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Muddle-Headed Wombat #1-4 omnibus
The Muddle-Headed Wombat
Wombat and his inseparable friends - the motherly and practical Mouse and Tabby Cat whose pride along with his tabby coat is always being ruffled - began their careers in a daily children's serial on ABC radio. Since then their delightful adventures in the popular series of Muddleheaded Wombat books have entertained thousands of children in many parts of the world. This paperback edition brings together four stories - The Muddleheaded Wombat The Muddleheaded Wombat at School The Muddleheaded Wombat on Holiday and The Muddleheaded Wombat in the Treetops all presented with Noela Young's lively illustrations. To both parents and children Wombat is an irresistible character and he and his mates will endure to bring pleasure to many generations more. Ages 8+
261 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1963
16 people are currently reading
276 people want to read
About the author
Ruth Park
83 books113 followersRuth Park was a New Zealand-born author, who spent most of her life in Australia. She was born in Auckland, and her family later moved to Te Kuiti further south in the North Island of New Zealand, where they lived in isolated areas.
During the Great Depression her working class father worked on bush roads, as a driver, on relief work, as a sawmill hand, and finally shifted back to Auckland as council worker living in a state house. After Catholic primary school Ruth won a partial scholarship to secondary school, but this was broken by periods of being unable to afford to attend. For a time she stayed with relatives on a Coromandel farming estate where she was treated like a serf by the wealthy landowner until she told the rich woman what she really thought of her.
Ruth claimed that she was involved in the Queen Street riots with her father. Later she worked at the Auckland Star before shifting to Australia in 1942. There she married the Australian writer D'Arcy Niland.
Her first novel was The Harp in the South (1948) - a story of Irish slum life in Sydney, which was translated into 10 languages. (Some critics called it a cruel fantasy because as far as they were concerned there were no slums in Sydney.) But Ruth and D'Arcy did live in Sydney slums at Surry Hills. She followed that up with Poor Man's Orange (1949). She also wrote Missus (1985) and other novels, as well as a long-running Australian children's radio show and scripts for film and TV. She created The Muddle-Headed Wombat series of children's books. Her autobiographies are A Fence Around the Cuckoo (1992) and Fishing in the Styx (1993). She also wrote a novel based in New Zealand, One-a-pecker, Two-a-pecker (1957), about gold mining in Otago (later renamed The Frost and The Fire).
Park received awards in Australia and internationally.
Winner of the Dromkeen Medal.
During the Great Depression her working class father worked on bush roads, as a driver, on relief work, as a sawmill hand, and finally shifted back to Auckland as council worker living in a state house. After Catholic primary school Ruth won a partial scholarship to secondary school, but this was broken by periods of being unable to afford to attend. For a time she stayed with relatives on a Coromandel farming estate where she was treated like a serf by the wealthy landowner until she told the rich woman what she really thought of her.
Ruth claimed that she was involved in the Queen Street riots with her father. Later she worked at the Auckland Star before shifting to Australia in 1942. There she married the Australian writer D'Arcy Niland.
Her first novel was The Harp in the South (1948) - a story of Irish slum life in Sydney, which was translated into 10 languages. (Some critics called it a cruel fantasy because as far as they were concerned there were no slums in Sydney.) But Ruth and D'Arcy did live in Sydney slums at Surry Hills. She followed that up with Poor Man's Orange (1949). She also wrote Missus (1985) and other novels, as well as a long-running Australian children's radio show and scripts for film and TV. She created The Muddle-Headed Wombat series of children's books. Her autobiographies are A Fence Around the Cuckoo (1992) and Fishing in the Styx (1993). She also wrote a novel based in New Zealand, One-a-pecker, Two-a-pecker (1957), about gold mining in Otago (later renamed The Frost and The Fire).
Park received awards in Australia and internationally.
