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Wombat, the Reluctant Hero
A heartwarming and playful adventure that will inspire young readers to be a good neighbor and friend, based on the brave actions of the Australian wombat.
Wombat liked her things just so. Everything had its place, and nothing was out of order.
She couldn’t say the same about her neighbors. But that was their business, and Wombat didn’t concern herself with others’ business.
When a very hot, dry summer causes dangerous fires in their neighborhood, a group of animals are desperate to find water and shelter. It will take the quiet heroism of a neighbor to provide resources and a cozy, cool, and safe burrow—a reluctant wombat who demonstrates the inspiring power of community.
Wombat, the Reluctant Hero is inspired by the heroic and very real actions of the wombat, an animal that has helped other creatures survive droughts and wildfires in its native Australia. Author Christian Trimmer and illustrator Rachel Gyan celebrate this amazing mammal, who definitely has a thing or two to teach us about being a good neighbor.
Wombat liked her things just so. Everything had its place, and nothing was out of order.
She couldn’t say the same about her neighbors. But that was their business, and Wombat didn’t concern herself with others’ business.
When a very hot, dry summer causes dangerous fires in their neighborhood, a group of animals are desperate to find water and shelter. It will take the quiet heroism of a neighbor to provide resources and a cozy, cool, and safe burrow—a reluctant wombat who demonstrates the inspiring power of community.
Wombat, the Reluctant Hero is inspired by the heroic and very real actions of the wombat, an animal that has helped other creatures survive droughts and wildfires in its native Australia. Author Christian Trimmer and illustrator Rachel Gyan celebrate this amazing mammal, who definitely has a thing or two to teach us about being a good neighbor.
44 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 21, 2023
36 people want to read
About the author
Christian Trimmer
8 books12 followersChristian Trimmer is a children’s book author and editor. He lives in Hillsdale, New York. If you’d like to learn more about him, his writing, and the books he edits, click on the website link above.
In February 2021, Christian started a new job at Paramount Global, where he’ll be overseeing the relaunch of MTV Books. Prior to that, he was editorial director of Henry Holt Books for Young Readers, an executive editor at Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, and a senior editor at Disney Hyperion Books. He is a board member of the Hudson Literacy Fund and a member of SCBWI.
He contributed posts to the Children's Book Council Diversity Blog, one about reading to build empathy called "Read More! End LGBTQ Bullying!" and another about being biracial entitled "What Are You?
In February 2021, Christian started a new job at Paramount Global, where he’ll be overseeing the relaunch of MTV Books. Prior to that, he was editorial director of Henry Holt Books for Young Readers, an executive editor at Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, and a senior editor at Disney Hyperion Books. He is a board member of the Hudson Literacy Fund and a member of SCBWI.
He contributed posts to the Children's Book Council Diversity Blog, one about reading to build empathy called "Read More! End LGBTQ Bullying!" and another about being biracial entitled "What Are You?
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
June 8, 2023
Not long into this story, I found myself reminded a great deal of another recent read: Wombat Said Come In. It's more than just the superficial similarity. Yes, obviously two stories about wombats. But the similarity in the personality of both wombats. Both are well-to-do when it comes to the quality of their home and resources. Both share a somewhat charitable sense toward their neighbors--albeit in a reluctant way. Even the story had some similarity if I recall correctly. There was a fire or some sort of hazard in both books which moved Wombat to inviting the neighbors to stay with them until the danger passed.
It's all very interesting. Is this a cultural thing? A shared perspective toward wombats felt by Australians?
That said, I didn't find it quite as charming for what was, essentially, the second time around. Although it's through no fault of the author Christian Trimmer or the illustrator Rachel Gyan. The artwork was lovely; in fact, I found it much more appealing than the artwork in Wombat Said Come In, and that was nothing to sneeze at either. The story itself interested me more because of the strange similarities I found between Wombat and my own mother... which if you know anything about me and my online persona, you'd find hilariously ironic.
In any case, this is a fine book but I'd say if you've already read Wombat Said Come In, maybe give it a bit of time before reading this one. And vice versa.
It's all very interesting. Is this a cultural thing? A shared perspective toward wombats felt by Australians?
That said, I didn't find it quite as charming for what was, essentially, the second time around. Although it's through no fault of the author Christian Trimmer or the illustrator Rachel Gyan. The artwork was lovely; in fact, I found it much more appealing than the artwork in Wombat Said Come In, and that was nothing to sneeze at either. The story itself interested me more because of the strange similarities I found between Wombat and my own mother... which if you know anything about me and my online persona, you'd find hilariously ironic.
In any case, this is a fine book but I'd say if you've already read Wombat Said Come In, maybe give it a bit of time before reading this one. And vice versa.
January 2, 2023
Wombat is a very independent marsupial, and doesn't care to get in anyone else's business-- but she does know that it's important to do the right thing, helping all her neighbors when disaster strikes the outback. This sweet story based off of the Australian wildfires adds a dash of humor and whimsy to its overall message of kindness.
