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Wombat Waiting
From the Newbery Award-winning, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The One and Only Ivan and Odder comes a stunning new middle grade standalone novel about compassion, resilience, and surprising friendships, following a dog named Wombat in the aftermath of a catastrophic fire.
Wombat isn’t actually a wombat—but when the homeless dog is discovered, singed and ash-covered after a terrible fire destroys a community, someone tags her with the nickname and it sticks.
Wombat is a “destiny dog.” Something inside of her (she nicknames it “Voice’) keeps telling her there’s a special someone out there who is meant to be her person.
Surrounded by a devastated town, Wombat takes up residence on bench near the makeshift community center, an old brick warehouse that, for the most part, survived the flames. A small part of the community center evacuation site has been repurposed for the local wildlife rehab sanctuary that burned down. All of the animals were spared, and the temporary quarters include an elderly fruit bat and a young Northern saw-whet owl.
No matter what, Wombat refuses to move from her perch, despite the efforts of many humans. Clearly the dog is waiting for someone. But for whom? And what are the odds they survived?
Fans of modern classics like Because of Winn-Dixie, Pax, and Katherine Applegate’s own Crenshaw and Odder, and timeless tales like Charlotte’s Web, will find a friend in Wombat and her story.
Wombat isn’t actually a wombat—but when the homeless dog is discovered, singed and ash-covered after a terrible fire destroys a community, someone tags her with the nickname and it sticks.
Wombat is a “destiny dog.” Something inside of her (she nicknames it “Voice’) keeps telling her there’s a special someone out there who is meant to be her person.
Surrounded by a devastated town, Wombat takes up residence on bench near the makeshift community center, an old brick warehouse that, for the most part, survived the flames. A small part of the community center evacuation site has been repurposed for the local wildlife rehab sanctuary that burned down. All of the animals were spared, and the temporary quarters include an elderly fruit bat and a young Northern saw-whet owl.
No matter what, Wombat refuses to move from her perch, despite the efforts of many humans. Clearly the dog is waiting for someone. But for whom? And what are the odds they survived?
Fans of modern classics like Because of Winn-Dixie, Pax, and Katherine Applegate’s own Crenshaw and Odder, and timeless tales like Charlotte’s Web, will find a friend in Wombat and her story.
323 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 1, 2026
About the author
Katherine Applegate
284 books6,474 followers#1 New York Times bestselling author Katherine Applegate has written many books for young readers, including THE ONE AND ONLY IVAN, winner of the 2013 Newbery Medal.
Katherine’s picture books include THE BUFFALO STORM, illustrated by Jan Ormerod (Clarion Books); THE REMARKABLE TRUE STORY OF IVAN, THE SHOPPING MALL GORILLA, illustrated by G. Brian Karas (Clarion Books); SOMETIMES YOU FLY, illustrated by Jennifer Black Reinhardt (Clarion Books); and ODDER: AN OTTER’S STORY, illustrated by Charles Santoso (Feiwel & Friends).
She’s written or co-written three early chapter series for young readers: ROSCOE RILEY RULES, a seven-book series illustrated by Brian Biggs (HarperCollins); DOGGO AND PUPPER, a three-book series illustrated by Charlie Alder (Feiwel & Friends). With Gennifer Choldenko, she co-authored DOGTOWN and MOUSE AND HIS DOG, illustrated by Wallace West (Feiwel & Friends).
Books for middle-grade readers include HOME OF THE BRAVE (Feiwel & Friends); THE ONE AND ONLY series, illustrated by Patricia Castelao, including THE ONE AND ONLY IVAN, THE ONE AND ONLY BOB, THE ONE AND ONLY RUBY, and THE ONE AND ONLY FAMILY (HarperCollins); the ENDLING trilogy (HarperCollins); CRENSHAW (Feiwel & Friends); WISHTREE (Feiwel & Friends); WILLODEEN (Feiwel & Friends); ODDER (Feiwel & Friends); and the forthcoming POCKET BEAR (Feiwel & Friends).
With her husband, Michael Grant, Katherine co-wrote ANIMORPHS, a long-running series that has sold over 35 million books worldwide. They also wrote two other series, REMNANTS and EVERWORLD, and a young adult novel, EVE AND ADAM (Feiwel & Friends.)
Katherine’s work has been translated into dozens of languages, and her books have won accolades including the Christopher Medal, the Golden Kite Award, the Bank Street Josette Frank Award, the California Book Award Gold Medal, the Crystal Kite Award, the Green Earth Book Honor Award, the Charlotte Zolotow Honor Award, and the E.B. White Read Aloud Award. Many of her works have appeared on state master lists, Best of the Year lists, and Publishers Weekly, USA Today, and New York Times bestseller lists.
Katherine lives in Nevada with her husband and assorted pets. She is represented by Elena Giovinazzo at Heirloom Literary and Mary Pender at WME.
Katherine’s picture books include THE BUFFALO STORM, illustrated by Jan Ormerod (Clarion Books); THE REMARKABLE TRUE STORY OF IVAN, THE SHOPPING MALL GORILLA, illustrated by G. Brian Karas (Clarion Books); SOMETIMES YOU FLY, illustrated by Jennifer Black Reinhardt (Clarion Books); and ODDER: AN OTTER’S STORY, illustrated by Charles Santoso (Feiwel & Friends).
She’s written or co-written three early chapter series for young readers: ROSCOE RILEY RULES, a seven-book series illustrated by Brian Biggs (HarperCollins); DOGGO AND PUPPER, a three-book series illustrated by Charlie Alder (Feiwel & Friends). With Gennifer Choldenko, she co-authored DOGTOWN and MOUSE AND HIS DOG, illustrated by Wallace West (Feiwel & Friends).
Books for middle-grade readers include HOME OF THE BRAVE (Feiwel & Friends); THE ONE AND ONLY series, illustrated by Patricia Castelao, including THE ONE AND ONLY IVAN, THE ONE AND ONLY BOB, THE ONE AND ONLY RUBY, and THE ONE AND ONLY FAMILY (HarperCollins); the ENDLING trilogy (HarperCollins); CRENSHAW (Feiwel & Friends); WISHTREE (Feiwel & Friends); WILLODEEN (Feiwel & Friends); ODDER (Feiwel & Friends); and the forthcoming POCKET BEAR (Feiwel & Friends).
With her husband, Michael Grant, Katherine co-wrote ANIMORPHS, a long-running series that has sold over 35 million books worldwide. They also wrote two other series, REMNANTS and EVERWORLD, and a young adult novel, EVE AND ADAM (Feiwel & Friends.)
Katherine’s work has been translated into dozens of languages, and her books have won accolades including the Christopher Medal, the Golden Kite Award, the Bank Street Josette Frank Award, the California Book Award Gold Medal, the Crystal Kite Award, the Green Earth Book Honor Award, the Charlotte Zolotow Honor Award, and the E.B. White Read Aloud Award. Many of her works have appeared on state master lists, Best of the Year lists, and Publishers Weekly, USA Today, and New York Times bestseller lists.
Katherine lives in Nevada with her husband and assorted pets. She is represented by Elena Giovinazzo at Heirloom Literary and Mary Pender at WME.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 179 reviews
Did Not Finish
May 7, 2026Not what I expected. Moving on.
May 6, 2026
Thank you to netgalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Katherine Applegate has been a must-read author for me for years, so when I found out about her new release, I had to get my hands on it. It delivers all the warm, fuzzy feelings while being set in a not-so-good situation. The wildfire devastates multiple families, but you see them all come together and realize that they still have each other. The dog is very sweet and patient. I loved following these characters and watching them grow.
Katherine Applegate has been a must-read author for me for years, so when I found out about her new release, I had to get my hands on it. It delivers all the warm, fuzzy feelings while being set in a not-so-good situation. The wildfire devastates multiple families, but you see them all come together and realize that they still have each other. The dog is very sweet and patient. I loved following these characters and watching them grow.
June 8, 2026
The latest book from the author of “The One and Only Ivan”, we follow the title character who happens to be a stray dog named Wombat for how she looks shaggy and small. Told in verse, we follow her story set in California during a growing wildfire and she’s guided by a “voice” who might lead her to her destiny. We also meet other characters who play a part in Wombat’s story while trying to find shelter such an old fruit bat, a Northern owl and a young boy named Henry.
It’s another comforting and relatable story from Applegate as our title character is determined to find where she belongs while meeting many people and despite the dangers in her path. Wombat’s story never stops being so entertaining and reflective. Its inclusion of the real-life California wildfires also brings a bit of tension and information later on with Henry’s story. The verse-told narrative and the soft illustrations bring a well-woven book together.
Applegate’s fans will not be disappointed as “Wombat” is a touching story that shows hope can be found even in dangerous times.
A (100%/Outstanding)
It’s another comforting and relatable story from Applegate as our title character is determined to find where she belongs while meeting many people and despite the dangers in her path. Wombat’s story never stops being so entertaining and reflective. Its inclusion of the real-life California wildfires also brings a bit of tension and information later on with Henry’s story. The verse-told narrative and the soft illustrations bring a well-woven book together.
Applegate’s fans will not be disappointed as “Wombat” is a touching story that shows hope can be found even in dangerous times.
A (100%/Outstanding)
May 15, 2026
The book has been finished and put onto my shelf. And yet I still have tears in my eyes. It’s hard to pick just one of Katherine Applegate’s books as a favorite. I’m pretty sure I can put Wishtree in the number one spot. And I think, maybe, Wombat Waiting is a close second. Maybe it’s simply because I fell in love with the wombat on my trip to Australia way back in 2019. After all, I’m really a cat person not a dog person. Which doesn’t mean I don’t love dogs. I loved Henry and his family. I loved how he needed to warm up to Wombat (and dogs in general) and how Wombat needed to learn to let people love her. I wish that Barnabas and the baby owl had had a little more time in the story, but that’s a very minor quibble. Another winner from Applegate, another book just full of heart.
April 25, 2026
Received an advance copy from Harper Kids through a Goodreads giveaway, many thanks.
My daughter enjoyed Katherine Applegate’s Animorphs and my students love her One and Only series. “Wombat Waiting,” which tackles displacement by wildfires in free verse, is a stand alone tale about a stray dog who finds the strength to seek her destiny in the midst of wildfire danger and destruction. Although she could be consumed by her drive to find a better life and by the very real dangers of the fires, she spends time creating an ingenious way to save a young owl and eventually offers comfort to humans as they come to terms with the loss of their homes. The patient, gentle choreography of Wombat and her destined child finding and trusting one another is truly beautiful. Generally speaking, children adore books that show us animals’ souls, and they will be drawn to Wombat, her challenges, her difficult life, and her belief that tomorrow will be better.
My daughter enjoyed Katherine Applegate’s Animorphs and my students love her One and Only series. “Wombat Waiting,” which tackles displacement by wildfires in free verse, is a stand alone tale about a stray dog who finds the strength to seek her destiny in the midst of wildfire danger and destruction. Although she could be consumed by her drive to find a better life and by the very real dangers of the fires, she spends time creating an ingenious way to save a young owl and eventually offers comfort to humans as they come to terms with the loss of their homes. The patient, gentle choreography of Wombat and her destined child finding and trusting one another is truly beautiful. Generally speaking, children adore books that show us animals’ souls, and they will be drawn to Wombat, her challenges, her difficult life, and her belief that tomorrow will be better.
May 2, 2026
This is the story of Wombat the stray dog and her journey of living, surviving and finding her person.
We also follow Henry a little boy whos life is turned upside down when a fire takes over his town and hes forced to leave.
I think this story is aimed for middle grade, but how it reads it feels like a children’s bedtime story. One that you might read with your elementary school kid or younger. It’s really small chapters. Only a few pages each chapter on the digital copy. It makes it feel less like a 300 page book and more like wombat tiny adventures.
“ Yep, her name is Wombat, and nope, she’s not a wombat.”
“ She didn’t have a place or a person, didn’t even have a real name yet.”
“ When you might never come back, it matters what you leave behind.”
Thank you to netgalley for this digital arc copy all opinions are my own.
We also follow Henry a little boy whos life is turned upside down when a fire takes over his town and hes forced to leave.
I think this story is aimed for middle grade, but how it reads it feels like a children’s bedtime story. One that you might read with your elementary school kid or younger. It’s really small chapters. Only a few pages each chapter on the digital copy. It makes it feel less like a 300 page book and more like wombat tiny adventures.
“ Yep, her name is Wombat, and nope, she’s not a wombat.”
“ She didn’t have a place or a person, didn’t even have a real name yet.”
“ When you might never come back, it matters what you leave behind.”
Thank you to netgalley for this digital arc copy all opinions are my own.
May 10, 2026
I love that this story is written in verse and is still poignant and captivating and full of everything that makes Applegate’s stories amazing. Willodeen is still my favourite but this is a close second. I will read it to my grade 3/4 class.
May 15, 2026
Welp, I’m a wreck. Her beautifully simple prose makes you fall in love with a dog finding her person, and believe that we can find hope in a hopeless time. Ugh brb, gotta go find some Kleenex.
June 14, 2026
Amazing book! Such a sweet and heartwarming story.
