The most famous Mem Fox book is of course Possum Magic but in my view Wombat Divine, published in 1989, is equally special. I love the premise of Australian animals auditioning for the nativity play and the determination of one little wombat to gain a part. The little repeated phrase works so well when you read this book aloud to young children.
"Never mind, Wombat! Don't lose heart.
Why not try for a different part?"
I seem to be following a wombat theme this week. This is quite accidental but since I have 98 reviews for 2015 and in about 4 hours it will be 2016 I thought I might squeeze in two more reviews and reach 100 books for the year.
What part will Wombat take for this important play? "With his heart full of hope and his head full of dreams, he hurried along to the auditions."
Wombat tries out for the Archangel Gabriel but he is too heavy
Wombat tries out for the role of Mary but he is too bigWombat would like to be one of the three kings but he is considered too short to be a king
He is also rejected for the roles of Joseph, the inn keeper and one of the shepherds
"And then there were no parts left. Wombat hung his head and hoped he wouldn't cry."
Here is a drama lesson based on Wombat Divine.
Here is the US cover and an illustration by the very talented Kerry Argent.
In 2006 Wombat Divine featured in the Myer Christmas window in Melbourne. How amazing!
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