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Wombat Said Come In
A kindhearted wombat offers refuge to a parade of animal friends during an Australian bushfire in a delightful new picture book from New York Times best-selling creators Carmen Agra Deedy and Brian Lies.
Australian bushfires roar above Wombat’s home. He is fortunate that his burrow is deep below ground and he is safe. He snuggles under his crazy quilt and drinks his tea. Soon his frightened friend Wallaby shows up at his door. “Oh Wombat! I c-c-can’t reach my home! M-m-may I stay with you awhile?”
Wombat pauses only for a tick of the clock, and says, “Come in!”
Then, one by one, five uniquely Australian animals – the Wallaby, a Kookaburra, a Platypus, a Koala, and a Sugar Glider – seek refuge from the fires, and Wombat welcomes them all. When you have the heart of a wombat, there’s always room for one more!
Fellowship, empathy, and adorable Australian animals star in this delightfully heartwarming and funny story about help in the time of trouble from New York Times best-selling author Carmen Agra Deedy (14 Cows for America, The Library Dragon, The Rooster Who Would Not Stay Quiet) and Caldecott Honor-winning and New York Times best-selling illustrator Brian Lies (The Rough Patch, Bats at the Beach).
The book will delight children with Deedy’s engaging story and Lies masterfully rendered animals. It is an ideal read-aloud for adults seeking a story with humor and heart. Generosity and kindness provide powerful SEL themes. Older readers will get a glimpse of the unique environmental challenges presented by the country’s annual bushfire season.
Australian bushfires roar above Wombat’s home. He is fortunate that his burrow is deep below ground and he is safe. He snuggles under his crazy quilt and drinks his tea. Soon his frightened friend Wallaby shows up at his door. “Oh Wombat! I c-c-can’t reach my home! M-m-may I stay with you awhile?”
Wombat pauses only for a tick of the clock, and says, “Come in!”
Then, one by one, five uniquely Australian animals – the Wallaby, a Kookaburra, a Platypus, a Koala, and a Sugar Glider – seek refuge from the fires, and Wombat welcomes them all. When you have the heart of a wombat, there’s always room for one more!
Fellowship, empathy, and adorable Australian animals star in this delightfully heartwarming and funny story about help in the time of trouble from New York Times best-selling author Carmen Agra Deedy (14 Cows for America, The Library Dragon, The Rooster Who Would Not Stay Quiet) and Caldecott Honor-winning and New York Times best-selling illustrator Brian Lies (The Rough Patch, Bats at the Beach).
The book will delight children with Deedy’s engaging story and Lies masterfully rendered animals. It is an ideal read-aloud for adults seeking a story with humor and heart. Generosity and kindness provide powerful SEL themes. Older readers will get a glimpse of the unique environmental challenges presented by the country’s annual bushfire season.
36 pages, Hardcover
Published September 6, 2022
1 person is currently reading
2255 people want to read
About the author
Carmen Agra Deedy
34 books145 followersCarmen Agra Deedy is an internationally known author of children’s literature, a storyteller and radio contributor. Born in Havana, Cuba, she immigrated to the United States with her family in 1963 after the Cuban Revolution. Deedy grew up in Decatur, Georgia and currently lives in Atlanta and has three daughters.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
December 14, 2022
I loved the illustrations with this book, but something about the writing/storyline just didn't work for me. I didn't love Wombat's little welcome message that rhymed (while the rest of the story didn't). And I didn't love how all his friends trashed his house while seeking shelter. In the dedication, Deedy references her own immigration experience and the church that welcomed her family from Cuba. I suppose people who are scared, have nowhere to go, etc. may act out in a person's home who is hosting them, but it just seemed kind of callous and weird to me. But I've never experienced immigration personally, so who knows? I also didn't love how Wombat yelled at everyone to get out and leave him alone. Maybe I'm annoyed that the story isn't as straightforward and heartwarming as I expected it to be.
December 22, 2022
This one is set during the wildfires that ravaged Australia recently. Wombat takes in his friends. (I thought the friends acted somewhat rudely and thought Wombat was justified to be a bit grumpy as the story went on.) Repetitive story but good for young children. Cute artwork.
June 19, 2023
Based on the idea that wombats in Australia opened their homes to other animals to help them stay safe during wildfires. I have mixed feelings about the animals in the book being so unkind to wombat’s home, and I wonder if it is tied to the truth (if it is, I wish that had been included), but it made me sad that wombat is so welcoming, even after the fact, but the other animals are not great guests. But I can see this being used in the classroom to talk about hospitality and being a good guest–it definitely would be easy for readers to understand this lesson with this book. Oh, and I cannot talk about this book without giving a shout out to the beautiful illustrations–Lie’s acrylic and pencil artwork is stunning!
November 20, 2022
I think Wombat needs to learn boundaries, and his 'friends' need to learn respect. I guess Sugar Glider was okay - actually appologized.
Also, Wombats are pretty big, and Sugar Gliders are quite small, but the proportions still seemed a bit off to me. 36 in vs. 6 in. is only 6:1 length, and the pictures looked more like 20:1.
Lastly, each time someone comes in, we only need to hear once that Wombat said "come in." Twice each time was too much for me, and it did not help the rhythm of the poem either.
Also, Wombats are pretty big, and Sugar Gliders are quite small, but the proportions still seemed a bit off to me. 36 in vs. 6 in. is only 6:1 length, and the pictures looked more like 20:1.
Lastly, each time someone comes in, we only need to hear once that Wombat said "come in." Twice each time was too much for me, and it did not help the rhythm of the poem either.
December 12, 2022
I wanted to love this one. Wombat opens his home, but it never feels sincere. His guests barge in and take over.
There’s never a comment or understanding that they are grateful and that showing kindness and being welcoming is a good thing to do. Instead the guests selfishly take over Wombat’s home and when it’s time to leave, he rushes them out. I never felt any tenderness or kindness and instead it felt like everyone was annoyed and frustrated with each other. I was hoping for some understanding of kindness and appreciation at the end.
There’s never a comment or understanding that they are grateful and that showing kindness and being welcoming is a good thing to do. Instead the guests selfishly take over Wombat’s home and when it’s time to leave, he rushes them out. I never felt any tenderness or kindness and instead it felt like everyone was annoyed and frustrated with each other. I was hoping for some understanding of kindness and appreciation at the end.
January 10, 2023
Sweet book about hospitality under the guise of the Australian bushfires. I love books with lesser known animals (Kookburras, wombats, platypus, etc) because it gets kids talking. But I also LOVE that this book instills that what you put into the world you will often get back. (Treat others the way you want to be treated)
It's long though. Too long for me to do in a storytime. Which stinks. Because the character building skills are so important.
It's long though. Too long for me to do in a storytime. Which stinks. Because the character building skills are so important.
June 11, 2023
I read this book as an adult reader for the AR Diamond Book Award. I give it a 2.5/5. A picture book based on the wildfires in Australia. The lines wombat kept repeating got old very quickly. It was just ok.
November 26, 2022
I couldn't wait to get a hold of this book! This stunningly illustrated picture book, roughly based on true events in Australia, is chock full of humor in both the text and images. As a huge bush rages, more and more friends impose on Wombat's generous offer of shelter in his burrow. With a delightful twist on Wombat's refrain and a little surprise, the ending is satisfying and touching. It offers the reader a chance to envision what they would they do for a friend, neighbor, or stranger in need. A subtle reminder that we all have the ability to make a difference, even with seemingly small actions. And perhaps a comment on being a gracious guest. As well as an opening for a discussion on the effects of climate change on animals and people. Overall, funny characters and detailed illustrations made this a joy to read.
November 9, 2022
There's a micro-trend in childrens literature right now that is inspired by the true story of wombats allowing other animals to come in their burrows during the wildfires in Australia. (See Kadarusman's Room for More and Thomson's Wombat Underground).
This one stands apart because of Lies' art. It is crisp and real and has a cozy feel to it. The part I wasn't enamored by is Deedy's text. There is a repetitive, rhyming phrase that the wombat says, but the rest of the text is not rhyming and feels like it isn't cohesive. The ways the animals talk is specific to each, but seems random - I don't know if there was an inspiration for making the platypus talk in a repetitive, nonsense way, for example.
