Swim, Little Wombat, Swim!

Little Wombat

by Charles Fuge, Gullane Children's Books (Producer)

Little Wombat is back! Award-winning author and illustrator Charles Fuge--whose Sometimes I Curl Up in a Ball sold 106,000 copies and charmed critics and children alike--has created a new adventure for his ever-popular character. It's a fun-filled tale about discovering new friends and appreciating others' differences.

Fans of Charles Fuge's Little Wombat will rejoice at the adorable creature's return--and at the introduction of an appealing new friend for his hero. And what an unusual animal Platypus he waddles when he walks, has a funny fuzzy face, and most special of all, can swim just like a fish. Little Wombat would love to do that too. But are wombats meant for the water...or is he better off staying on dry land?
Every child who has ever eyed the swimming pool nervously will happily follow Little Wombat's success.

Praise for Sometimes I like to Curl Up In a Ball!
"With a repertoire of comic expressions worthy of Nathan Lane...[t]his book from a British duo is silly to the core, but it is also a pointed paean to the power of unscheduled play."--- Publishers Weekly

" This book celebrates the world of a preschooler with verve and excitement...Wombat is buoyant and darling, charming and fun."-- School Library Journal

Genres: Picture Books, Animals, Childrens, Friendship, Summer, Storytime, Fiction

24 pages, Hardcover

First published August 1, 2005

About the author

Charles Fuge has been writing and illustrating since 1988. Published while he was in art school, his first picture book won the Mother Goose Award for best newcomer to children's books. He lives in England with his partner, Sarah, and their son, Ollie.

Reviews

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sweet book about learning to swim. All the Little Wombat books are hits at my house.

[Heidi Burkhart · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not a bad story to prepare a child for swimming lessons. I was disappointed by the illustrations. If I hadn't seen photos of the animals presented I would have no idea of what they really look like.

[Heidi-Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Little Wombat!! He and all the rest of the characters are so adorable. I like the introduction of a new friend. And it's fun to see Little Wombat learn to swim. A good choice for storytime to get the preschoolers involved in the actions. (Though I'll admit the illustrations of the lunch/naptime was a wink disturbing, on account of the "shrimps." hee hee)

9/14/10 & 9/16/10: A good introductory book for the storytime. Getting the kids to "swim" was fun. And I think they loved the pictures, too. Some got the "joke" at the end. Others didn't. Not surprising with the varying comprehension levels.

9/28/10 & 9/30/10: Both groups liked this one and also enjoyed the swim lessons. Had a lot in the Tue. group get the ending, but the Thu. group didn't get it at all.

2/1/12 Worked well in both groups even with the new 1st group and the unresponsive 2nd group. They seemed to like the pictures. Some participated in the swimming. And there were laughs at the end by both adults and kids.

[Libby · Rating 4 out of 5]

My 1.5-year-old son really likes this one. I like that it's about a wombat and a platypus, because those are not creatures you commonly come across in picture-books or books that show different animals. I think this would be a great book to read if you wanted to get a child thinking/excited about learning how to swim. The text is short enough that my son actually has the patience for me to read the whole story, and he likes pointing out all the extra little creatures in the scenery.

[Ivan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was great at helping motivate my son to swim. It presents the challenge in a friendly, fun, way. Definitely something I needed instead of the "YO, LEARN TO SWIM ALREADY" approach I was taking....

[Molly Crow · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another fun story about making new friends, and the importance of not judging (or teasing) people who are different than we are.

Not our favorite book, but it does lead to some interesting discussions with the younglings about people who appear different from us. It could be a helpful start to talking with your littles about diversity.

[Beanling's Library · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another fun story about making new friends, and the importance of not judging (or teasing) people who are different than we are.

Not our favorite book, but it does lead to some interesting discussions with the younglings about people who appear different from us. It could be a helpful start to talking with your littles about diversity.

[Mely · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought this would help my little one overcome her anxiety about swimming. But this story was too simple and the storyline moved to fast to be of any use. Still, it's a cute story with adorable illustrations.

[Aprill Meadows · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was given to my grandson and so far I've read it twice now. It is a cute little book that has to do with two different animals mating together in becoming friends. I would recommend it.

[Kaethe · Rating 4 out of 5]

One point off for including that "don't swim just after eating" canard, but the critters are marvelously expressive.

Library copy

[Cole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wom-Bat-y-Pus

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another fun Little Wombat story although not my favorite of the bunch. We're introduced to Platypus, who is a unique animal to know and gives the opportunity for a fun voice. There isn't much of a story, though, so the great illustrations are the best part of it by far.

[Modboy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute book about a platypus teaching a wombat how to swim. The themes of accepting others as they are and friendship. It's nice to have a book to share with my son containing Australian animals. Good story and illustrations.

[Tricia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Little Wombat giggles at Platypus' name when they meet by the pond...until a potential disaster happens and this new friend saves the day. Wombat tackles a new skill and learns about friendship along the way.

[Kim · Rating 3 out of 5]

One of those books that you read to kids not really because of the compelling plot, but more because you wanted a wombat and/or platypus story. Talks a little about swimming, but mostly a bland story with adorable pictures.

[Amber Adams · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a nice read. It tells the story of a wombat who makes a friend and learns new skills. This book was relatively short however it is great for younger ages because it teaches friendship. It can be used in any classroom for a quick story to help build community and friendships.

[Mackenzie Raatz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was about two different characters who are different from one another but found a beautiful friendship. This will encourage children to see one another as equal and you can be friends with others who are "opposite".

[Suzanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

A short but sweet tale of bravery. Little ones will delight in little wombat and platypus' new friendship.

[Cora & Ellie · Rating 4 out of 5]

has a lesson on not making fun of someone because they semm different to you, they might become your friend or help you.

[Lindsay · Rating 5 out of 5]

animals, summer, swimming, water, friends, learning new things

[Contemplative · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was an okay story.

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

June 2009

[Bear · Rating 4 out of 5]

Absolutely loved the illustrations!

[Nho · Rating 5 out of 5]

good

[Cassie · Rating 3 out of 5]

A sweet story! Little Wombat meets Platypus, who teaches him to swim.

[Amy Tolbert · Rating 4 out of 5]

Adorable illustrations! Are wombats really that cute?

[Roben · Rating 4 out of 5]

Platypus teaches wombat how to swim!

[Tracy Schillemore · Rating 4 out of 5]

Little wombat learns to swim thanks to his friend platypus.