Common Sense Media Review
By Mary Eisenhart
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Appealing verse tale of boy and dog in harrowing fire.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 8+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
WOMBAT WAITING is the poetic tale of a wary but hopeful young street dog and a serious-minded, kind-hearted 9-year-old who find each other among the crowds fleeing the fire that's destroying their homes. Wombat knows as soon as she sees Henry and his family at the shelter that he's the one for her, but he's not quite ready, so she waits, day in and day out, on a bench outside the shelter where humans and animals have taken refuge. One thing leads to another, and soon she's providing a lot of comfort and support to those who need it.
Is It Any Good?
Against a catastrophic backdrop of Southern California wildfire, Katherine Applegate brings an uplifting, heart-filled tale of a 9-year-old boy and a hopeful stray dog caught up in the disaster. Unfolding in short verse chapters with lots of cute illustrations by Jennifer Bricking, Wombat Waiting offers irresistible characters of several species coping with overwhelming emotions and big challenges as the flames take their homes. Readers will share Wombat's hope of a happily-ever-after and her fears that it'll never happen, and cheer as kindness, patience, humor, and understanding make all the difference even in the worst of times.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about stories like WOMBAT WAITING that take place in times of natural disasters. Why are disaster tales such a popular theme? What do we learn about characters as they face these situations?
When Wombat feels empathy for the stranded baby owl and comes to his rescue, her act of kindness is life-changing for both of them. Have you ever helped someone who really needed it? What happened? What made you decide to do it, and how did it turn out?
Have you ever visited a wildlife center? Did you learn anything that surprised you about the animals there? Were there any animals you really liked? Were there any you'd be happy to avoid forever?
Book Details
- Author :
- Illustrator : Jennifer Bricking
- Genre : Animals
- Topics : Animals ( Dogs , Wild Animals ) , Family Stories ( Moms , Siblings ) , Friendship
- Character Strengths : Compassion , Empathy , Gratitude , Perseverance , Self-control , Teamwork
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Storytide
- Publication date : May 5, 2026
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 8 - 12
- Number of pages : 336
- Available on : Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Award : Common Sense Selection
- Last updated : May 7, 2026
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