But just finding her isnt enough to make them a family. Armed with a name and a town, Arlo finds his only other family member - the grandmother he doesnt remember ever meeting. But how long before someone finds out that Arlo is taking care of the grandfather he lives with instead of the other way around? When Poppo lands in the hospital and a social worker comes to take charge, Arlos fear of foster care sends him alone across three hundred miles. Arlo holds on as best he can, fixing himself cornflakes for dinner and paying back the owner of the corner store for the sausages Poppo eats without remembering to pay. Not literally - he just mixes up the past with the present. Next Next post: Wombat Stew, by Marcia K.When his grandfathers dementia raises the specter of foster care, Arlo flees to find his only other family member in this genuine, heartening novel. Omnibus Books, an imprint of Scholastic Australiaįirst Published 1995, this edition 2005 Author Sally Murphy Posted on DecemCategories Picture Books Tags australian christmas, christmas, kerry argent, mem fox, wombat Post navigation Wombat Divine, by Mem Fox, illustrated by Kerry Argent To celebrate the tenth anniversary since the book was published, Scholastic have produced a special edition with metallic highlights on the cover.

The richly coloured illustrations, by well-known artist Kerry Argent, bring the Australian animals to life in a perfect complement to the tale.

Wombat Divine is a touching Christmas story from one of Australia’s best known picture book authors, Mem Fox. He plays his part to perfection – even falling asleep. When the night of the play comes, everyone is nervous, except Wombat. Finally, just when it looks like Wombat is going to miss out completely, Bilby has an excellent idea. But someone else is chosen for every part, because Wombat is too big or too heavy, or too short or too sleepy. When Wombat goes to the auditions for the Nativity, he tries out for every part – from the Archangel Gabriel to the Three Kings, and even Mary. He loved the carols and the candles, the presents and the pudding, but most of all he loved the Nativity Play.

Wombat Divine by Mem Fox