August 5, 2023
Adorable book about tidy, responsible Wombat and how she reluctantly helps out her neighbors during hard times. Doubly adorable that it is based on real wombat behavior.
October 17, 2023
I loved this! The illustrations, the kindness and sense of community! ❤️❤️❤️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 11, 2024
I'm not sure I could read this out loud without crying. The story itself is pretty innocuous. Wombat keeps things tidy, definitely notices when her neighbors do not, but dutifully springs to assist when it becomes evident that her neighbors are in distress. Drought is closely followed by wildfire, and Wombat's particular way of life enables her to offer assistance to her animal neighbors.
On the surface, it's just a nice community tale focused on being a generous and kind neighbor. No big deal.
And then the afterward explains that this story was inspired by the Australian wildfires in 2019 and that wild wombats actually were helping other animals access water and shelter. It's heartbreaking how simple acts of kindness and survival are no longer markers of humanity, and how human accelerated climate change creates the need for these animal acts of mutual survival. For some reason this sweet little story just hit really hard.
On the surface, it's just a nice community tale focused on being a generous and kind neighbor. No big deal.
And then the afterward explains that this story was inspired by the Australian wildfires in 2019 and that wild wombats actually were helping other animals access water and shelter. It's heartbreaking how simple acts of kindness and survival are no longer markers of humanity, and how human accelerated climate change creates the need for these animal acts of mutual survival. For some reason this sweet little story just hit really hard.
June 5, 2023
The expression of Wombat on the cover was what made me pick up this book in the first place - it is a marvelous reluctant hero. I really liked the lesson that we don't always like what we have to do but we care for others and so we do it. Then, if we demonstrate goodness to others, it might just rub off on them. But then when I read the backmatter and found out what inspired this book to be written, I was even more impressed and want to read it to my students for multiple reasons and lessons.
June 15, 2023
Wombat likes everything neat and tidy and organized. But when wombat notices that kangaroo and wallaby and wallaroo are struggling because there's not enough water, wombat digs and finds water for them. Then when a fire breaks out, wombat invites them into her safe underground den and even though things aren't neat and tidy, she helps out her friends.
I loved reading the author's note that in Australia during some terrible bush fires, wombats really did bring wallabies, wallaroos and kangaroos into their fireproof dens to protect them.
The illustrations are beautiful!
I loved reading the author's note that in Australia during some terrible bush fires, wombats really did bring wallabies, wallaroos and kangaroos into their fireproof dens to protect them.
The illustrations are beautiful!
December 12, 2023
According to the author's note at the back of the book, this picture book was inspired by the observed behavior of wombats. "And in fire-affected areas of Australia, wombats were seen welcoming other animals into their fire-resistant burrows. While many believed the wombats were actively herding the animals to safety, some experts contended the wombats were only reluctantly allowing the animals to stay in their burrows." Like Carmen Agua Deedy's Wombat Said Come In, this is a heartfelt story about compassion and community. A lovely book with a lovely message!
March 25, 2023
I like how the author based this story on genuine wombat behavior while also adding fanciful elements like outfits and home decor to the animals' environment. This cute story will appeal to kids and adults, and the author's note shares helpful information about the story's initial basis in reality.
Parents of sensitive children should know that this book portrays a rightly scary-looking wildfire, although the local animals all survive through Wombat's hospitality.
Parents of sensitive children should know that this book portrays a rightly scary-looking wildfire, although the local animals all survive through Wombat's hospitality.
August 4, 2025
The author's note was super helpful. I didn't know about wombats' water holes and burrows helping other animals to survive droughts and wildfires.
This is a story that teaches the importance of helping others, in that context. The illustrations are delightful. What a difference in those kangeroos before and after the water holes!
This is a story that teaches the importance of helping others, in that context. The illustrations are delightful. What a difference in those kangeroos before and after the water holes!
June 15, 2023
Oh, my.
Sweet Wombat comes to the rescue during the horrible fires in Australia.
Attractive drawings and a message after the story.
Excuse me, I have to go put on my digging overalls before I tip my gardening hat.
Sweet Wombat comes to the rescue during the horrible fires in Australia.
Attractive drawings and a message after the story.
Excuse me, I have to go put on my digging overalls before I tip my gardening hat.
September 8, 2024
Wombat loves order in her house. When her neighbors are looking even more bedraggled she helps them find water. She also invites neighbors into her burrow when a wildfire rages outside. Based on real events in the huge Australian fires news coverage.
November 1, 2022
5 stars for this touching tribute to the wombat
I read a digital advanced reader's copy courtesy of the publisher
I read a digital advanced reader's copy courtesy of the publisher
May 8, 2023
Don't skip the author's and illustrator's notes in the back matter. They definitely help to bring this book into context.
June 11, 2023
Wombats rule
July 23, 2023
Beautifully illustrated and poignant.
December 1, 2023
Beautiful story and illustrations. I loved the wombat!
February 25, 2024
Absolutely adorable!! Definitely worth a read for kids and adults!
May 26, 2023
Would pair perfectly with Wombat Underground - give me all the wombat books!
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews