Product Description

Wombat loves everything about Christmas--especially the Nativity play. But at the auditions, the first part goes to someone else. So does the next. And the next . . . Will there be a part left for Wombat? "Embodies a refreshing all-for-one Christmas spirit. . . . Its pleasures are infectious."--Publishers Weekly (starred review) "Delicious humor. . . . A delight to read and share."--School Library Journal (starred review)

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #306489 in Books
• Published on: 2001-02-01
• Original language: English
• Binding: Hardcover
• 32 pages

From Amazon.com
Wombat is a cute and lovable character with a passion for the stage and a desire to be in the nativity play. The popular illustrations of Kerry Argent are well loved by children, and this book could easily become a Christmas classic.

From Publishers Weekly
The show must go on?and the annual Nativity play is no exception. Ready to break a leg, Wombat eagerly auditions for every part in the production, only to find that he's not quite suited for any of them. When fussy director Emu brilliantly suggests that Wombat accept the important role of baby Jesus, the play is finally ready for opening night. In her humorous and understated watercolors, Argent's (One Woolly Wombat) beguiling bunch of Australian animals embodies a refreshing all-for-one Christmas spirit. Fox's (Time for Bed) title is one of the few this season to take a playful approach to Christmas and its pleasures are infectious. Ages 4-8.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist
Ages 4^-8. Pity the poor Wombat. He loves Christmas and carols and presents, but most of all, he loves the Nativity play. However, when he tries out for the play, there doesn't seem to be a part for him. He's too heavy to be the angel Gabriel, too short to be one of the three kings, too sleepy to be Joseph. It seems as if Wombat won't be treading the boards, until one of the animals comes up with the perfect part, Baby Jesus: "He even fell asleep, just as a real baby would." As usual, Fox spiffily combines a witty text with her wonderful art. Here the fun comes with seeing all sorts of Australian animals (emu, bilby, kangaroo) decked out in their Christmas-play garb. The crisp watercolors set against pure white backgrounds will delight story-hour audiences and lap sitters alike. Ilene Cooper

Customer Reviews

Beautiful Christmas story...
If you are looking for a different type of Christmas story for your children this season, I highly recommend this one. A friend from Australia sent this to my son and we absolutely love it. It has a sing-songy verse, adorable illustrations, and a beautiful story-line that is just not your "standard" Christmas story. Poor Wombat desperately wants to be a part of the Nativity play, but there is just no part he is suited for - except - the most important part of all! I'm buying several copies of this book to give as gifts. Get a copy for yourself - you will love it.

A lovely Christmas present
Wombat Divine is a lovely (and beautifully illustrated) Christmas story if you're looking for something a little unusual. Wombat tries out for all of the parts in the Nativity play, but he's such a big clumsy muddle of a wombat that they can't find a part for him to play. Finally they think of the perfect role for him - the sleeping baby Jesus.

Wombat's various disasters are very funny for kids, and the Australian animals are very well drawn (lots of character). Wombat Divine is a great addition to the bookshelf.

A Must for Any Children's Book Collection
We have purchased or have been gifted about 200 children's books overthe past 4 years and browsed through many more at bookstores andlibraries. My wife and I agree that Wombat Divine is at the top of our list of favorite children's books. It is also the book most requested by our children. The story is short and touching. The words are carefully crafted. The artwork is wonderfully vibrant and provocative. The story is about native Australian animals, Christmas, live theatre, auditions, rivalry, friendship, heartbreak, joy, and success. I recommended it to a School Librarian and her reply was: "Based on your recommendation, I looked for Wombat Divine in a bookstore - found it, loved it, bought it"....