Wombat Underground

By Sarah L. Thomson, Charles Santoso (Illustrator)

As wildfires rage, a wombat's burrow becomes a refuge for desperate animals.

4.1/5 Goodreads · 246 ratings

32 pages

$18.99Save 5%

In stock. Also at Amazon or Bookshop.

Bookroo's summary

In the midst of devastating wildfires, a solitary wombat digs a burrow beneath the scorched Australian landscape. As flames threaten, Wallaby, Skink, and Echidna seek refuge. Will Wombat open his home to those in need? Experience the heartwarming tale of survival and unexpected heroism, where the smallest creatures make the biggest difference. Discover how a simple act of kindness can transform a time of peril into a beacon of hope.

From the publisher

Inspired by viral online stories during the 2019-2020 wildfires in Australia featuring wombats ‘saving’ other animals taking shelter in their burrows, here is a lyrical story about strangers in need of refuge. Up on the hill, Wallaby licks a puddle’s last drop. Skink slips into the shade. Echidna hides in grass as dry as tinder. Under the hill, Wombat carves out a cave that’s all his own. Then–KABOOM!–lightning strikes. Written in simple and concise language perfect for a read aloud, award-winning author Sarah L. Thomson invites readers to see through the eyes of a wombat as a fire rages through Australian outback. Nearly 3 billion animals were affected by the Australian wildfires of 2019-2020, and wombats played a crucial part in allowing their homes to transform as safe havens for other animals whose homes were destroyed in the fires. Paired with stunning and richly layered art by Charles Santoso, Wombat Underground teaches us that the time of greatest danger is also the time to open our door to those in the greatest need.

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