The Snow Wombat
Written by: Susannah Chambers
Illustrated by: Mark Jackson
Published by: Allen & Unwin (October 1, 2016)
Ages: 3 – 6 years
Theme: snow, adventure
Opening Lines: Snow on the stockman’s hut. Snow on the crows. Snow on the woolybutt. Snow on my… NOSE!
Synopsis: It’s a big journey through the snow for a little wombat, meeting animals, birds and people along the way… but there’s no place like home. A heart-warming story set in the Australian High Country.
Why I like this: The wombat journeys through the snowy Australian alpine with beautiful double page illustrations detailed enough for a good discussion. The text is in a large font, and lends itself to being read aloud. It leads to predicting the scenario on the following page. Repetition is used to reinforce the concept of snow everywhere, especially on the “Woolybuts” and “My Tum”. Snow on the horses and the possums’ tails, indicates nothing escapes snowflakes when outside. Each page has about seven or eight words, just enough to tell a little of the story, and the rest is visually told. There are some feature pages with one huge word, to emphasize a point, or for humorous impact. The end pages show a trail that leads the Wombat from the trees, past the crows and the Stockman’s hut, past the sheep paddock, over the riverbank and finally to its burrow. During the reading, one can go back to the end pages and see the progress made by the wombat on his way home. This cute book was also shortlisted for the Australian Children’s Book Award. This would also make a great gift for young people overseas, who may not associate Australia with Alpine regions.
Resources/Findings: Story read aloud… https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KY7YMbDCYaE
Facts about Wombats… https://www.livescience.com/52640-wombats.html
Interesting facts about wildlife in Australia… https://www.activewild.com/australian-animals-list/
I’m always happy reviewing Picture Books that come my way and share them with you. If you would like to see more please pop over to Susanna Leonard Hills Blog where there are hundreds of books reviewed by other like-minded authors and writers. Thank you for popping in and I hope you return again soon
Writer and Dreamer at work 
I am SO curious about the Australian Alpine and grateful that you posted this for PPBF!
I don’t think I’ve ever come across a picture book about a wombat. I had no idea this animal is so cute! I’ll be sure to add The Snow Wombat to my library list. Thank you!
Years ago (like 1988), I took the train from Sydney to Melbourne. And I can’t remember any side trip to the alpine region. Now I’m feeling like I missed out, considering I spent two months in Australia. But I had so much territory to cover. I love the looks of this sweet book. And “woolybutts” made me laugh. Will have to see if I can find it. Thanks for the rec, Diane! I’ve suggested it to the San Francisco Public Library.
I love stories about wildlife I’m less familiar with — and the wombat is one such creature. His story sounds like a journey through the Australian Alpines, which I know nothing about. The illustrations are wonderful! Kids who love animals will have fun with some of the humorous wordplay. Nice choice!
I was just thinking about how many people might not associate snow with Australia and how wondereful this book would be. Looking forward to checking out this cute little Wombat. Thanks.
I love wombats! This book will be a hit with the kids!
Sooo cute!