Winner of the Dromkeen Medal.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
April 5, 2023
My aunt gave me these books from australia they were my favourite to read as a kid
January 23, 2010
I think there should be a lot more Muddle Headed Wombat in the world. Children are being handicapped by the Bummageddons and Twilights and Full Frontal Snogging. I think that possibly we could even achieve world peace if everyone was made to read this book at the same time. Imagine Osama in his cave, giggling his guts out along with Obama in his whitehouse and some random guy in a fur hat. Pure harmony.
May 30, 2021
Charming stories about a wombat who is terribubbly muddled in the head. The illustrations are charming, as are Wombat's friends, but the plots are weak, and the worldbuilding is unclear. (Yes, even an anthropomorphic children's series needs good worldbuilding.) This would make a very fun read-aloud, especially with a reader who can do justice to the Australian accents. If I had grown up with Park's stories, I'm sure they'd be up there with A. A. Milne's and Kenneth Grahame's.
There was once a muddle-headed wombat sitting in the grass and feeling very lonely....This wombat was lonely because he had no sisters or brothers or aunties or uncles, and besides, he had spent all his pocket money. (3)
[on encountering an inhospitable scarecrow] "That's a horribubble thing to do to a new friend," he growled. "You're a hidjus old pollywobble!" (4)
There was once a muddle-headed wombat sitting in the grass and feeling very lonely....This wombat was lonely because he had no sisters or brothers or aunties or uncles, and besides, he had spent all his pocket money. (3)
[on encountering an inhospitable scarecrow] "That's a horribubble thing to do to a new friend," he growled. "You're a hidjus old pollywobble!" (4)
August 16, 2021
A delightful read aloud, this edition is actually four books in one.
It's been a long time since I read a book with pictures that bring the characters to life just so too - a great ratio of pictures to text for a light hearted book to enjoy with someone else.
I'm sorry I didn't read these at a much younger age! Would have enjoyed them.
It's been a long time since I read a book with pictures that bring the characters to life just so too - a great ratio of pictures to text for a light hearted book to enjoy with someone else.
I'm sorry I didn't read these at a much younger age! Would have enjoyed them.
September 10, 2011
how can you possibly go wrong with such an amazing classic in books? i got this book when i was in grade 3, as a going away present from my Pa. always took it with me and i still have it to this day! love this book, absolutely wonderful!!
June 17, 2016
This has aged really well. It's very sweet and humane, and very witty. I really enjoy reading it as an adult, and my 3 3/4 year old is loving it. It's less obscure than Winnie-the-Pooh.
October 21, 2017
Definitely loved this one as a kid, even if I remember very little of it these days! It was another I read over and over, and it's always endearing to have Aussie animals take the front seat.
October 25, 2021
It is amazing sometimes, than when you read Australian classic children's books as an adult that you realise they're a lot more uneven than would be allowed nowadays.
These tales of an idiotic wombat, a narcissistic pussycat and a nervous mouse are a case in point. They almost seem made up on the fly.
However, my two boys enjoyed it thoroughly, so maybe I'm being overly picky?
These tales of an idiotic wombat, a narcissistic pussycat and a nervous mouse are a case in point. They almost seem made up on the fly.
However, my two boys enjoyed it thoroughly, so maybe I'm being overly picky?
December 17, 2021
I would have only given a 3 star review, but my 8 year old would have given it 5 so I settled on a 4. I found it difficult to read aloud and I detested the mouse being referred to as “it” all the way through. My boy loved the characters and their adventures and since it was written for children, his opinion is the one that counts.
December 13, 2019
I would listen to this recording on cassette as a kid, now nearly 30 years later I still remember every little turn of phrase.
Absolute classic.
Absolute classic.
November 25, 2025
4. I’m surprised the Muddle-headed wombat doesn’t get more recognition in Aussie culture. The writing is witty and humorous, with puns a plenty. The characters and illustrations are strong. And the simplicity of narrative leaves room for the exploration of lots of emotions. I enjoyed reading this out loud to my kids.