Read for the art. For the story, I'd recommend Room for More instead.
This one stands apart because of Lies' art. It is crisp and real and has a cozy feel to it. The part I wasn't enamored by is Deedy's text. There is a repetitive, rhyming phrase that the wombat says, but the rest of the text is not rhyming and feels like it isn't cohesive. The ways the animals talk is specific to each, but seems random - I don't know if there was an inspiration for making the platypus talk in a repetitive, nonsense way, for example.
Read for the art. For the story, I'd recommend Room for More instead.
September 9, 2023
I loved this story! The repetitive text engages young readers to join in the reading. It makes sense that Wombat was not sugary welcoming. Wombats don't gather with lots of animals, yet allowing others to share his space show kids that he saw a need and tried to help, even when it wasn't comfortable for him. The other animals' behaviors give an opportunity to talk with young children about showing respect and gratitude.
My 5-year-old grandson loved it from the first read. He connected it to The Mitten and had a lot to say about the animals not being good guests. Seeing all the Australian animals made him want to look up information about each one.
I highly recommend it!
My 5-year-old grandson loved it from the first read. He connected it to The Mitten and had a lot to say about the animals not being good guests. Seeing all the Australian animals made him want to look up information about each one.
I highly recommend it!
February 1, 2023
Love the illustrations so much! I admired Wombat's generosity in helping his friends, even though they were very poor guests and rather trampled his hospitality. I was hoping there would be some sort of effort to properly thank Wombat at the end for his help--but maybe that's the intended message: that sometimes we do the right thing even without a reward. A great rhythm to the text, and the sugar glider character is adorable.
November 17, 2022
As an Australian Bush fire scorches the wilderness, Wombat is cozy, safe and secure in his underground burrow. But when he hears a knock at his door he invites several refugees from the fire in one by one. A Wallaby, Kookaburra, Platypus, Koala, and Sugar Glider. What was once a cozy spot for Wombat becomes a crowded safe haven. How long will Wombat have to cope with his unexpected guest?
August 30, 2023
When my online friend and #PBChat mentor Brian Lies told me he'd been commissioned to illustrate a story about a wombat welcoming other bush creatures into his home, I was a little surprised. I had never heard of American books about wombats. I was used to Jackie French's famous 'Diary of a Wombat', Diary of a Wombat (Ala Notable Children's Books. Younger Readers which is based on her own experience of both rescuing and living with wombats on her bush property. Like most Australians, I associate wombats and other Australian animals with exclusively Australian literature. But when I googled stories about wombats, I discovered that there are two other wombat books that are published overseas, and they are also about animals sharing the wombat's burrow.
'Wombat Underground'Wombat Underground: A Wildfire Survival Story is also written by an American, and 'Room for More' https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6... is by an Australian who spends half her time in Canada. 'Wombat Underground' is the most authentic story, insofar as it describes quite realistically what happens in a bushfire: wombats don't habitually welcome other animals into their burrows, but sometimes they have little choice. This article implies that it's likely that there is always room in a wombat burrow for other creatures, as the burrows extend in all directions and have many entrances: https://theconversation.com/tales-of-... 'Room for More' is more of an allegory about how generous we should be to others who are less fortunate.
I wasn't sure what angle Carmen Agra Deedy was going to take, given there are two other approaches already on the market. She says the story was inspired by her own experience as a refugee, so I expected a similar allegory about generosity being rewarded by gratitude - but in fact, this is a far darker, and perhaps more realistic tale in terms of human behaviour. Wombat, understandably, isn't too sure about letting all and sundry into his house. He's a character a little like Badger in Wind in the Willows, who's very fond of his own company and his little routines. But he uses his rhyming mantra "Come in! Come in! From smoke and din and howling wind, come in, my friend, come in!" every time a new creature arrives, as if trying to convince himself that this is a necessary inconvenience. However, the creatures are far from grateful for his generosity. They take over the house like selfish teenagers, expecting Wombat to wait on them. Surely this isn't the way Carmen and her family would have behaved?
Nevertheless, it teaches the reader a lesson: sometimes your generosity goes disregarded, but there are times when it's genuinely needed. Wombat grimly tolerates the situation until it's finally safe to go outside, and then he is perfectly justified in rounding on his guests and sending them out to find their homes. None of them thank him except the one creature who is perhaps the only genuine refugee: Sugar Glider has no home to go to. And maybe this is Agra Deedy's real message: there are plenty of people who will rudely take advantage of a temporary situation, but when they are permanently exiled from their own homes, they are truly humbled. Wombat, for all his cantankerousness, acknowledges Sugar Glider's tragic situation, and welcomes him into his home again.
So this book is not so much about Australian animals as it is about right and wrong ways for humans to behave. This makes it a great book for starting discussions. On the other hand, Brian Lies' animal illustrations are highly realistic, apart from the fact that Wombat wears clothes and lives in a cosy house full of familiar-looking furniture. There are many tongue-in-cheek references to Australia, such as the souvenir mugs, the Anzac biscuits, the Harbour Bridge decoration on the arms of his armchair and the inevitable hat with corks on it. Thus there are plenty of other discussion points that could be raised about the general behaviour and eating habits of Australian animals (eg, koalas consume nothing but eucalyptus leaves), as well as interesting facts about Australia in general.
Younger children might be confused by the rudeness of the rescued animals, but they will be entranced by the pictures. Lies delights in unusual angles, such as the view of Kookaburra between Wombat's legs, and an aerial shot of Wombat offering his handkerchiefs to Platypus. Wombat's repeated verse could be acted out by the reader with mounting levels of impatience and frustration, until the final page when he says 'Come in' with genuine warmth and kindness. Lies masterfully portrays a well-meaning but plainly solitude-loving animal, who has learnt in the final scene to accept the necessity of sharing his home with the one animal who has nowhere to go.
'Wombat Underground'Wombat Underground: A Wildfire Survival Story is also written by an American, and 'Room for More' https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6... is by an Australian who spends half her time in Canada. 'Wombat Underground' is the most authentic story, insofar as it describes quite realistically what happens in a bushfire: wombats don't habitually welcome other animals into their burrows, but sometimes they have little choice. This article implies that it's likely that there is always room in a wombat burrow for other creatures, as the burrows extend in all directions and have many entrances: https://theconversation.com/tales-of-... 'Room for More' is more of an allegory about how generous we should be to others who are less fortunate.
I wasn't sure what angle Carmen Agra Deedy was going to take, given there are two other approaches already on the market. She says the story was inspired by her own experience as a refugee, so I expected a similar allegory about generosity being rewarded by gratitude - but in fact, this is a far darker, and perhaps more realistic tale in terms of human behaviour. Wombat, understandably, isn't too sure about letting all and sundry into his house. He's a character a little like Badger in Wind in the Willows, who's very fond of his own company and his little routines. But he uses his rhyming mantra "Come in! Come in! From smoke and din and howling wind, come in, my friend, come in!" every time a new creature arrives, as if trying to convince himself that this is a necessary inconvenience. However, the creatures are far from grateful for his generosity. They take over the house like selfish teenagers, expecting Wombat to wait on them. Surely this isn't the way Carmen and her family would have behaved?
Nevertheless, it teaches the reader a lesson: sometimes your generosity goes disregarded, but there are times when it's genuinely needed. Wombat grimly tolerates the situation until it's finally safe to go outside, and then he is perfectly justified in rounding on his guests and sending them out to find their homes. None of them thank him except the one creature who is perhaps the only genuine refugee: Sugar Glider has no home to go to. And maybe this is Agra Deedy's real message: there are plenty of people who will rudely take advantage of a temporary situation, but when they are permanently exiled from their own homes, they are truly humbled. Wombat, for all his cantankerousness, acknowledges Sugar Glider's tragic situation, and welcomes him into his home again.