May 7, 2026
4.5 stars
Cute and exactly what I'm looking for in an Applegate book
Cute and exactly what I'm looking for in an Applegate book
June 2, 2026
After reading Pocket Bear I fell in love with Katherine Applegate’s style, this was simple and cute. I didn’t think it was necessary there was a lesbian couple, I don’t like subtle things like that being sneaked into children’s books in the time we live in, but overall it was a sweet read, Wombat is so spunky and cute, I was a little disappointed that the owl and Barnabous weren’t in it as much as I thought they would be :(
Some quotes I liked:
“Turns out if you don't think about tomorrow or yesterday— if you focus on now, and now alone— today will take care of itself.”
-“Was it this way for all dogs?
Wombat felt like a sponge, soaking up human pain as if it were her own.” I loved how this one sums up animals and how sweet they all are
-“that there is no wrong way to talk to dogs, as long as your voice is kind.”
-“But when something bad happens, it comes together, stronger than ever, ready to start anew. She paused to wipe away a tear, and Wombat licked her hand. We take things for granted, she said, until we know they can vanish forever.”
-“As a lovely TV personality named Mister Rogers used to tell kids: "When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping”
Some quotes I liked:
“Turns out if you don't think about tomorrow or yesterday— if you focus on now, and now alone— today will take care of itself.”
-“Was it this way for all dogs?
Wombat felt like a sponge, soaking up human pain as if it were her own.” I loved how this one sums up animals and how sweet they all are
-“that there is no wrong way to talk to dogs, as long as your voice is kind.”
-“But when something bad happens, it comes together, stronger than ever, ready to start anew. She paused to wipe away a tear, and Wombat licked her hand. We take things for granted, she said, until we know they can vanish forever.”
-“As a lovely TV personality named Mister Rogers used to tell kids: "When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping”
February 27, 2026
Cute story about a dog finding her people and helping through wildfires. The story works through the feelings of losing everything but finding hope in the people around you.
Thank you NetGalley for the advanced copy.
Thank you NetGalley for the advanced copy.
June 2, 2026
Ok I am a MASSIVE sucker for dog stories. This. Was. PRECIOUS! Poetry and storytelling so wisely and wonderfully put together! This author truly gets in the soul of animals, and it was beautiful and sad but so sweet commentary on helpers of the world and the importance of patience and care. My heart!!!!!!
Read
May 17, 2026
Trigger & Content Warnings
Fire & burns
Homelessness
Fire & burns
Homelessness
May 20, 2026
Read in one sitting. Such a cute story. The audiobook was the perfect way to enjoy this book but now i would like to own a physical copy so that i can highlight the quotes that moved me.
June 19, 2026
Such a cute fun read! I liked the poem style of writing. Very touching and heartfelt.
April 21, 2026
This is a sweet, sometimes sad, short novel in verse for young readers (2nd through 4th grade is probably the sweet spot) about a stray dog named Wombat and a boy named Henry who find one another during a terrifying wildfire loosely based on the 2025 Pacific Palisades/Eaton fires.
Just as everyone is evacuating the area, Wombat feels a voice telling her to go "the wrong way," toward the fire, which, for her, is "the right way." A fellow stray tells her she must be a destiny dog: a dog who is destined to be the companion of a specific human, though there's no guarantee she'll find them. Still, she follows the voice's instructions, which lead her to a large shelter where many humans are staying after their neighborhoods have been destroyed by a wildfire.
One of those humans is Mama Ro, Henry's mom, who has moved the animals from her wildlife rehabilitation center to the shelter. Wombat takes up residence on a bench outside the shelter. When she sees Henry (who, along with his little sister and other mom, is staying with extended family), she knows right away that he's her person--but he's wary of dogs, so she has to be patient. As she waits for him to return to the shelter, she finds her place there as a therapy dog of sorts, slowly warming up to the other humans and becoming a familiar and comforting furry face.
This ends with hope and a feeling of community healing just beginning (for humans and animals both), but it doesn't shy away from the tragedy of the wildfires: Henry and his family have to evacuate quickly at night, leaving most of their possessions behind; their house and neighborhood are destroyed; and unrest sometimes simmers between people in the shelter.
Just as everyone is evacuating the area, Wombat feels a voice telling her to go "the wrong way," toward the fire, which, for her, is "the right way." A fellow stray tells her she must be a destiny dog: a dog who is destined to be the companion of a specific human, though there's no guarantee she'll find them. Still, she follows the voice's instructions, which lead her to a large shelter where many humans are staying after their neighborhoods have been destroyed by a wildfire.
One of those humans is Mama Ro, Henry's mom, who has moved the animals from her wildlife rehabilitation center to the shelter. Wombat takes up residence on a bench outside the shelter. When she sees Henry (who, along with his little sister and other mom, is staying with extended family), she knows right away that he's her person--but he's wary of dogs, so she has to be patient. As she waits for him to return to the shelter, she finds her place there as a therapy dog of sorts, slowly warming up to the other humans and becoming a familiar and comforting furry face.
This ends with hope and a feeling of community healing just beginning (for humans and animals both), but it doesn't shy away from the tragedy of the wildfires: Henry and his family have to evacuate quickly at night, leaving most of their possessions behind; their house and neighborhood are destroyed; and unrest sometimes simmers between people in the shelter.
June 6, 2026
Not finished. p 49. “You know the old saying, “Dogs plan and man laughs”?
P. 293. “He’s a therapy penguin”. - I love that elementary kids will get that. Perhaps Katherine Applegate, as she does for me, will help kids see and use the positive from difficult, or rather devastating events.
P.317 “A community is a living thing.
A group of people
Knit together by need or friendship,
Belief or purpose,
Proximity or necessity.
it can get used to itself,
Too comfortable,
Even worn around the edges,
Like a household of grumpy relatives.
But when something bad happens,
It comes together, stronger than ever,
Ready to start anew.”
P. 293. “He’s a therapy penguin”. - I love that elementary kids will get that. Perhaps Katherine Applegate, as she does for me, will help kids see and use the positive from difficult, or rather devastating events.
P.317 “A community is a living thing.
A group of people
Knit together by need or friendship,
Belief or purpose,
Proximity or necessity.
it can get used to itself,
Too comfortable,
Even worn around the edges,
Like a household of grumpy relatives.
But when something bad happens,
It comes together, stronger than ever,
Ready to start anew.”
February 25, 2026
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Katherine Applegate is spreading her animal love once again in this novel in verse.
The California wildfires have ravaged a community, leaving many housed at a nearby shelter. Not only have humans found their way to this communal safe-space; a darling, little stray (who’s soon to be named wombat) and her small feathered companion have found respite here as well… however, Wombat prefers to keep it at a distance from these untrustworthy humans.
What I loved: I have really grown to love middle grade novels in verse, and I enjoyed Katherine Applegate’s style of writing. It flowed well and included meaningful titles and precious illustrations. As a person who doesn’t live in a region at risk of wildfires, it was very interesting reading about what it would be like to live in such an intense event.
