Wurrtoo

The Wombat Who Fell in Love with the Sky

Tylissa Elisara, Dylan Finney

$19.99

Hardback

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English

Lothian
27 March 2024

Children's & Educational; Adventure stories (Children's&YA)

ABBEY'S BOOKSELLER PICK ----- A slightly surreal story about a timid wombat, Wurrtoo, who has fallen in love with the sky and is determined to marry her. Kuula the koala becomes his travelling companion when Wurrtoo saves her from a bushfire on Kangaroo Island. Together they set out to cross to the mainland, meeting trickster animals and helpful creatures along the way. Wurrtoo may be foolish but he has a big heart, and he will find both strength and courage as he comes to understand what true friendship means. With line drawings throughout contributed by Dylan Finney, this is a bit Enid Blyton, a bit Wind in the Willows but thoroughly imbued with First Nations storytelling! Lindy

WINNER OF THE 2024 READINGS CHILDREN'S BOOK PRIZE

Described as an Indigenous Blinky Bill meets Winnie the Pooh, this heartwarming and beautifully illustrated middle-grade novel from 2021 black&write! fellow Tylissa Elisara follows Wurrtoo the wombat on his quest to marry the love of his life, the sky, while facing his fears and learning the importance of friendship along the way.

It all began in a burrow. The fifty-fifth burrow of Bushland Avenue to be exact. If you were ever lucky enough to find this beautiful clearing on Kangaroo Island where the arching gum trees kiss, you'd know that Wurrtoo's home is the one at the end with the big red trapdoor and large gold doorknob. Can you see it?

Wurrtoo the wombat lives a quiet and solitary life in his burrow on Kangaroo Island, hoping to one day travel to the mainland and marry the love of his life, the sky. When Wurrtoo inadvertently saves Kuula the koala from a bushfire, he acquires the adventure companion he didn't know he needed.

With Kuula by his side, Wurrtoo leaves the safety of his burrow and sets out on an epic journey to cross the island, reach the mainland and climb to the top of tallest tree in the Forest of Dreaming. But it's fire season, and danger and strange creatures lurk behind every gum tree. To make it, the pair must face their fears together, learn the importance of friendship and discover the power of wombat wishes.

Tylissa Elisara draws on classic children's literature in the tradition of Winnie the Pooh and Blinky Bill as well as stories from her own Narungga, Kaurna and Adnyamathanha heritage in this unique middle-grade novel about friendship, adventure and facing your fears.

'Passionately researched . . . Vividly imaginative . . . A story of the power of friendship, bravery and growth beyond comfort zones, for readers aged 9 and up' BOOKS+PUBLISHING

'Irresistibly playful . . . Told with such humour and whimsy I was charmed from the very beginning . . . Wurrtoo will find a place in the heart of children everywhere' READINGS

By: Tylissa Elisara
Illustrated by: Dylan Finney
Imprint: Lothian
Country of Publication: Australia
Dimensions: Height: 204mm, Width: 134mm, Spine: 24mm
Weight: 268g
ISBN: 9780734421982
ISBN 10: 0734421982
Pages: 160
Publication Date: 27 March 2024
Recommended Age: From 7 to 9 years
Audience: Children/juvenile , English as a second language
Format: Hardback
Publisher's Status: Active

Tylissa Elisara (Author) Tylissa Elisara is a children's social worker who lives and works in Meanjin (Brisbane) with her husband and children. She descends from the Narungga, Kaurna and Adnyamathanha people of South Australia and was born and raised on Mamu Country in Innisfail, Queensland - a heritage, alongside her Irish ancestry, that she proudly regards as a long legacy of storytelling. Tylissa is studying a Master of Writing, Editing and Publishing at the University of Queensland. Wurrtoo is her first novel. Dylan Finney (Illustrator) Dylan Finney is an Australian-born graphic designer and artist. He is a proud descendant of the Yanula and Mara clans, and also has English and Irish heritage. He lives on Darkinjung land. His work explores identity and culture - inspired by people, places, animals, light and colour. Dylan lives on the NSW Central Coast.