wombat underground: A Wildlife Survival Story. Written by Sarah L. Thomson and illustrated by Charles Santoso. Little, Brown and Company, Hachette. 2022. $23.99 ages 4 and up

 

"Skink darts 
from her shady spot. 

Echidna runs 
through blazing grass. 

Wallaby bounds
over scorching coals. 

Hot wind blows through Wombat's whiskers.
He blinks and stirs and wakes."

I was lucky enough to be invited to read to the kids at Goulter School in Virden this morning. It was our second annual ZOOM visit in celebration of I Love to Read month. I wanted to share this book with them. I like learning new things, which reading allows. 

I remember seeing online videos when the wildfires were plaguing Australia in 2019-2020. They showed how wombats were able to provide refuge for animals fleeing the terror. This striking tale shows young readers what might have happened. Ms. Thomson initially introduces them to four animals: wombat, wallaby, echidna, and skink. Each animal is busy doing what they normally do. A lot of sunshine and a lack of moisture changes the look of their habitat. It is parched and susceptible to fire. Lightning from a passing storm starts a fire that will threaten those animals living above ground. 

Wombat is safe in the dirt underground where he has carved himself a cave. Alone and asleep, he doesn't know what is happening until he is awakened by the winds. Grumbling, he moves up the tunnel toward its entrance. He is unwilling to offer refuge to the animals waiting there. 

"Claws that dig can scratch. 
Teeth that bare can bite.
No stranger will enter
into the cave 
he carved to be his own."

The terrified animals move toward him, and Wombat backs down the tnnnel. Luckily, it's big enough to house and protect all of them. 

Vivid rhythmic language and realistic digital artwork give readers a real sense for the danger inherent in the Australian bushfires. An author's note speaks to Australia's fire season and the horror of the heat in 2019 when temperatures reached 120 degrees Fahrenheit. She also discusses the plight of the animals caught in thos fires and adds a short description of the ones included here. A list of resources concerning wildfires and Australian animals is included for those wanting to know more.