[.ca] Wombat Divine (ISBN 0152014160)

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.

Emu the director - a portrait of the author's husband!:
This delicious book has an emu directing the Bush nativity. The bossiness and professionalism of Emu are based on the author's husband who teaches Theatre and directs several plays a year! The book is one of Mem Fox's best and the illustrations by Kerry Argent are very witty.

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"....