Wombat Waiting by Katherine Applegate
on 5/5/26
ISBN: 0063221179
Genres: Animals
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads

Wildfires have struck California and Henry and his family, like many others, are evacuating to a shelter.  Animals, too, are fleeing to safety, but Wombat, a stray dog, is hearing a message to go towards the fire, not away from it.  Wombat ends up at the shelter, trying to determine who his destiny is.  He stays on the bench outside but doesn’t allow any people to get close to him. Eventually Wombat realizes that his destiny, her human, is Henry.   Wombat quickly learns that Henry is afraid of dogs and she works hard to show Henry that she is actually friendly and loving.  It takes some time, but Wombat finally finds who she belongs with, and she waits at the shelter with Henry, his moms, and sister, until they find a new place to call home.

Fans of Katherine Applegate will love this sweet novel in verse about belonging, community, and perseverance.  It’s not easy for Wombat to trust, but she learns to trust her instincts, especially when it comes to Henry.  Henry loves animals, but a previous incident has caused him to be afraid of dogs.  As he heals after the loss of his house, Henry opens himself to Wombat, who helps.  This book would be a great addition to libraries serving elementary students.

Reviewed by Lindsay Varnum, Orono Public Library