Denton, Terry. 2008. Wombat & Fox. Published by Kane/Miller
I wasn't "wowed" by the cover of this one. But the text had me at hello. "This is a story of what happened to Wombat on Tuesday. I could tell you about Monday, but nothing happened on Monday. So Tuesday it is." See what I mean...does that not say read me, read me? Wombat & Fox is a chapter book--three stories within one book--that would be great for the 7 and up crowd. (Though for a read aloud I suppose it could work for a bit younger crowd.) The book would meet Alice's approval--if she were still around--since its illustrations are liberal. Overall, I'd say it was a nice blend between text and illustrations. The amount of illustrations might be friendly to those intimated by text-only chapter books (novels), but don't be fooled there is plenty of plot within its pages.
Wombat and Fox are friends. And the three stories do focus on them, their friendship, and their adventures. It also focuses on their community as many side characters are introduced. The three stories are "Wombat's Lucky Dollar," "Golden Cleat Fox," and "A Hot Night in the City."
The writing is amazingly appealing. Let me rephrase that. Some books appeal to kids. Some books appeal to adults. Some appeal to both kids and adults. Some books don't appeal to either kids or adults. While I'm not saying that every adult should rush out and buy Wombat & Fox for their own pleasure reading, I am saying that those adults who enjoy children's books and have the occasion to read with their children--parents, aunts and uncles, grandparents, teachers, librarians--would most likely find the writing style to be refreshingly smart and appealing. In a way (and to a smaller extent) like the Frog and Toad books are universally appealing.
So in other words, I liked it.
Remember, you've still got time to enter my anniversary givewaway. Enter here for a chance to win one of four boxed sets published by Kane/Miller. The drawing will be on August 27th. (Full rules are on the initial post.)
Another review: Fuse #8,
© Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews
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