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The Weeping Wombat

by Tracey Hecht (text) & illus. by Josie Yee
Fabled Films. (Nocturnals Early Reader). Aug. 2020. 64p. Tr $12.99. ISBN 9781944020347; pap. $5.99. ISBN 9781944020330.
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Gr 2-4–The Nocturnals return for another adventure in this early reader book. Walter the wombat is feeling sad because the other wombats tease him over his weepiness. Dawn, Bismark, and Tobin find Walter and help him understand how weeping does not make him a wimp, but can be a useful action. Hecht’s great take on friendship makes deft use of simple words with a few complex ones to create a new lesson. The book is aimed at readers just transitioning into more difficult books, while also teaching important social-emotional skills. Yee’s comic illustrations show exactly how characters are feeling and what is being described, and are perfectly in step with the text, enabling an understanding of the featured players.
VERDICT Overall, Hecht and Yee have continued to create compelling characters involved in lessons spotlighting life skills, while including the importance and fun of alliteration.
Reviewed by Margaret Kennelly , Jun 19, 2020

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