Combat Wombat to the rescue by Gina Newton

Illus. by Tiffanee Daley. Ford Street Publishing, 2020. ISBN: 9781925804577.
(Age: 4+) Recommended. Combat Wombat to the rescue is a beautifully illustrated picture book about Australian animals trapped in a bushfire. They are led to safety by Combat Wombat Wildlife Warrior who has discovered he has a super-sensitive nose, ears and paws. Along their journey to safety they overcome obstacles including outwitting sneaky Dingo Bingo, to finally arrive on Billabong Island where they can relax and play.
This is a perfect read aloud for younger students and has all the elements children love - danger, excitement and a hero to save the day! However the story could also be used as a lead-in to a unit of work on Bushfires for all primary aged students. Ford Street Publishing has developed a comprehensive Teacher resources pack to supplement the book. The topics covered include:
1. Habitat is home
2. Fire in the bush
3. Aboriginal peoples and fire
4. To the rescue!
As well as curriculum links to HASS, English and Science for Foundation to Year 3, the resources also look at sustainability and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Histories and Cultures. There are printable worksheets at the end of the pack.
The stunning illustrations by Tiffanee Daley perfectly complement the simple text. She has created a series of behind the scenes videos showing how she completes her drawings from the storyboard concept, found on her YouTube channel.
Themes: Wombats, Bushfires, Australian bush, Australian animals.
Kathryn Beilby