So this book is not so much about Australian animals as it is about right and wrong ways for humans to behave. This makes it a great book for starting discussions. On the other hand, Brian Lies' animal illustrations are highly realistic, apart from the fact that Wombat wears clothes and lives in a cosy house full of familiar-looking furniture. There are many tongue-in-cheek references to Australia, such as the souvenir mugs, the Anzac biscuits, the Harbour Bridge decoration on the arms of his armchair and the inevitable hat with corks on it. Thus there are plenty of other discussion points that could be raised about the general behaviour and eating habits of Australian animals (eg, koalas consume nothing but eucalyptus leaves), as well as interesting facts about Australia in general.
Younger children might be confused by the rudeness of the rescued animals, but they will be entranced by the pictures. Lies delights in unusual angles, such as the view of Kookaburra between Wombat's legs, and an aerial shot of Wombat offering his handkerchiefs to Platypus. Wombat's repeated verse could be acted out by the reader with mounting levels of impatience and frustration, until the final page when he says 'Come in' with genuine warmth and kindness. Lies masterfully portrays a well-meaning but plainly solitude-loving animal, who has learnt in the final scene to accept the necessity of sharing his home with the one animal who has nowhere to go.
March 19, 2023
Love the rhythm and repeated rhyme and the animals from down under in Australia. This book was lots of fun.
December 10, 2023
From the first moment I encountered the title "Wombat Said Come In," my curiosity was piqued. Carmen Agra Deedy, a New York Times best-selling author, and Brian Lies, a celebrated illustrator and Caldecott Honoree, have woven a delightful tale that captivates and educates in equal measure.
Set in the charming backdrop of the Australian outback, this book brings to life a host of endearing animals, each brimming with unique traits and quirks. Deedy's mastery shines as she imbues these characters with distinct speech patterns and animated movements, making each one memorably diverse. But it's the kind-hearted Wombat who steals the show. His boundless empathy and hospitality are portrayed so vividly that they leap off the page, offering young readers a compelling example of kindness in action.
The story revolves around Wombat's open-heartedness, inviting friends into his home, echoing a warm welcome that children will love to mimic. It's a narrative that not only entertains but also imparts a valuable lesson on empathy. The moment when Wombat's generosity is tested to its limits is particularly moving, teaching children about the depth of true hospitality.
Brian Lies' illustrations are a visual treat, further bringing to life the story's warmth and humor. The book culminates in a touching resolution, highlighting the beauty of selflessness, as Wombat extends a helping hand to a friend in need.
"Wombat Said Come In" is more than just a children's book; it's a journey into understanding and compassion. It's a celebration of the small acts of kindness that make the world a better place. Perfect for parents and educators seeking to impart lessons of empathy and generosity, this book is a treasure that deserves a place on every child's bookshelf.
Set in the charming backdrop of the Australian outback, this book brings to life a host of endearing animals, each brimming with unique traits and quirks. Deedy's mastery shines as she imbues these characters with distinct speech patterns and animated movements, making each one memorably diverse. But it's the kind-hearted Wombat who steals the show. His boundless empathy and hospitality are portrayed so vividly that they leap off the page, offering young readers a compelling example of kindness in action.
The story revolves around Wombat's open-heartedness, inviting friends into his home, echoing a warm welcome that children will love to mimic. It's a narrative that not only entertains but also imparts a valuable lesson on empathy. The moment when Wombat's generosity is tested to its limits is particularly moving, teaching children about the depth of true hospitality.
Brian Lies' illustrations are a visual treat, further bringing to life the story's warmth and humor. The book culminates in a touching resolution, highlighting the beauty of selflessness, as Wombat extends a helping hand to a friend in need.
"Wombat Said Come In" is more than just a children's book; it's a journey into understanding and compassion. It's a celebration of the small acts of kindness that make the world a better place. Perfect for parents and educators seeking to impart lessons of empathy and generosity, this book is a treasure that deserves a place on every child's bookshelf.
