Review by Booklist Review
Australia inarguably has some unique animals, and, in this informative field guide that professes not to take itself too seriously, Cushman introduces one of the continent's more unusual creatures: the wombat. Short, breezy text describes the three species of wombat and how they are marsupials, as well as a wombat's typical habitat, nocturnal lifestyle, diet, baby life, and special physical features--such as a butt armored with a layer of cartilage--that help protect it from predators, burrow underground, eat, and care for its young. Adorable, cartoonish illustrations of all three kinds of wombat, a snake sidekick named Joey (just like a baby wombat), and speech-bubble dialogue lend a layer of humor and reinforce the concepts introduced by the text. A few visual sidebars add more details to such high-interest topics as why a wombat poops in cubes when no part of its digestive tract is square-shaped. Concluding back matter comprises photos and basic facts specific to each wombat species. Pair with Carmen Agra Deedy's Wombat Said Come In (2022) for more marsupial malarkey.
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Horn Book Review
Cushman combines clear, cartoonlike digital illustrations with a lucid and humorous narrative to introduce young readers to wombats. After outlining features of their genus of marsupials (e.g., the young are called joeys like all marsupials, but unlike others the mother's pouch faces backward), she introduces the three species: the Southern Hairy-Nosed, the Northern Hairy-Nosed, and the Bare-Nosed wombats. As a snake kibitzing throughout the pages states, these names are right "on the nose." The chatty text covers wombats' herbivorous diet, their cube-shaped poop, the fact that their teeth never stop growing, and their burrow homes. Conversational balloons add information with a touch of humor: "Guess what? I'm making BARK for dinner tonight." Appended with basic scientific facts, such as the size and weight of all three species; a glossary; and suggestions (primarily internet) for further inquiry. A visual game asking readers to identify additional Australian animals completes this entertaining and informative volume. (c) Copyright 2024. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Kirkus Book Review
An introduction to the Australian wombat, delivered with humor and occasional interruptions from a snake. The snake from Cushman's Animals Go Vroom! (2021) barges in to add to the fun of this collection of facts about wombats. A fairly straightforward exposition, offered in relatively simple sentences, is accompanied by humorous speech-bubble commentary by the wombat, other marsupials, and the snake. (The snake is the only animal not identified in the backmatter, where Cushman has included a variety of other Australian animals, inviting readers to find them in earlier spreads.) These googly-eyed anthropomorphic animals, drawn with pencil and digitally colored, are shown in fanciful day and nighttime scenes. Often there are cutaway views showing these nocturnal burrowers' underground activities. The narrative begins by defining marsupial and pointing out an important characteristic of wombats--they can be elusive. It also describes where they live; when they're active; the differences among species; their backward-facing pouches and tiny, nearly helpless babies; diet; physical adaptations including ever growing teeth and an armored backside; burrows; and, most importantly, their poop. Sidebars provide a more detailed definition of a marsupial, a map, a description of a wombat baby's early life, and information on how their poop becomes cube shaped. This last explanation will probably be the highlight of most readers' experience--something they won't forget. (This book was reviewed digitally.) An engaging mix of facts and fancy. (facts about various wombat species, photos, glossary, further reading) (Informational picture book. 4-8) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
