Wombat

Deceptively sharp, like a wombat’s bottom. (index) (Informational picture book. 5-10)

Copyright 2021 Kirkus Reviews, LLC Used with permission

Gr 3-4--A brief look at a pregnant and then new mother wombat's life in her native habitat reveals nocturnal habits, physical features, behaviors, diet, and more. The visual text draws the readers attention, and the illustrations provide a charmingly attractive background. Library selectors will be tempted to purchase, because of the intermix of well-written third-to-fourth grade text. Unfortunately, though all of the illustrations are appealing, there are few that keenly demonstrate what is happening; most do not. When the text makes note of special physical features, the illustrations do not focus on them and bring them to light. When danger from a territorial dispute between wombats arises, for example, the text describes the action, but the illustrations do not make it clear what is happening. The illustrations remain placid. This disparity is confusing. Disappointingly, there is also no documentation. After matter consists of a paragraph supplying more information about wombats and a useful index. VERDICT Though the art is charming and the text well written, this is not a first purchase.--Nancy Call, formerly at Santa Cruz P.L., Aptos, CA