Diary of a Baby Wombat

The sequel to one of my ALL-Time favorite picture-books - Jackie French and Bruce Whatley's brilliantly hilarious Diary of a Wombat, which never fails to reduce me to helpless giggling as I gaze at its droll illustrations, and ponder its dead-pan narrative - is out, and I've FINALLY got my eager little mitts on a copy! Huzzah!

Although not the equal of its predecessor, in terms of sheer entertainment value, (although really, what could be?), Diary of a BABY Wombat is no coattail-riding sequel either. The story of the original wombat's baby, who narrates her (his?) own tale in this second diary, it is a humorous blend of sleeping (lots of it), playing (with a surprising new friend - or two), and helping Mama find a new hole that's big show more enough for the both of them.

Unlike the first, which relies on the contrast of wombat and human points of view, when it comes to the same events, much of the humor here is supplied by the contrast between Mama Wombat's weary tolerance, and Baby Wombat's eager enthusiasm. Mama's expressions, as Baby steps and rolls all over her, during their sleeping time, are simply priceless! I also really liked the tiny snail which appears, in many of the scenes where Baby Wombat and Baby Human are at play!

In short: adorable and amusing! Order your copy today! show less

Should be called Diary of a Baby and a Baby Wombat. The interaction with the human baby was key. But I think it was awkward - after all, wombats are wild animals, not quite like tame doggies. I mean, French knows better than I do, but seriously?

This book was recommended to me by a friend, and it's adorable. It's the story of a baby wombat and his (/her?) mother in search of a home, which they happily find in the end. I really enjoy stories about animals acting like people, and it seems to be something that children would enjoy immensly as well.

I may be biased because I'm lucky enough that I got to hold a baby wombat a couple of months ago, but I still really like these books. I do think that the human mum (or dad) offscreen, so to speak, must be questioning why their baby always smells of wombats though!

I was so excited to find a proof copy of Diary of a Baby Wombat available at the ALA convention this weekend that I stopped in the middle of the exhibit hall and read it while blocking traffic. Bruce Whatley's illustrations make the book this time, inducing yet more "aww"-ing and amusement. Jackie French put more text into this, compared to the original Diary of a Wombat, so it feels a bit more busy. The style of writing remains the same, however. "Monday: Slept. Ate. Slept." etc. If you enjoyed the first book, definitely get this one, as well!

Baby Wombat narrates its daily life much as its mama did in the previous book - though the mama is now tired, crowded, and pounced-upon. The baby wombat finds a playmate in the child of the family the wombats live near.

This book would be a great way for teachers to introduce this genre to K-2 students!