What I didn’t love: I found the additional two wildlife rescue animal characters to have been too small of a presence in the story to be included. It felt like there should have been more depth, more significance to their parts. I wish there was more in the story about wombat’s heroic quest through the wildfire. I was curious about her burned nose and felt like she must have endured far more challenge than the story shared. Kids love survival stories! This one blew right through any of those details.
Katherine Applegate is of course a staple in our children’s library and has tapped a bit into the extreme weather event survival trend. Therefore, this story is sure to be enjoyed. I envision this one will be popular with our emerging chapter book readers mostly. (Grades 1-3)
Katherine Applegate is spreading her animal love once again in this novel in verse.
The California wildfires have ravaged a community, leaving many housed at a nearby shelter. Not only have humans found their way to this communal safe-space; a darling, little stray (who’s soon to be named wombat) and her small feathered companion have found respite here as well… however, Wombat prefers to keep it at a distance from these untrustworthy humans.
What I loved: I have really grown to love middle grade novels in verse, and I enjoyed Katherine Applegate’s style of writing. It flowed well and included meaningful titles and precious illustrations. As a person who doesn’t live in a region at risk of wildfires, it was very interesting reading about what it would be like to live in such an intense event.
What I didn’t love: I found the additional two wildlife rescue animal characters to have been too small of a presence in the story to be included. It felt like there should have been more depth, more significance to their parts. I wish there was more in the story about wombat’s heroic quest through the wildfire. I was curious about her burned nose and felt like she must have endured far more challenge than the story shared. Kids love survival stories! This one blew right through any of those details.
Katherine Applegate is of course a staple in our children’s library and has tapped a bit into the extreme weather event survival trend. Therefore, this story is sure to be enjoyed. I envision this one will be popular with our emerging chapter book readers mostly. (Grades 1-3)
March 2, 2026
Another warm and wonderful animal centered story by Katherine Applegate! This one features an adorable stray who hears a Voice directing him to his destiny-a young boy whose home is destroyed by wildfire.
Before being dubbed Wombat, the scruffy but cute stray did what all homeless canines would do-search for food, shelter and meander wherever her nose and paws led her. The smell of smoke and a voice telling her that the wrong way is right and leading her straight towards a devastating and destructive wildfire, Wombat keeps moving until the voice tells her to stay. So there she stays, on a bench next to a shelter for both people and animals, being cared for by those who are now homeless and in turn, providing comfort to everyone who needs it, including young Henry Cooper. By book’s end, Wombat has a new home and has found his destiny and readers will have all sorts of warm fuzzies from all the rescued animals, including a bat who shouldn’t even be in California and a tiny owl carried on a piece of palm frond in Wombat’s mouth, plus a community pulling together to help each other rebuild and recover. The novel in verse format adds to the emotional depth and Jen Bricking’s sketches are the perfect accent to that text.
Perfect for libraries to add to their collection of Applegate titles such as Odder, Crenshaw, Wishtree and all the Ivan books!
Target age: grades 2-7
Profanity: none
Violence: a few arguments among those in an overcrowded, tension-filled shelter and the destruction of fire
Sexual content: none
Representation: illustrations indicate that Henry is likely Caucasian but race of others is indeterminate; Henry and his little sister have two moms
Before being dubbed Wombat, the scruffy but cute stray did what all homeless canines would do-search for food, shelter and meander wherever her nose and paws led her. The smell of smoke and a voice telling her that the wrong way is right and leading her straight towards a devastating and destructive wildfire, Wombat keeps moving until the voice tells her to stay. So there she stays, on a bench next to a shelter for both people and animals, being cared for by those who are now homeless and in turn, providing comfort to everyone who needs it, including young Henry Cooper. By book’s end, Wombat has a new home and has found his destiny and readers will have all sorts of warm fuzzies from all the rescued animals, including a bat who shouldn’t even be in California and a tiny owl carried on a piece of palm frond in Wombat’s mouth, plus a community pulling together to help each other rebuild and recover. The novel in verse format adds to the emotional depth and Jen Bricking’s sketches are the perfect accent to that text.
Perfect for libraries to add to their collection of Applegate titles such as Odder, Crenshaw, Wishtree and all the Ivan books!
Target age: grades 2-7
Profanity: none
Violence: a few arguments among those in an overcrowded, tension-filled shelter and the destruction of fire
Sexual content: none
Representation: illustrations indicate that Henry is likely Caucasian but race of others is indeterminate; Henry and his little sister have two moms
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus
A small dog in California has been on her own on the streets since her mother and siblings were lost to cars, and she is just trying to get by. When there are wildfires in the area, she hears a voice in her head telling to go towards the fire rather than away from it. Another dog, Silas, tells her that she is a "destiny dog" and might eventually meet her person, so she continues to follow the voice. There is a stunned owlet she meets along the way, and she manages to get the bird to hop onto a stick so she can carry him away from the fire. We also meet Henry, a boy who is preparing to leave his home along with his younger sister, Sylvie, his two mothers, and older neighbors. They all go to a shelter. Mama Ro works for the Orphaned Wild Life organization (OWL), and the animals from OWL are also brought to the shelter. When the dog sees Henry, she is delighted, and greets him enthusiastically. Henry, however, was bitten as a child and is wary of dogs. He does name her Wombat, since there are some similarities in appearance. Wombat camps out on a bench and just waits for Henry to pay her some attention. When he leaves, Wombat talks with one of the OWL rescues, a bat named Barnabus, and tells him that Henry is her destiny. She won't move from the bench, and while she doesn't want to interact with others, spends a lot of time comforting people and even being "canine Kleenex", soaking up human pain. Henry and his family return to their home only to find it gone. Nothing of Henry's survives. When he returns to the shelter, he and Wombat finally click, and plans are made to adopt Wombat when Henry's family finally gets a home.
Strengths: Wombat and Henry's stories are told in poems that, while free verse, are actually poetic. There's great use of figurative language and imagery. The idea of a "destiny dog" will appeal to readers who are fond of canines, and Wombat's patient vigil to wait for Henry is very sweet. The fact that it is based on Hachiko, a dog who waiting at a train station for his owner to come back for years after the man died, is the reason behind the statue of Wombat on a bench when the community rebuilds. There is a nice range of human and animal characters to give some depth to the novel, as well as some moments of humor during a bleak time. Jennifer Bricking's pencil sketches are adorable, and have a bit of a Garth Williams feel to them. I can see this being tremendously popular as a class read aloud in elementary schools.
Weaknesses: I'm not usually a fan of books from animals' perspectives, and am not a sentimental person at all, so this was not a personal favorite. It was well written and charming, and I can see why people recommend having tissues at hand when reading it, so it was not a personal favorite.
What I really think: While there have been an increasing number of stories about family's escaping wildfires and having to rebuild (from Tashjian's more humorous My Life as a Meme to Bard's graphic novel Wildfire to Baron's novel in verse Spark), Wombat and Henry's story was a bit gentler and more hopeful. It would not hurt my feelings if this won a Newbery award, but it does seem a little young for my middle school audience.
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A small dog in California has been on her own on the streets since her mother and siblings were lost to cars, and she is just trying to get by. When there are wildfires in the area, she hears a voice in her head telling to go towards the fire rather than away from it. Another dog, Silas, tells her that she is a "destiny dog" and might eventually meet her person, so she continues to follow the voice. There is a stunned owlet she meets along the way, and she manages to get the bird to hop onto a stick so she can carry him away from the fire. We also meet Henry, a boy who is preparing to leave his home along with his younger sister, Sylvie, his two mothers, and older neighbors. They all go to a shelter. Mama Ro works for the Orphaned Wild Life organization (OWL), and the animals from OWL are also brought to the shelter. When the dog sees Henry, she is delighted, and greets him enthusiastically. Henry, however, was bitten as a child and is wary of dogs. He does name her Wombat, since there are some similarities in appearance. Wombat camps out on a bench and just waits for Henry to pay her some attention. When he leaves, Wombat talks with one of the OWL rescues, a bat named Barnabus, and tells him that Henry is her destiny. She won't move from the bench, and while she doesn't want to interact with others, spends a lot of time comforting people and even being "canine Kleenex", soaking up human pain. Henry and his family return to their home only to find it gone. Nothing of Henry's survives. When he returns to the shelter, he and Wombat finally click, and plans are made to adopt Wombat when Henry's family finally gets a home.
Strengths: Wombat and Henry's stories are told in poems that, while free verse, are actually poetic. There's great use of figurative language and imagery. The idea of a "destiny dog" will appeal to readers who are fond of canines, and Wombat's patient vigil to wait for Henry is very sweet. The fact that it is based on Hachiko, a dog who waiting at a train station for his owner to come back for years after the man died, is the reason behind the statue of Wombat on a bench when the community rebuilds. There is a nice range of human and animal characters to give some depth to the novel, as well as some moments of humor during a bleak time. Jennifer Bricking's pencil sketches are adorable, and have a bit of a Garth Williams feel to them. I can see this being tremendously popular as a class read aloud in elementary schools.
Weaknesses: I'm not usually a fan of books from animals' perspectives, and am not a sentimental person at all, so this was not a personal favorite. It was well written and charming, and I can see why people recommend having tissues at hand when reading it, so it was not a personal favorite.
What I really think: While there have been an increasing number of stories about family's escaping wildfires and having to rebuild (from Tashjian's more humorous My Life as a Meme to Bard's graphic novel Wildfire to Baron's novel in verse Spark), Wombat and Henry's story was a bit gentler and more hopeful. It would not hurt my feelings if this won a Newbery award, but it does seem a little young for my middle school audience.
https://msyinglingreads.blogspot.com/...
https://msyinglingreads.blogspot.com/...
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Katherine Applegate is the queen of poignant animal / kid middle grade stories. The books are never cloying or saccharine. Yet they remain sweet and gentle for children, while not shying away from real events, challenges, hardships, and emotions.
Wombat Waiting is another beautiful book like that. Applegate uses the backdrop of 2025's devastating Pacific Palisades wildfires to introduce Wombat the dog, who doesn't have a home, and Henry the boy, who flees his home with his family when the fires start. The story is told from both points of view, and it takes most of the book for the two characters to finally come together, but the wait is so worth it.
I adored the the fact that this book is written as a novel in verse. That format, with fewer words on a page, and space for the story to breathe, is so accessible for younger or more reluctant readers.
Henry is sweet, sensitive, and full of integrity. His two moms are caring and solid, and the other human characters in the book add different touches of reality.
Wombat spends the book listening to The Voice, which other animals teach him is guiding him to his destiny.
There are so many beautiful lines. I highlighted many, but it just speaks to how good of a writer Applegate is that she can describe a feeling or a a simple event with words you'd never thought to use to describe it before and yet they make perfect sense. The imagery is spot on, yet not too complicated for younger readers. (Ex. The Santa Anas, the winds that bully Southern California... They kidnap caps...scramble clouds.)
Middle grade readers can be entertained and educated with this one. Kid environmental crusaders will appreciate the mild touches of climate change, wildfires, animal habitats, and how humans impact all of it. I can't wait to encourage lots of kids to pick this one up and meet Wombat.
Great Lines:
"Why do we have to make patterns out of stars?" "We seem to have this need to give those glowing balls of plasma tales to tell. I suppose that's how we create memories. We bind the bits together until we have a story we can live with." (Discussion between Henry and Mama J)
"Did humans have voices, too, inner guides so ferocious and consuming, telling you that you are something, that you need something, that you must become something?"
"Something was happening to the world, it seemed to Barnabas, and it was hard not to think that humans were to blame."
"Wombat was filled with a terrifying new feeling: doubt...It throbbed like a sore paw, she couldn't ignore."
"Wombat felt like a sponge, soaking up human pain as if it were her own."
"Was this really their neighborhood? It looks like the moon, Henry whispered, and it did, nothing but craters and ash."
"He wanted to be strong. He wanted to be the old, reliable Henry. But he'd lost a piece of himself, it seemed."
"Maybe this was her destiny, after all. Maybe there were lots of ways to find your place in the world."
"He didn't realize that there is no wrong way to talk to dogs, as long as your voice is kind."
Wombat Waiting is another beautiful book like that. Applegate uses the backdrop of 2025's devastating Pacific Palisades wildfires to introduce Wombat the dog, who doesn't have a home, and Henry the boy, who flees his home with his family when the fires start. The story is told from both points of view, and it takes most of the book for the two characters to finally come together, but the wait is so worth it.
I adored the the fact that this book is written as a novel in verse. That format, with fewer words on a page, and space for the story to breathe, is so accessible for younger or more reluctant readers.
Henry is sweet, sensitive, and full of integrity. His two moms are caring and solid, and the other human characters in the book add different touches of reality.
Wombat spends the book listening to The Voice, which other animals teach him is guiding him to his destiny.
There are so many beautiful lines. I highlighted many, but it just speaks to how good of a writer Applegate is that she can describe a feeling or a a simple event with words you'd never thought to use to describe it before and yet they make perfect sense. The imagery is spot on, yet not too complicated for younger readers. (Ex. The Santa Anas, the winds that bully Southern California... They kidnap caps...scramble clouds.)
Middle grade readers can be entertained and educated with this one. Kid environmental crusaders will appreciate the mild touches of climate change, wildfires, animal habitats, and how humans impact all of it. I can't wait to encourage lots of kids to pick this one up and meet Wombat.
Great Lines:
"Why do we have to make patterns out of stars?" "We seem to have this need to give those glowing balls of plasma tales to tell. I suppose that's how we create memories. We bind the bits together until we have a story we can live with." (Discussion between Henry and Mama J)
"Did humans have voices, too, inner guides so ferocious and consuming, telling you that you are something, that you need something, that you must become something?"
"Something was happening to the world, it seemed to Barnabas, and it was hard not to think that humans were to blame."
"Wombat was filled with a terrifying new feeling: doubt...It throbbed like a sore paw, she couldn't ignore."
"Wombat felt like a sponge, soaking up human pain as if it were her own."
"Was this really their neighborhood? It looks like the moon, Henry whispered, and it did, nothing but craters and ash."
"He wanted to be strong. He wanted to be the old, reliable Henry. But he'd lost a piece of himself, it seemed."
"Maybe this was her destiny, after all. Maybe there were lots of ways to find your place in the world."
"He didn't realize that there is no wrong way to talk to dogs, as long as your voice is kind."
June 2, 2026
Katherine Applegate notes at the end that the devastating Pacific Palisades and Altadena wildfires in January of 2025 loosely inspired this story. Like those fires, everything in this story happened quickly. Maybe it was a spark from a campfire that wasn't completely extinguished that was caught by the Santa Ana winds, maybe just Mother Nature doing what she does. The result is the same. Hardly any warning and a fire is suddenly raging and coming close. Grab your go-bags if you have any already packed for emergencies and anything else like birth certificates, phone chargers, and medicines, and get into your vehicle as quickly as possible and head to the nearest emergency shelter. This is what Henry Cooper woke up to. His two moms made sure to grab all the important things they would need, checked on the neighbors, made sure to take the elderly couple next door plus their rabbit with them, got Henry and his sister Sylvie in the car, and off they went. Not too far away is a dog who has never had a home or someone to care for her. She's just another stay on the streets, sleeping under bushes in the park, dodging cars on the streets, finding food where she can. She can smell the fire though and knows she needs to get away. She keeps hearing this voice telling her to go. It's confusing though since it tells her, "The right way is the wrong way. The wrong way is the right way". Where that voice leads her to is the emergency shelter where Henry and his family are. She knows she's there for a reason, that this is her destiny. So, she waits on the bench outside. Lots of people bring her food and make her a shelter so she's not baking in the hot sun. But she doesn't go with any of them. They aren't why she's here. The ending was so simple and sweet and I have to admit got me a bit teary-eyed.
Henry settled onto Wombat's bench.
Here, girl, Henry called.
Come sit with me.
Wombat looked at her person,
her beating heart,
her destiny.
Yes, said Voice.
Don't wait.
And she didn't.
(And if you think I probably got teary-eyed again just typing that, then you're probably correct!)
I loved that this story was written in verse. Stories written that way always give me much more insight into a character's thoughts and feelings and help me understand them better. Katherine Applegate never disappoints. She will always be my go-to author for animal stories that touch my heart. No one writes them better.
Henry settled onto Wombat's bench.
Here, girl, Henry called.
Come sit with me.
Wombat looked at her person,
her beating heart,
her destiny.
Yes, said Voice.
Don't wait.
And she didn't.
(And if you think I probably got teary-eyed again just typing that, then you're probably correct!)
I loved that this story was written in verse. Stories written that way always give me much more insight into a character's thoughts and feelings and help me understand them better. Katherine Applegate never disappoints. She will always be my go-to author for animal stories that touch my heart. No one writes them better.
June 11, 2026
Katherine Applegate has become one of my favorite middle-grade authors. I loved her One and Only Ivan series, her Endling trilogy, Odder, Pocket Bear, and other works of hers. So when I saw this book and its adorable cover, I knew I needed to give it a shot. And while I wouldn't call it as good as her other works, it was still very sweet and emotional, with a sensitive and necessary warning about what we're doing to the world.
Wombat is a stray dog who's begun to hear a Voice -- one telling her where to go. Another dog informs her that this voice makes her a Destiny Dog, one who's destined to follow the Voice and find her forever home. When the voice directs her into the path of a devastating wildfire, unites her with a wounded owl and a wise old bat, and takes her to a shelter housing people who evacuated ahead of the flames, she wonders whether to trust its words... until she meets a boy who just might be her new person.
Personally, this book didn't resonate with me quite as much as Odder or The One and Only Ivan. Probably because it took over half the book for the plot to fully kick in? But it's still a very good read. The characters, both human and animal, are well-done, and the book handles both heavy emotion and humor with a deft touch so that neither one feels overdone. The story is simple but sweet, good for kids even though it will definitely resonate with adults.
And both the book and its accompanying authors' notes make a point that wildfires like the ones that devastated California recently are becoming distressingly frequent... and that there will most likely be more in the future if we don't take action. It's a call to arms, albeit one couched in the story of a dog trying to find her forever family.
Wombat Waiting may not be Applegate's best, but it's still VERY good. Bonus for the audiobook being narrated excellently by Mara Wilson.
Wombat is a stray dog who's begun to hear a Voice -- one telling her where to go. Another dog informs her that this voice makes her a Destiny Dog, one who's destined to follow the Voice and find her forever home. When the voice directs her into the path of a devastating wildfire, unites her with a wounded owl and a wise old bat, and takes her to a shelter housing people who evacuated ahead of the flames, she wonders whether to trust its words... until she meets a boy who just might be her new person.
Personally, this book didn't resonate with me quite as much as Odder or The One and Only Ivan. Probably because it took over half the book for the plot to fully kick in? But it's still a very good read. The characters, both human and animal, are well-done, and the book handles both heavy emotion and humor with a deft touch so that neither one feels overdone. The story is simple but sweet, good for kids even though it will definitely resonate with adults.
And both the book and its accompanying authors' notes make a point that wildfires like the ones that devastated California recently are becoming distressingly frequent... and that there will most likely be more in the future if we don't take action. It's a call to arms, albeit one couched in the story of a dog trying to find her forever family.
Wombat Waiting may not be Applegate's best, but it's still VERY good. Bonus for the audiobook being narrated excellently by Mara Wilson.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in return for an honest, from-the-heart review.
No pun intended at all, but this is one of the hottest books coming out this year for middle grades and I'm so thankful I got to read this one.
My Rambling Thoughts:
I have a lot of emotions over this book. I finished it on the treadmill at the gym and it took everything in me to keep the tears locked inside. I still count this as a crier book because if I was at home, or anywhere else, I'd be letting them out freely. This book was amazing from start to finish. The fact that it seems Katherine Applegate can't write a bad book has continued on (ever since my childhood with Animorphs). This book has it all. I love it. I can't wait for it to come out so I can purchase copies for the media center because I know they will devour it. I also really loved the inclusion of Henry having two moms without it being like "see, look at us!" and all performative. Instead, it was just natural. No one said anything. No one batted an eye. And that's how life should be. It should be just like that.
What Worked:
Everything. By the end of the book, you know every character. By the end of the book, you understand the title perfectly. By the end of the book, you are feeling emotional for a BAT! I mean, it is that good.
What Didn’t Work:
Honestly? I can't think of anything that makes me feel like it didn't work. From start to finish, it was solid.
Emotional Impact:
Did I Cry? Yes!
Did I Get Angry? Yes!
Did I Run To My Wife And Tell Her To “Read This Now!”: No, but only because it isn't her style. I 100% added it to our order list for next school year, though!
The Stats:
Pages Read: 227
Time to Finish: 1 hour and 2 minutes
Pages Per Hour: 218.7
Days To Devour: 3
This Book Is For:
Middle grades for sure and all animal lovers.
⭐ Rating:
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Brock Seng -
Life is too short for re-reads and not DNFing “The Goldfinch”.
No pun intended at all, but this is one of the hottest books coming out this year for middle grades and I'm so thankful I got to read this one.
My Rambling Thoughts:
I have a lot of emotions over this book. I finished it on the treadmill at the gym and it took everything in me to keep the tears locked inside. I still count this as a crier book because if I was at home, or anywhere else, I'd be letting them out freely. This book was amazing from start to finish. The fact that it seems Katherine Applegate can't write a bad book has continued on (ever since my childhood with Animorphs). This book has it all. I love it. I can't wait for it to come out so I can purchase copies for the media center because I know they will devour it. I also really loved the inclusion of Henry having two moms without it being like "see, look at us!" and all performative. Instead, it was just natural. No one said anything. No one batted an eye. And that's how life should be. It should be just like that.
What Worked:
Everything. By the end of the book, you know every character. By the end of the book, you understand the title perfectly. By the end of the book, you are feeling emotional for a BAT! I mean, it is that good.
What Didn’t Work:
Honestly? I can't think of anything that makes me feel like it didn't work. From start to finish, it was solid.
Emotional Impact:
Did I Cry? Yes!
Did I Get Angry? Yes!
Did I Run To My Wife And Tell Her To “Read This Now!”: No, but only because it isn't her style. I 100% added it to our order list for next school year, though!
The Stats:
Pages Read: 227
Time to Finish: 1 hour and 2 minutes
Pages Per Hour: 218.7
Days To Devour: 3
This Book Is For:
Middle grades for sure and all animal lovers.
⭐ Rating:
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Brock Seng -
Life is too short for re-reads and not DNFing “The Goldfinch”.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Wombat by Katherine Applegate is a powerful and descriptive story that our class really enjoyed. The book is loosely based on recent wildfires, which made it feel important and meaningful. It helped us understand how animals and people are affected during natural disasters.
The story follows brave characters who face challenges and learn to be patient. One of the biggest lessons we took from the book is that even when things feel scary or uncertain, you will eventually find someone who helps you. The characters were very likeable and relatable, and we found ourselves rooting for them the whole time.
Katherine Applegate does an amazing job using descriptive language. We could clearly imagine the setting, the danger of the fire, and the emotions of the characters. It really felt like we were inside the story as we were reading.
We also love how Applegate often tells stories from the perspective of animals. Just like in The One and Only Ivan, the animals are the main characters, and the humans play smaller roles. This makes her stories unique and helps us see the world in a different way. She shows us what it means to be patient, brave, and fearless.
One thing we wished for was more backstory about Henry and Wombat. We wanted to learn more about their lives before the events of the story. Even so, we really enjoyed the book overall.
We would love to see a sequel, just like Katherine Applegate wrote for The One and Only Ivan. We think there is more of the story to tell!
Overall, Wombat is a touching and meaningful book that teaches important life lessons while telling an engaging story.
⭐ Our class recommends this book!
The story follows brave characters who face challenges and learn to be patient. One of the biggest lessons we took from the book is that even when things feel scary or uncertain, you will eventually find someone who helps you. The characters were very likeable and relatable, and we found ourselves rooting for them the whole time.
Katherine Applegate does an amazing job using descriptive language. We could clearly imagine the setting, the danger of the fire, and the emotions of the characters. It really felt like we were inside the story as we were reading.
We also love how Applegate often tells stories from the perspective of animals. Just like in The One and Only Ivan, the animals are the main characters, and the humans play smaller roles. This makes her stories unique and helps us see the world in a different way. She shows us what it means to be patient, brave, and fearless.
One thing we wished for was more backstory about Henry and Wombat. We wanted to learn more about their lives before the events of the story. Even so, we really enjoyed the book overall.
We would love to see a sequel, just like Katherine Applegate wrote for The One and Only Ivan. We think there is more of the story to tell!
Overall, Wombat is a touching and meaningful book that teaches important life lessons while telling an engaging story.
⭐ Our class recommends this book!
June 17, 2026
Who can resist a story about an adorable, big-hearted dog? 🐾
My grandson and I had the joy of reading an ARC of Wombat Waiting by Katherine Applegate—and it completely stole our hearts. Told in beautiful verse, this story follows Wombat, a patient and hopeful little dog, as she waits for the person she knows is meant to find her.
“The right way is the wrong way. The wrong way is the right way.”
At first, that line made us pause—but as Wombat’s journey unfolds, it becomes a gentle reminder that sometimes life leads us exactly where we’re meant to be, even when it doesn’t make sense in the moment.
N. shared that this story felt emotional—especially seeing Wombat waiting alone. His favorite part was when Wombat rescues the little owl 🦉, and it’s no surprise his favorite character was Wombat herself: caring, thoughtful, and always helping others along the way.
As Wombat journeys on, she forms sweet friendships (we loved the fruit bat!) and shows quiet courage and kindness. Katherine Applegate also weaves in the impact of wildfires, highlighting the way they affect animals, communities, and families with such care and honesty.
We are beyond excited to be seeing Katherine Applegate in just two weeks! N. already has his questions ready and has carefully chosen the books he wants signed—his excitement is the sweetest part of all.
If you’re looking for a story filled with compassion, resilience, patience, friendship, and love for our environment, this is one to add to your list.
Thank you to @harperkids and @kaaauthor for this beautiful ARC—it gave us not only a wonderful story, but also special reading memories together. ✨
.
My grandson and I had the joy of reading an ARC of Wombat Waiting by Katherine Applegate—and it completely stole our hearts. Told in beautiful verse, this story follows Wombat, a patient and hopeful little dog, as she waits for the person she knows is meant to find her.
“The right way is the wrong way. The wrong way is the right way.”
At first, that line made us pause—but as Wombat’s journey unfolds, it becomes a gentle reminder that sometimes life leads us exactly where we’re meant to be, even when it doesn’t make sense in the moment.
N. shared that this story felt emotional—especially seeing Wombat waiting alone. His favorite part was when Wombat rescues the little owl 🦉, and it’s no surprise his favorite character was Wombat herself: caring, thoughtful, and always helping others along the way.
