Warren’s wombat adventure by Liam Kelly. Illus. by Claire Donovan

This is an unusual addition to the stories which project animals or the environment, through travel, as Warren the wombat goes to an array of places in South Australia. Unusual in the way it is presented, no publication page or information about the publisher or author, so it is simply up to the book to worm its way into the hands of young readers.

They will love going around the state of South Australia with Warren as their guide, although he is a bit lost and is searching for his home, where he must be home by three for tea.

In four line rhyming stanzas we follow Warren, saying some of the lines with the reader as they are repeated, and we see him at various well known destinations. Starting at the Wellington Ferry, he goes to Chinatown in the centre of the City of Adelaide, then boards the tram for Glenelg, and Mosley Square. We find him then at Hahndorf in the Adelaide Hills, followed by Port Adelaide, looking at the lighthouse and boats in the harbour. Off to Berri with the Big Orange, then north to dance with the locals, down to Port Lincoln, known for its fishing, and here he is told to go north to Ceduna. Here he finds his home, and all is sweet.

Kids will love getting a map of South Australia on which to trace Warren’s journey, and find out more about the southern hairy nosed wombat, South Australia’s animal representative.

The illustrations by Claire Donovan will intrigue readers, looking at the sights, sounds and colours of South Australia, taking in the range of differences around the state. Animals, environments, and flora can be seen during Warren’s adventure.

Themes: South Australia, Adventure, Journeys, Tourism, Flora and fauna of South Australia, Pitjantjatjara.