I am slightly bemused why mouse is an ‘it’ while wombat and tabby cat are not. And as a side note I find these stories altogether more appropriate for kids than Blinky Bill…
I am slightly bemused why mouse is an ‘it’ while wombat and tabby cat are not. And as a side note I find these stories altogether more appropriate for kids than Blinky Bill…
January 18, 2025
Such childhood memories! I still have the large format box set I had which included this book, along with Snugglepot and Cuddlepie, Blinky Bill and The Magic Pudding. All favourites still.
Wombat is like an Australian Winnie the Pooh - he always gets into muddles but his heart is in the right place. It was great fun to visit again with Wombat, Mouse (an Australian bush mouse) and Tabby.
Wombat is like an Australian Winnie the Pooh - he always gets into muddles but his heart is in the right place. It was great fun to visit again with Wombat, Mouse (an Australian bush mouse) and Tabby.
July 5, 2017
Its very good because its all about this poor little pussy cat who's all bossy. The wombat is all weird and only knows how to count up to 4. (L, Aged 5)
August 23, 2018
It was nice and really quite charming, I really enjoyed reading it.
May 29, 2019
Favourite childhood book, received as a gift from my Uncle ‘downunder’
May 10, 2020
YAY I LOVED IT! IT MADE ME GO *CHUCKLE CHUCKLE SNORT SNORT*!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I wanna squish his cheekybubbles (in joke)
May 24, 2020
My girls (7 & 11yrs) and I loved this book. Especially the audiobook.
It sounded like it might have sounded when it was aired for kids on ABC Radio in Australia in the 1950's.
It sounded like it might have sounded when it was aired for kids on ABC Radio in Australia in the 1950's.
June 10, 2023
Laugh out loud funny - my 6-year old and I had such fun reading this book. I wish I could find the other Wombat books
April 14, 2024
Such an adorabubble Australian book, that I have such great memories of my teacher reading to us at school. Can't wait to share with some of my younger friends!
February 7, 2017
A classic Australian children's book; The Muddle-Headed Wombat follows Wombat and his two best friends Mouse and Tabby on their many adventures on holiday, at school and in the treetops.
Written by Ruth Park and illustrated by Noela Yound, this edition contains four tales; The Muddle-Headed Wombat (1962), The Muddle-Headed Wombat on Holiday (1964), The Muddle-Headed Wombat in the Treetops (1965), and The Muddle-Headed Wombat at School (1966).
I absolutely love The Muddle-Headed Wombat. I grew up with these stories and reading them again as an adult was an absolute joy.
Sweet, kind-hearted Wombat, caring, practical Mouse and vain, neurotic Tabby are such wonderful characters helping to make Ruth Park's stories timeless classics. The addition of Noela Yong's illustrations really enhanced this book. The illustrations perfectly compliment the story.
I really only have one issue with this book. The writing purposely misspelled words and confused sayings, this is because Wombat is a young Wombat who isn't very bright. Whilst I loved this feature as a child, it got on my nerves as as adult. Apart from this one thing, I can't fault this book.
I will forever love the stories of Wombat, Mouse and Tabby, and I highly recommend this book to everyone. Adults and kids alike.
The Muddle-Headed Wombat is a great Australian children's book that should be read and adored by all.
Written by Geramie Kate Barker
https://gemsbooknook.wordpress.com
Written by Ruth Park and illustrated by Noela Yound, this edition contains four tales; The Muddle-Headed Wombat (1962), The Muddle-Headed Wombat on Holiday (1964), The Muddle-Headed Wombat in the Treetops (1965), and The Muddle-Headed Wombat at School (1966).
I absolutely love The Muddle-Headed Wombat. I grew up with these stories and reading them again as an adult was an absolute joy.