As Wombat journeys on, she forms sweet friendships (we loved the fruit bat!) and shows quiet courage and kindness. Katherine Applegate also weaves in the impact of wildfires, highlighting the way they affect animals, communities, and families with such care and honesty.
We are beyond excited to be seeing Katherine Applegate in just two weeks! N. already has his questions ready and has carefully chosen the books he wants signed—his excitement is the sweetest part of all.
If you’re looking for a story filled with compassion, resilience, patience, friendship, and love for our environment, this is one to add to your list.
Thank you to @harperkids and @kaaauthor for this beautiful ARC—it gave us not only a wonderful story, but also special reading memories together. ✨
.
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
First of all, Wombat isn’t really a Wombat but a dog, one that has been on the street’s way to long. But the day everything seemed wrong to Wombat and he wanted to run away from all the strange smells and sights a voice told him to go the other way, “the wrong way is the right way”. Wombat follows the voices directions and his heart tells him what it wants only it is driving off in a blue car. Wombat’s voice tells him to wait, he does for a very long time. But he isn’t much used to people and the ones he’s been around have not been nice so the people feed him but think he is dangerous so they stay away. But as Wombat talks to animals he starts to warm up to the people but the one he really wants is the one he is waiting for the one scared some of dogs.
My heart broke for Wombat through each section of the book, and it did bring back the smells I have smelled many times while living in California. I love how Wombat helped others while trying to find what he is looking for. Wombat turned out to be a unofficial therapy dog to those in need, and without being taught, he just knew, and that is very special. Even though it was clear to all that Wombat was waiting for something no one knew what it was, but the kindness in the humans even when they thought he was not friendly was to make him comfortable too. There was just so much kindness and love in this book it should be a testament to all in how to be even when you are losing everything. I loved this book it is a true Applegate book.
Review copy provided by Edelweiss
My heart broke for Wombat through each section of the book, and it did bring back the smells I have smelled many times while living in California. I love how Wombat helped others while trying to find what he is looking for. Wombat turned out to be a unofficial therapy dog to those in need, and without being taught, he just knew, and that is very special. Even though it was clear to all that Wombat was waiting for something no one knew what it was, but the kindness in the humans even when they thought he was not friendly was to make him comfortable too. There was just so much kindness and love in this book it should be a testament to all in how to be even when you are losing everything. I loved this book it is a true Applegate book.
Review copy provided by Edelweiss
June 2, 2026
4.5 Stars. “There’s no wrong way to talk to a dog as long as your voice is kind.”
I don’t often include quotations in my reviews, that line though just so stood out to me when I read it and it really captures the tone of this novel in verse. This may be a super quick read but you’ll find it’s full of heart, a story you feel invested in from page one.
If you’re a stickler for realism you may not love certain aspects of this, for instance, various animal species have no problem chatting with one another (to me that just added to the warm community vibe), but the things that it’s most important to be real about, like the emotional impact of wildfires, this handles with care.
I wouldn’t have minded a little more family time with Henry, his sister, and his moms, particularly in post-evacuation life, though I was really pleased that we do get more to Wombat’s story than just waiting for her to connect with her person, she has her own heartwarming arc, gradually transitioning from someone who is very cautious (for good reason) and alone in the world, to seeing the value in making others feel less alone.
There’s some lump in the throat sadness in the very brief mention of Wombat’s backstory, but when I did get a bit teary with this one it wasn’t teary in a sad way, it was more I guess just feeling moved by the sense of comfort animals can bring you, which is something I’m kind of missing at the moment, if you’ve ever had that in your life, you’ll probably find something in this story to appreciate.
I don’t often include quotations in my reviews, that line though just so stood out to me when I read it and it really captures the tone of this novel in verse. This may be a super quick read but you’ll find it’s full of heart, a story you feel invested in from page one.
If you’re a stickler for realism you may not love certain aspects of this, for instance, various animal species have no problem chatting with one another (to me that just added to the warm community vibe), but the things that it’s most important to be real about, like the emotional impact of wildfires, this handles with care.
I wouldn’t have minded a little more family time with Henry, his sister, and his moms, particularly in post-evacuation life, though I was really pleased that we do get more to Wombat’s story than just waiting for her to connect with her person, she has her own heartwarming arc, gradually transitioning from someone who is very cautious (for good reason) and alone in the world, to seeing the value in making others feel less alone.
There’s some lump in the throat sadness in the very brief mention of Wombat’s backstory, but when I did get a bit teary with this one it wasn’t teary in a sad way, it was more I guess just feeling moved by the sense of comfort animals can bring you, which is something I’m kind of missing at the moment, if you’ve ever had that in your life, you’ll probably find something in this story to appreciate.
June 11, 2026
"From the Newbery Award-winning, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The One and Only Ivan and Odder comes a stunning new middle grade standalone novel about compassion, resilience, and surprising friendships, following a dog named Wombat in the aftermath of a catastrophic fire.
Wombat isn’t actually a wombat—but when the homeless dog is discovered, singed and ash-covered after a terrible fire destroys a community, someone tags her with the nickname and it sticks.
Wombat is a “destiny dog.” Something inside of her (she nicknames it “Voice’) keeps telling her there’s a special someone out there who is meant to be her person.
Surrounded by a devastated town, Wombat takes up residence on bench near the makeshift community center, an old brick warehouse that, for the most part, survived the flames. A small part of the community center evacuation site has been repurposed for the local wildlife rehab sanctuary that burned down. All of the animals were spared, and the temporary quarters include an elderly fruit bat and a young Northern saw-whet owl.Altadena
No matter what, Wombat refuses to move from her perch, despite the efforts of many humans. Clearly the dog is waiting for someone. But for whom? And what are the odds they survived?"
The author uses the 2025 California wildfires in Pacific Palisades and Altadena as the impetus for this story. Henry, the boy who is to belong to Wombat, has 2 mothers.
Wombat isn’t actually a wombat—but when the homeless dog is discovered, singed and ash-covered after a terrible fire destroys a community, someone tags her with the nickname and it sticks.
Wombat is a “destiny dog.” Something inside of her (she nicknames it “Voice’) keeps telling her there’s a special someone out there who is meant to be her person.
Surrounded by a devastated town, Wombat takes up residence on bench near the makeshift community center, an old brick warehouse that, for the most part, survived the flames. A small part of the community center evacuation site has been repurposed for the local wildlife rehab sanctuary that burned down. All of the animals were spared, and the temporary quarters include an elderly fruit bat and a young Northern saw-whet owl.Altadena
No matter what, Wombat refuses to move from her perch, despite the efforts of many humans. Clearly the dog is waiting for someone. But for whom? And what are the odds they survived?"
The author uses the 2025 California wildfires in Pacific Palisades and Altadena as the impetus for this story. Henry, the boy who is to belong to Wombat, has 2 mothers.
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