Wombat, the Reluctant Hero

by Christian Trimmer, Rachel Gyan (Illustrator)

Overview

A heartwarming and playful adventure that will inspire young readers to be a good neighbor and friend, based on the brave actions of the Australian wombat.

Wombat liked her things just so. Everything had its place, and nothing was out of order.
She couldn’t say the same about her neighbors. But that was their business, and Wombat didn’t concern herself with others’ business.

When a very hot, dry summer causes dangerous fires in their neighborhood, a group of animals are desperate to find water and shelter. It will take the quiet heroism of a neighbor to provide resources and a cozy, cool, and safe burrow—a reluctant wombat who demonstrates the inspiring power of community.

Wombat, the Reluctant Hero is inspired by the heroic and very real actions of the wombat, an animal that has helped other creatures survive droughts and wildfires in its native Australia. Author Christian Trimmer and illustrator Rachel Gyan celebrate this amazing mammal, who definitely has a thing or two to teach us about being a good neighbor.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781250788573
Publisher:	Roaring Brook Press
Publication date:	03/21/2023
Pages:	40
Sales rank:	1,035,517
Product dimensions:	9.00(w) x 11.10(h) x 0.50(d)
Lexile:	AD780L (what's this?)
Age Range:	3 - 6 Years

About the Author

Christian Trimmer is a children's book writer and editor. He is the author of Simon's New Bed, Teddy's Favorite Toy, Snow Pony and the Seven Miniature Ponies, and What Are You?. He lives with his husband in Hillsdale, New York.

Rachel Gyan is a multidisciplinary illustrator based in the Western suburbs of Melbourne, Australia. She is passionate about artful storytelling and known for her Australian fauna and flora illustrations filled with heart-warming characters and whimsical narrative brought to life through texture and vibrant color palettes. Growing up in rural Victoria, Rachel's love for Australian wildlife and animal welfare was apparent from childhood. From the time she could hold a pencil she has been studying and drawing inspiration from animals and their environment to capture their beautiful and sometimes quirky nature in her work.

Editorial Reviews

"A sweet story about friendship and cooperation—and reminding readers that true heroes assist others whenever they’re needed and without having to be asked." - Kirkus

From the Publisher

2022-12-14
What makes a hero?

Wombat is clean, tidy, and orderly. Not so her “disheveled,” “bedraggled” neighbors, Wallaby, Wallaroo, and Kangaroo, who, like Wombat, are native to Australia. She observes that this summer is especially hot and dry, and levels in the water hole are low. Taking matters into her own paws, Wombat dons special gear and uses her powerful claws to dig deep underground until she strikes water, thus replenishing the hole’s supply and earning her pals’ relieved gratitude. Next evening it’s hotter; more animals surround the water hole, which is depleted once more. Wombat digs furiously and locates water again; everyone cheers. A greater threat looms the following afternoon when Koala alerts Wombat to a raging bush fire. This time she demonstrates heroism by inviting all her neighbors into her burrow, offering them safety and refuge when their homes are destroyed. When the fire subsides, they join forces and rebuild their community, bringing a satisfying conclusion to a sweet story about friendship and cooperation—and reminding readers that true heroes assist others whenever they’re needed and without having to be asked. An author’s note includes fascinating true facts about wombats that inspired this story. The lively, textured digital illustrations are colorful, their bright hues foreshadowing a hopeful outlook at story’s end. Wombat is portrayed as expressive and gruffly determined, her underground home, cozy and warm. (This book was reviewed digitally.)

Welcome evidence that heroes come in all sizes, colors, shapes, and species. (illustrator’s note) (Picture book. 4-7)

Kirkus Reviews