January 5, 2026
Wombat Said Come In has quickly become one of my most cherished children’s books. I first stumbled upon it while babysitting and it was one of the first books I added to my daughter’s library! The book unexpectedly reveals a surprising aspect of Christian hospitality. Hospitality not being about comfort or convenience, but rather a practiced discipline. Although not explicitly Christian, Wombat’s repeated decision to welcome others, even at his personal expense, embodies Christ-like love. The story playfully reminds us that hospitality is cultivated through faithfulness, patience, and perseverance, transforming our hearts as we continue to extend the invitation of “come in” as it requires us to give of ourselves for the sake of another. This book serves as a clever and warm reminder that hospitality not only benefits the recipient but also shapes us as individuals, molding our affections and our conduct to resemble Christs.
March 13, 2023
A repetitive story that leans heavily on the challenges of welcoming refugees. Wombat begins accepting other animals into his house with plenty of good will. But as more animals come in, and get increasingly disruptive, Wombat's good humor gets a little worn. Finally, when the imminent disaster is over, Wombat's patience finally runs out and he yells at his friends to go home. Sugar Glider, however, has no home to go back to. Wombat takes pity on the poor small creature and allows them to stay.
Really emphasizes the beleaguered, welcoming Wombat. And to be honest, being consistently welcoming is hard. But I couldn't help wishing that Wombat had offered a little more grace (or had a little more help), and that the empathy had been a little more evenly spread between the burdens on Wombat and the fear of those fleeing the fire.
Really emphasizes the beleaguered, welcoming Wombat. And to be honest, being consistently welcoming is hard. But I couldn't help wishing that Wombat had offered a little more grace (or had a little more help), and that the empathy had been a little more evenly spread between the burdens on Wombat and the fear of those fleeing the fire.
January 27, 2023
Wombat welcomes his above ground friends (5 other uniquely Australian animals) when they seek refuge from an Australian bush fire. His friends are not as grateful as they could be, and take advantage of Wombat's generosity. But the long-suffering and hospitable Wombat endures, until at last the danger is over and instead of "Come in!", Wombat says "GO HOME!"
Told with humor and combined with Brian Lies' wonderful illustrations, this tale of kindness would make a great read-aloud.
Tie-in with discussions about refugees; 1st grade social studies unit on continents; SEL concepts of kindness and empathy.
Told with humor and combined with Brian Lies' wonderful illustrations, this tale of kindness would make a great read-aloud.
Tie-in with discussions about refugees; 1st grade social studies unit on continents; SEL concepts of kindness and empathy.
January 15, 2023
Safe below ground during a bush fire, Wombat was not worried. “Best to shelter under my crazy quilt until the trouble passes.” But soon friends come a-knocking to escape the fire. Wombat welcomes them in. He even gives Wallaby his crazy quilt. But as more and more friends seek shelter, Wombat starts to feel the strain of a crowded burrow. When the fire finally passes, Wombat asks him friends to go home. “It’s safe for you to rove and roam, and time for me to be alone.” But when Sugar Glider confesses that he has no home left, Wombat opens his heart and home again.
February 12, 2023
Wombat Said Come In by Carmen Agra Deedy
Friendship, hospitality, setting limits, and surviving disasters, plus incredible, detailed illustrations. This book is irresistible! I brought a library copy to a small family gathering, and my niece read it aloud to her baby. Everyone stopped to listen and enjoy her dramatic performance. (Not all books make it that easy on the first run-through). We especially enjoyed the sugar glider. I promised to buy a copy so all the babies can grow up with it, and I have just done so, as the library wants their copy back. ;-)
Friendship, hospitality, setting limits, and surviving disasters, plus incredible, detailed illustrations. This book is irresistible! I brought a library copy to a small family gathering, and my niece read it aloud to her baby. Everyone stopped to listen and enjoy her dramatic performance. (Not all books make it that easy on the first run-through). We especially enjoyed the sugar glider. I promised to buy a copy so all the babies can grow up with it, and I have just done so, as the library wants their copy back. ;-)
August 10, 2022
Poor wombat needs to work on boundaries. This book is listed as social themes and friendship, but it's a poor example of friendship. All the animals are taking advantage of one friend. (I've had friendships like this, but would not suggest it to kids...) And though they're hiding from the wildfires, it's not clear enough for me to count it as environmental awareness...
Thank you to edelweiss and the publisher for the e-arc in deciding if this suits our collection.
