Saturday 22 October 2011

Wombat Went A’Walking

Wombat Went A’Walking illustrated by Lachlan Creagh (Lothian/Hachette) 
PB RRP $14.99
ISBN 9780734412645
Reviewed by Hilary Smillie

Wombat Went A’Walking is an in-house picture book which can be read or sung to the tune of “Frog Went A’Courting”. The lyric and musical score is printed on the back page. Wombat is invited by Turtle to dance with him to a party in the bush, and on the way they invite other Australian animals and birds to join them.

I like the way the simple storyline demonstrates the benefits of inclusivity – that by joining in, everyone can have lots of fun. Toddlers will enjoy identifying the bush creatures, depicted in a lively and amusing way by this Brisbane freelance illustrator/animator. The bright double spreads boost the effect of dancing and movement and undoubtedly enhances the reading experience. Swirls of text include coloured action-words to further emphasise the dancing concept.

Wombat Went A’Walking is a great souvenir idea for tourists as well as a delightful book for pre-schoolers.

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