Wombat Said Come In

Description

Wombat Said Come In

Carmen Agra Deedy and Brian Lies

(Welbeck Flame)

Fire had passed over Wombat’s burrow before. Therefore, he’s not worried, ‘not one bit‘. In fact, he considers the best option is ‘to shelter under [his] crazy quilt until the problem passes’. However, it seems that trouble has a way of coming knocking.

In fact, at first, it’s Wallaby. It seems Wallaby cannot reach his home. Therefore, Wombat’s welcome is warm. ‘Come in!/ Come in!/ From smoke and din/ and howling wind,/ come in, my friend, come in!’  It’s not long until Wallaby’s safe beneath his ‘crazy quilt’ leaving Wombat’s ‘favourite chair’ for him, instead. Then again, what about Kookaburra? It seems he’s after ‘a room’ as the fire’s ‘on the march‘. What’s more, once welcomed indoors, Kookaburra settles into Wombat’s chair and asks for tea.

However, Platypus interrupts Wombat’s ministrations. He shares a handkerchief to clear away the soot and smoke, while Platypus takes off with his slippers. Then again, what of Koala and Sugar Glider? Furthermore, what about Wombat’s own hopes of tea and space? Will he have his home returned? His comforts?

Carmen Agra Deedy’s story, ripe with repetition, prediction opportunity, empathy and meaning, is beautiful. Then again, award winning illustrator Brian Lies crafts pictures of such meaning, movement and warmth. They are depth and style reminds me of the work of P.J. Lynch, whom we know from The Haunted Lake. Bookwagon loves and recommends this beautiful picture book of welcome, friendship and understanding. We consider it a perfect story to read aloud, know well, share and treasure.