Sweet, kind-hearted Wombat, caring, practical Mouse and vain, neurotic Tabby are such wonderful characters helping to make Ruth Park's stories timeless classics. The addition of Noela Yong's illustrations really enhanced this book. The illustrations perfectly compliment the story.
I really only have one issue with this book. The writing purposely misspelled words and confused sayings, this is because Wombat is a young Wombat who isn't very bright. Whilst I loved this feature as a child, it got on my nerves as as adult. Apart from this one thing, I can't fault this book.
I will forever love the stories of Wombat, Mouse and Tabby, and I highly recommend this book to everyone. Adults and kids alike.
The Muddle-Headed Wombat is a great Australian children's book that should be read and adored by all.
Written by Geramie Kate Barker
https://gemsbooknook.wordpress.com
January 11, 2011
So this is basically the Australian version of Winnie the Pooh. Instead of Pooh bear, we have a muddle-headed wombat; instead of Eyeore/Rabbit, there's a prissy/arrogant little cat; instead of Piglet, there's a helpful & kind little mouse. It definitely suffered the lack of a Tigger (my favorite).
It was enjoyable enough to read just as a way to get a sense of the Aussie lore, but like most classic children's lit I found myself at the end wondering, "Why are so many of these books' heroes stupid and mean to each other?" Also: "Why can't children's lit be funnier? Isn't this the perfect genre for silliness?"
This book is just full of examples of how to be a bad friend and bush animal, so I don't think it'll be on any future child's shelf of mine.
It was enjoyable enough to read just as a way to get a sense of the Aussie lore, but like most classic children's lit I found myself at the end wondering, "Why are so many of these books' heroes stupid and mean to each other?" Also: "Why can't children's lit be funnier? Isn't this the perfect genre for silliness?"
This book is just full of examples of how to be a bad friend and bush animal, so I don't think it'll be on any future child's shelf of mine.
April 29, 2009
Wonderful wonderful wonderful! I have this, Snugglepot and Cuddlepie, and Blinky Bill all in wonderful "complete adventures of" hardcovers and they just look so lovely all on my shelf together. This one is the only one that isn't fallen to pieces, given that I didn't get it (new) until I was 8 or so - the others were there before I could read, and were both second-hand copies to boot. For that reason, the Muddle-Headed Wombat was always my third favourite of the three, but that's not to say it's not still a five-star, terrific book full of awesome tales and muddlesome mix-ups!
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April 1, 2015Omnibus edition of four tales of the Muddleheaded Wombat, and his friends Mouse and Tabby. Sort of an Australian version of Winnie the Pooh in that they stumble into adventures, often propelled there by Wombat's clumsiness or hunger, or Tabby's vanity. Mouse usually is the agent of their salvation with his clear thinking.
March 3, 2024
The Muddled-Headed Wombat simply cannot be fully enjoyed unless listened to in audiobook form. The stories started out as radio serials in the 1940s after all. I had this cassette as a kid and the performances make the entire thing. It's heartening to see that this is actually available on Audible.
October 26, 2009
read this book in year 3 at school and it's such a cute, quirky and fun book. it's a beautiful story for children about friendship and the differences that all friendships have and all people have but about the bonds we all share.
the illustrations make the book amazing.
the illustrations make the book amazing.
June 28, 2011
Hilarious adventures of a very muddleheaded wombat and his friends Tabby Cat and Mouse. I read this as a child and also listened to the wonderful radio adaptation. Now I've introduced my daughter to the adventures of Wombat. Gorgeous book.
September 21, 2013
Entertaining, though a little dated, childrens tale of a silly but good hearted wombat and his friends--sensible Mouse and the uppity Tabby Cat. Based on some radio plays of the same name for ABC's children's hour which aired from 1951-1970.
October 8, 2008
There is some great Australian children's lit out there... I have added a few others to my list: check them out!
October 2, 2011
I don't know if this book is as good as I remember, but I loved it as a child.
November 8, 2012
This book was fantastic when I was about nine years old.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews