Welcome, Wombat

by Kama Einhorn

Photo-packed series explores the stories and science behind animal sanctuaries. An up-close look at what life is like at a real wombat sanctuary in Australia--straight from a wombat himself in a nonfiction chapter book for elementary-aged readers. Includes full-color photos, graphics, and maps.

When Panzer the new baby wombat shows up at Sleepy Burrows Wombat Sanctuary in Australia, veteran wombat Chance is excited to show the new gal the ropes. Before any animal can be successfully released back into the wild, many things have to happen. After rescue comes recovery, then rehabilitation, and finally, release into the Australian bush. Those are animal-sanctuary tenets--an animal will remain safe until release or until it dies. Chance and Panzer must learn how to find food, dig, and protect themselves. Young readers will love the dusty, charming crew of sanctuary wombats! Other books in the photo-packed True Tales of Rescue series include Sweet Senior Pups , Anteater Adventure , Raccoon Rescue, Tiger Time, and Go, Goats! A portion of the author's proceeds will be donated to Sleepy Burrows Wombat Sanctuary.

Genres: Nonfiction, Animals, Nature, Middle Grade, Australia

160 pages, Hardcover

Published November 20, 2018

Reviews

[Elizabeth☮ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this in hardcover. It is part of a series that I’m sure we will track down.

This is a story about a couple in Australia that help rescue wombats. We hear from the perspective of a wombat in the rescue “school.” My daughter read this to me and she couldn’t wait to get back to it every night.

We watched videos on the website of www.sleepyburrows.comau. Visit and try not to smile at the cuteness.

A great series that reminds kids about rescue efforts to help animals and bringing a respect for nature.

[Debra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Learning about the rescue, rehabilitation and sanctuary of wombats was not something I thought I needed in my life, but I was so very wrong. From the eyes of a wombat rescued from injury we walk through the rescue of a wombat baby found in a pouch after a car killed the mother. (I had never thought about other marsupials as in Michigan we only deal with Oppossums in this kind of situation.) I am better for reading about these Wombats and how the people in the sanctuary care for their every need in stages of care to allow the chance that they will one day choose to live in the wild where they belong. Through the wombat's eyes there are diagrams, fact boxes, photos, and details of dependence on the rescuers through to no need for human dependency in this fact filled book in narrative format.

I am super impressed with the attention to detail within the "voice" of a wild animal that would not have survived without human intervention. Students need narrative nonfiction as it is easier to read and understand when they can make personal connections, even from another continent.

[Cassandra Doon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chance, the wise and lovable talking wombat, warmly greets newly rescued baby Panzer as they both settle into their sanctuary. Surrounded by lush greenery and the comforting sounds of nature, Chance takes it upon himself to educate Panzer about their human caretakers who have taken them in until they can be released back into the wild. The pages are filled with charming photos of other rescued wombats at various stages of growth, giving readers a glimpse into the journey of these unique creatures. Along with delightful storytelling and fun facts from Chance, this book also offers valuable resources such as suggested readings, websites, ways to support wombat sanctuaries, a glossary of terms, a bibliography of sources, and even some quirky Australian slang words for added entertainment. A true treasure trove of information and heartwarming tales, this book is perfect for young animal lovers and anyone curious about these fascinating creatures.

[Trisha Lynch · Rating 4 out of 5]

Part of 2019-2020 Book Recommendations: The book True Tales of Rescue Welcome Wombat is a true story of a baby wombat that shows up at Sleepy Burrows Sanctuary in Australia, Chance, the veteran wombat, is excited to show the new gal the ropes. Before any animal can be successfully released, many things have to happen. Once the animal is done with recovery, then they need to begin rehabilitation before the wombat is released into the wild. Lots of real photos to give you a look into the sanctuary and the life of a wombat. The book is told from the wombats perspective. This book is part of a series of books called True Tales of Rescue. The books are written by Kama Einhorn and are great books for all animal loving children.

[Arminzerella · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chance, the wombat, narrates a welcome to newly rescued “pinky” Panzer and shares wombat facts and information about the sanctuary and humans who have taken them in to raise and keep safe until such a time comes when they can return to the wild. Details about wombat nature and habits is imparted in a fun, informative way as Chance offers advice and guidance. Filled with photos of rescued wombats at different stages of development, kids who love animal stories (and anyone interested in wombats) will enjoy this entry in the True Tales of Rescue series. Concludes with lots of back matter for further reading/research, websites to check out, ways you can help wombats/sanctuaries, a glossary, bibliography, Australian words and phrases, and an index. A great package!

[Jennifer Heise · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fictionalized wombat's-eye view of a wombat rescue operation, with lots of accurate details and some adorable photos. A bit cutesy, like many first-person animal fictionalizations, but should play well with elementary school veterinary fans. Compare to/pair with How to Scratch a Wombat: Where to Find It . . . What to Feed It . . . Why It Sleeps All Day.

[Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wombat facts and the story of an inspiring wildlife rescue sanctuary. Told as advice from an almost graduate of the sanctuary to a newly rescued "pinkie"

Really excellent factual information about this engaging creature imparting respect and understanding of this unique and endangered marsupial. Also does a good job of emphasizing that this species is NOT cut out to be a house pet!

Fun and informative.

[Kip · Rating 4 out of 5]

Super sweet and informative. Now, more than ever, I must have a wombat. A little sad that there was not so much talk about their armored backsides and cubed waste. Cute and fun, nonetheless, and the kiddos will love it.

[Mary-Esther Lee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Chance the wombat tells the story of the Sleepy Burrows Wombat Sanctuary. It's a creative way to learn about wombat behaviour. Plus, the pictures are really cute.

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful book for all kids and for interested adults! The author visits a wombat rehabilitation facility in Australia. She tracks the progress of one baby wombat from its arrival until after it is released into the wild.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nat likes the fact that the book is written in the voice of a wombat telling a baby wombat everything they need to know :)

[Virginia · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Abigail · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was so cute. It was educational and very fun and refreshing.