussie adventure novel. Strong debut from the author. Blending known Australian animals with indigenous tales.
About a scared wombat venturing out of his burrow to go in search of his greatest wish.
Great for fans of Blinky Bill and the Gumnut Babies.

[Kirren Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tylissa Elisara's "Wurrtoo" is a beautifully crafted novel that effortlessly transports readers into a world rich with whimsical language and evocative imagery. From the very first page, Elisara's light and enchanting prose invites readers to embark on a journey filled with charm, wonder, and heartfelt moments.
The heart of the story in 'Wurrtoo' is a group of characters who are not only likable but also deeply relatable. Their interactions and personal growth are portrayed with such authenticity that readers will find themselves emotionally invested, cheering for them at every turn. Elisara's skilful character development ensures that each individual is memorable, adding depth and warmth to the narrative.

One of the standout features of "Wurrtoo" is its vivid and immersive descriptions of flora and native plants. Elisara's love for nature shines through her detailed and poetic portrayals of the natural world. The flora becomes almost a character in itself, adding a layer of richness to the story that is both captivating and refreshing. Readers who appreciate the beauty of the natural world will find themselves enchanted by the lush and vibrant landscapes that Elisara so lovingly describes.

The novel explores themes such as friendship, courage, and overcoming fears. These themes are woven seamlessly into the story's fabric, providing valuable life lessons without ever feeling preachy or forced. The characters' journeys towards self-discovery and bravery are inspiring and touching, leaving a lasting impression on the reader.

Elisara's descriptive language is a highlight of "Wurrtoo." Her ability to paint vivid pictures with words enhances the reading experience, making it easy to visualize the settings and feel the characters' emotions. This descriptive prowess adds depth to the narrative, making the story come alive in the reader's mind.

"Wurrtoo" by Tylissa Elisara is a delightful and enchanting read that will captivate readers of all ages.

[Middle Grade Musings · Rating 4 out of 5]

‘After all, difference is everywhere, and that is what makes our world all the more beautiful.’

After being recommended this one by many people, I was excited to start this short novel. It’s such a unique storyline so I was intrigued to see what it was like.

Wurrtoo is a solitary wombat living in his huge burrow on Kangaroo Island. Scared of the outside world, he generally keeps to himself until one day he inadvertently saves Kuula the Koala from a small fire. Wurrtoo quickly shares with Kuula his deep love for the sky and his dreams of travelling to the mainland, to the Ancient Tree, in the Forest of Plenty, to propose to and marry the sky. Just by coincidence, Kuula dreams of seeing her Auntie Swan again, who lives on the other side of the island, on the way to the mainland. Suddenly our quirky duo set off on an unexpected journey where they are faced with a devious kookaburra, maniac seals, a giant prehistoric wombat and a gang of evil pigs. All just to reach the Forest of Plenty, and seal Wurrtoo’s love for the sky. But, will the obstacles they face be all too much for Wurrtoo’s anxieties or will our dynamic duo face their fears and overcome this danger to fulfil their destinies?

What a delightful story this one was. It really is such a unique idea and Tylissa does an incredible job weaving elements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledge and beliefs into the beautiful storyline. I was genuinely curious throughout to see how this one would end and definitely wasn’t disappointed. It’s an adventure, a heart warmer and a whole lot of fun too.

Congratulations on a stunning debut Tylissa, hoping we see more adventures with Wurrtoo and Kuula in the future.

[Little Miss Bookshelf · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wurrtoo the Wombat Who Fell in Love with the Sky is a beautifully written and illustrated story that intertwines Aboriginal values of Country with an engaging narrative suitable for children. The book follows the journey of Wurrtoo, a curious wombat who is captivated by the vast, ever-changing sky. Through Wurrtoo’s story, readers are introduced to concepts of connection to Country, respect for the land, and the deep spiritual bond Aboriginal people have with nature.

