The Fire Wombat
By Jackie French and Danny Snell
Reviewed by Mia Macrossan
Here is another story about her beloved wombats from the ever prolific Jackie French.
The Fire Wombat is a topical story of how animals in the bush struggle to find safety from a fierce bush fire.
The wombat flees to ‘ancient tunnels cool and deep, where even bushfire’s breath can’t creep’. The other animals follow and huddle together until the fire has gone. Jackie is quick to point out that there is no evidence of animals actually doing this but it is a lovely idea.
The horror isn’t over just because the fire is out and wombat and the other animals have a long, weary and painful journey ahead of them to find food and shelter.
The simple catchy rhyme perfectly captures the power and destruction of the fire and the relief when it is all over and Danny’s illustrations sensitively evoke the heat and devastation.
In a note at the end Jackie makes a plea for us all to help wildlife after disasters and suggest we donate to a wildlife charity, or join a group that can train in animal care. She sets the best example by donating a portion of the proceeds of the sale of this book to The Wombat Protection Society.
