With a thick layer of snow on the ground and still falling from above, we follow wombat from the stockman’s hut, past sheep and a snow-covered road, along the river, past skiers, trees, and children building a snowman. There are also horses and possums. Eventually the wombat reaches its home, a deep and warm burrow.
Children will enjoy travelling along with wombat, and recognise various aspects of the rural scenery. They’ll also be able to follow the rhythm and repeat the words “snow on” as it recurs throughout the story. And probably predict some of the action as wombat finds snow on his nose, ears and tummy. In fact, there is snow everywhere. Except wombat’s burrow, of course.
Susannah Chambers’ story is perfectly accompanied by realistic illustrations by Mark Jackson. The pictures of sparse snow-covered mountains, dotted with gum trees have little details that make this distinctly Australian, things like the animal crossing signs by the side of the road.
I loved The Snow Wombat. It’s a perfect Australian winter story for young children.
Title: The Snow Wombat
Author: Susannah Chambers
Illustrator: Mark Jackson
Publisher: Allen & Unwin, $24.99 RRP
Publication Date: June 2016
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9781760113810
For ages: 3 - 6
Type: Picture Book
