Swim, Little Wombat, Swim! [Hardcover]

Charles Fuge (Author), Gullane Children's Books (Producer)

Book Description

Age Level: 2 and up

Little Wombat is back! Award-winning author and illustrator Charles Fuge--whose Sometimes I Curl Up in a Ball sold 106,000 copies and charmed critics and children alike--has created a new adventure for his ever-popular character. It's a fun-filled tale about discovering new friends and appreciating others' differences.

Fans of Charles Fuge's Little Wombat will rejoice at the adorable creature's return--and at the introduction of an appealing new friend for his hero. And what an unusual animal Platypus is: he waddles when he walks, has a funny fuzzy face, and most special of all, can swim just like a fish. Little Wombat would love to do that too. But are wombats meant for the water...or is he better off staying on dry land?
Every child who has ever eyed the swimming pool nervously will happily follow Little Wombat's success.

Praise for Sometimes I like to Curl Up In a Ball!
"With a repertoire of comic expressions worthy of Nathan Lane...[t]his book from a British duo is silly to the core, but it is also a pointed paean to the power of unscheduled play."---Publishers Weekly

"This book celebrates the world of a preschooler with verve and excitement...Wombat is buoyant and darling, charming and fun."--School Library Journal

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

PreSchool-K–In this third book about Little Wombat, the marsupial learns a lesson about making judgments. He meets an unfamiliar creature, a platypus, and makes fun of its walk and fuzzy face. But the two become friends after Wombat tries to show off and sinks in the pond where Platypus is swimming. Patient Platypus teaches Wombat to swim, and they celebrate with a race as Wombat's friends cheer him on. These Australian animals may be unfamiliar to some children, but not Wombat's bad behavior, although once he gets to know Platypus, he has the grace to feel ashamed. The large, full-page illustrations are warm and reflective, and show the growing connection between the pair. They also depict the humor of the struggle as Wombat learns to swim. This story offers a good lesson about friendship. It is also reassuring to potential new swimmers.–Susan E. Murray, Glendale Public Library, AZ
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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 2 and up
  
• Hardcover: 24 pages
• Publisher: Sterling (August 1, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 140272375X
• ISBN-13: 978-1402723759
• Product Dimensions: 10.4 x 9.9 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #253,606 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #36 in Books > Children's Books > Sports & Games > Sports > Water Sports

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Wombat, A Platypus, And Water Safety, July 15, 2006

By 

Robert I. Hedges - See all my reviews
(HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)    (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Swim, Little Wombat, Swim! (Hardcover)

This is a delightful and unusual children's book about respect, friendship, and water safety. In the beginning Little Wombat thinks Platypus is odd, but Platypus rescues Little Wombat after he falls into the water. Platypus then teaches Little Wombat to swim, and they become friends. The message is great for young kids: respect and kindness for those different than you. There is a secondary message of water safety that many young non-swimmers will appreciate: swimming can be fun, but safety is important (Platypus even teaches Little Wombat to "never swim on a full tummy.") In the end Little Wombat, Platypus, Koala, and Rabbit all have a great time, and all learn important lessons about friendship.

The illustrations in the book are first rate, and the story, while simple, is a good one that will be sure to captivate young readers.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Entertaining!, December 4, 2005

By 

Mike Nappi (NYC) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Swim, Little Wombat, Swim! (Hardcover)

The illustrations in this book are amazing! The colors and detail will keep young readers interested and attentive. Little Wombat meets a new friend who is quite different from him. He thinks this new friend is funny at first but soon discovers that his new friend is quite special and can teach him much. The story though a bit trite, is one that young readers will probably be able to relate to, or at least understand. The moral of this tale is one that everyone can enjoy!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Enjoyable fun, November 6, 2006

By 

Steven Williams "Member of the Guard" (Colorado Springs, CO USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Swim, Little Wombat, Swim! (Hardcover)

My 4 year old enjoys the Little Wombat series and this book did not dissappoint. The whimsical artwork and rhymes delight his young mind. He enjoys reading them with me and "reading" them back to me.