Another underlying theme is that friends encourage each other even if they are competing for the same thing. The theme of never giving up develops as Wombat continues to try for parts that do not suit him. The plot and the theme of the book are woven together seamlessly. Handling rejection is common with children and frequently found in the plot of a children’s story. The plot is believable to young children, especially those who do not fit in with the crowd. The characters are engaging and encourage Wombat to continue to try out for parts even though he is rejected for one after another. These native animals include an emu, a wombat, a koala, kangaroos, a platypus, a dingo, and a bilby. First, the animals are indigenous to Australia.

Since she lives in Australia, that influence is seen throughout the book. Mem Fox has written an engaging Christmas picture book filled with Australian animals as the characters. Even though Wombat is old enough to play a part, he struggles to find one that fits him with his big size and limited capabilities. Wombat and his friends are excited as they audition for the parts in the play. The animal characters are putting on a production of the Nativity play to be held on Christmas Eve. A good friend, the final contented huddle tells readers, is also a good listener.

But as much as this book is about being the center of the universe, it’s also about letting others hold the stage. The boy, of course, is the engine driving each toy’s adventure, as Fox and Stringer reveal in the final pages. turned out okay.” Thus, with Stringer (The Princess and Her Panther) providing all the details in velvety, saturated acrylics, readers learn that Blue Horse and Greedy Goose (the who), ended up enjoying tea and cookies (the what), after a scary thunderstorm (the why) prompted Goose to throw a blanket over the checkerboard rocking horse to create a tent that made them feel snug and safe. Or, as Fox puts it, “the who, the what, the why, and the way. “There once was a boy who loved bedtime,” writes Fox (Two Little Monkeys), and within a few pages, it’s clear why: when Mommy gives “the last good night” and departs, the boy gets to snuggle up with his beloved toys to discuss their respective days.

Wombat Divine by Mem Fox