What makes this book stand out is its ability to convey these profound values in a way that is accessible and captivating for primary school-aged children. The storytelling is gentle yet impactful, supported by vivid imagery and thoughtful dialogue that bring Wurrtoo’s world to life. It invites young readers to reflect on their relationship with the environment and consider the importance of caring for the land.

The book is an excellent resource for classrooms, aligning perfectly with learning about Aboriginal perspectives and the importance of sustainability. It provides a meaningful way to explore cultural understanding while engaging students with a story that feels both magical and grounded in real-world significance.

While the book is undeniably impactful, it might benefit from additional teacher resources or discussion prompts to deepen classroom engagement and learning experiences. Nevertheless, Wurrtoo the Wombat Who Fell in Love with the Sky is a highly recommended read for both home and school settings. It’s a heartwarming and educational journey into the values of Country, making it a valuable addition to any child’s library.

[ali · Rating 5 out of 5]

i would like to thank qbd books for gifting me a copy of this book after winning a competition.

right from the start i was in love with this book! i knew it would pull at my heartstrings and bring tears to my eyes but in the best way possible. books like this always find their way right into your heart and mind forever. the way this book is written is magical and the illustrations are so beautiful too. i loved being able to see the world and live the adventure from the perspective of the animals, they make it so much more pure. there are also so many important and beautiful morals, lessons, and themes within this book.

i read this book from the perspective of a teacher, and i truly believe that it can be used in so many beneficial ways in the classroom with students. it is probably best suited to middle primary classes, although with the right teaching and learning, i believe students at any age will benefit from this story.

students can learn about and identify heavy feelings like anxiety and trauma, and they can learn the importance of kindness and bravery and friendship. this book can also be used as a tool to help educate about wildlife and native species. and importantly, this book can be used to share connections to indigenous language, stories, and culture in a way that is easy for children to digest and understand and make their own connections with. there are endless ways to connect this story to the learning happening across also subjects, and in a social and emotional way too.

[Kirsten · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the most magical book I've ever read! It is such a sweet and creative story with so many beautiful cultural elements. The way the author tells the story is fun and lighthearted, yet the messages in the story are meaningful and inspiring. The descriptive and detailed way it was written really allows you to visualise everything and feel like you're there inside the story. This is such a special book from a very talented author with the added bonus of cute illustrations!

[Danielle McGregor · Rating 3 out of 5]

My 8 year old gave this 3 stars because whilst he enjoyed it and liked the characters, the adventure was not exciting enough for him.

I gave it 4 stars because the friendship between a modern day Blinky Bill ( look at the pictures) and a Winnie the Pooh type was so endearing!

As the text was written for children I think making the Indigenous links a little more obvious would have been beneficial. The explanations at the end were very helpful in answering some of the questions we had.

[Ruthie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant middle-grade book - beautiful Australian story about Wurrtoo the wombat on a quest to marry the love of his life - the sky, while meeting many friends and overcoming challenges along the way. Love the connection to First Nations storytelling, and is reminiscent of classic childhood books I have read like Winnie the Pooh.

[Julie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This a heart-warming adventure friendship between creatures, reminiscent of Joy Cowley's Snake and Lizard, incorporates indigenous story and traditions, set on Australia's Kangaroo Island. Several inaccuracies bothered me, such as calling an echidna a marsupial (it's a monotreme), but this should not stop young readers' enjoyment.

[Bev Ambrum · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well done to Tylissa on writing her 1st book. Was captivated with the storyline and fell in love with the characters. A lovely story of friendships courage and bravery.

[Reader]

Absolutely loved every second of this, couldn’t put it down. Obsessed. Thanks for magical read 💘

[Anita · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely LOVED this story. For young and old alike.

[Phoebe Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very cute and engaging read, great incorporation of Indigenous stories and culture. Hope my class love it!

[Wendy · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

[Hutch Hussein · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mr 10 likes it. Lots of loveable characters. But slow for me as the parent reading!