Thank you to edelweiss and the publisher for the e-arc in deciding if this suits our collection.
December 2, 2022
Written by a refugee in honor of the church that helped her, and gorgeously illustrated with lots of wonderfully clear & bright details. I love the slippers, and I'd love to know what the tea mug says (Adelaide f_ce?). Beautiful story that shows what we can do to help, without completely sacrificing our own comforts. Also, wombat & sugar glider & platypus, oh my! More Australian critters, too... each with their own personalities.
Bravo, and I'll look for more by each of the creators.
Bravo, and I'll look for more by each of the creators.
December 12, 2022
This book is perfect for kids who want to learn more about helping others during extreme situations. With a focus on Australian bushfires the book shows how scared the characters are and how one kind wombat offers his home as a safe place to stay during the scary fire.
Perfect for anyone who has handled natural disasters before and also a great way to learn about doing your part in helping your community stay safe.
Perfect for anyone who has handled natural disasters before and also a great way to learn about doing your part in helping your community stay safe.
April 16, 2025
It’s not easy to share your home especially when you’re a solitary creature and appreciate the peace and quiet. But a wildfire is raging outside and Wombat’s borrow is safely below ground so when friends and neighbors beg for shelter, Wombat invites them in. Pandemonium ensues as his guests make themselves too much at home. Surely the fire won’t last too long and Wombat can have his home to himself again.
January 12, 2023
"From smoke and din
and howling wind,
come in, my friend, come in!"
Set during the Australian bushfires, five animal friends - Wallaby, Kookaburra, Platypus, Koala, and Sugar Glider - seek shelter at Wombat's underground home. An engaging story of generosity and empathy while gently touching on threats to animal habitats and helping others in need. An inspiring picture book for all ages!
and howling wind,
come in, my friend, come in!"
Set during the Australian bushfires, five animal friends - Wallaby, Kookaburra, Platypus, Koala, and Sugar Glider - seek shelter at Wombat's underground home. An engaging story of generosity and empathy while gently touching on threats to animal habitats and helping others in need. An inspiring picture book for all ages!
February 11, 2023
It's a lovely sentiment and a sweet book, between the simple-yet-thoughtful writing by Carmen Agra Deedy and the gorgeous illustrations by Brian Lies.
All of us must care for others sometimes; humanity requires it, and sometimes circumstances do too.
But what is Wombat teaching with his "Come In"?
The ending disappointed me. To me, that ending was a spoiler.
All of us must care for others sometimes; humanity requires it, and sometimes circumstances do too.
But what is Wombat teaching with his "Come In"?
The ending disappointed me. To me, that ending was a spoiler.
February 17, 2023
Cute illustrations in this story set during Australia's wildfires. I thought the message of wombat helping others in his community who needed safe shelter was a good one, but my daughter though the other animals were really rude to invade on Wombat's space and take his favorite things. A cute read, but perhaps Wombat needs to learn to set some boundaries with his disrespectful "friends".
February 24, 2023
A tale of a hopeless wombat who can't say no. I felt anxiety reading this book, sorrow for the wombat, and wanted to enjoy the book more. Lovely illustrations, the book just need less text and more magic.
Themes: wombats, manners, kindness
Ages: family storytime; 1st-4th grade due to lengthy text
Pub year: 2022
Themes: wombats, manners, kindness
Ages: family storytime; 1st-4th grade due to lengthy text
Pub year: 2022
July 17, 2023
Wombat Said Come In is a beautifully written and beautifully illustrated book about friendship, compassion, and giving even when you don't really feel like it. When a forest fire endangers Wombat's above ground friends and they come knocking at his door, he graciously lets each into his burrow despite the inconveniences. A wonderful book for helping kids to learn selfless giving and empathy.
September 10, 2023
I read the repetitive text to the tune of "The Farmer in the Dell." I loved this story, but it was a bit scary because his friends all came over because the land above his burrow was burning. A bit reminiscent of Karma Wilson's "Bear" and Ryan T. Higgins' "Bruce" books, I really liked the snuggly reluctance of the togetherness.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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