Wombatman and the Veggie Patch Vandals

Wombatman and the Veggie Patch Vandals by Mike Ferguson, illustrated by Steph Ryan (Little Steps Publishing)

PB RRP $14.95

ISBN – 9781921928628

Reviewed by Emma Cameron

Herbert Wilfred Arnold Tinkleton and his wife Rhonda, who he calls Wonda, live on the grounds of Noseville Public School. Herbert considers it his job to keep the grounds tidy because “This is the North Shore of Sydney … and we do have certain standards.”  He is therefore horrified to discover that not only is someone stealing from the school vegie patch, but that he is considered a suspect.

In a ‘meanwhile back at the ranch’ style often used on t.v shows, this tale jumps from scene to scene telling readers what each player is discovering as they learn it. Principal Wingebottom orders Mr Wagstaff the janitor to get rid of Herbert and Rhonda. Rhonda keeps an eye on the local paper to learn that someone is selling fresh vegies twice a week at the market. And Herbert spies the true culprits in the act. But Wingebottom is determined he must go.

The school’s Enviro Kids are also on the case. They place a tomato on a stump and watch Herbert reject it, which they believe proves he is innocent. Later, when finding a capital ‘K’ drawn in a circle on the ground beside an advertisement for fresh vegetables from the paper, the Enviro Kids take action. Camera in hand they spy on the thieves. It’s school canteen lady, Mrs Kranski, and hubby.

At the same time, Herbert (AKA Wombatman), sporting cloak and goggles, accidently steps on a skateboard which sends him streaming down hill, barreling into the thieves and setting off the school alarm system. The police haul the culprits off. At assembly the next day Wingebottom awards the Enviro Kids, acknowledging Herbert’s help. Pleased that his contribution was valued, Herbert heads home for “Rhonda’s roots shoots and onion surprise”.

Told in sixteen short chapters of large font, the book also includes at least one colour illustration on every double page spread. This helps break up the text so that most of the time the book does not appear at all overwhelming for early readers.

Little Mates: Worrying Will; Xylophone Xavier

Little Mates: Worrying Will by Susannah McFarlane, illustrated by Lachlan Creagh (Scholastic Australia)
PB RRP $4.99
ISBN 978-1-74283-740-6
Reviewed by Jenny Heslop

Little Mates: Xylophone Xavier by Susannah McFarlane, illustrated by Lachlan Creagh (Scholastic Australia)
PB RRP $4.99
ISBN 978-1-74283-741-3
Reviewed by Jenny Heslop

Little Mates, the fun alliterative Australian series, is getting close to the end of the alphabet. The two newest books feature Will, a worry wombat and Xavier, a swordfish who loves to explore.

In Worrying Will, this worrisome wombat worries about everything from water consumption, to wonky wheelbarrows, to what to wear. And when he worries, he wobbles and gets lots of wrinkles. And there is nothing more adorable than Creagh’s illustrations of a wombat with wrinkles. Unless it’s his illustration of Whitney working on Will’s wrinkles ... with a rolling pin. Once again, it’s friendship to the rescue as Will’s friends rally around to help him work through all his worries.



I was looking forward to seeing how the trickier letters at the end of the alphabet would be treated and Xylophone Xavier did not disappoint.

Xavier is a swordfish (xiphius gladius) who loves to explore and collect xylophones of all sizes, from XS to XXL. Join Xavier and his friends in this tongue twisting adventure – their most excellent and exciting one yet.


Little Mates are fun with clever wording and distinctively colourful and busy illustrations. This is a great series for young children, full of Australian animals with boundless curiosities and large personalities in a tiny book format.

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.