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  • Published: 16 July 2019
  • ISBN: 9781760890544
  • Imprint: Picture Puffin
  • Format: Board Book
  • Pages: 24
  • RRP: $14.99

Once I Heard a Little Wombat




A beautiful Australian take on a classic nursery rhyme.

**SPEECH PATHOLOGY AUSTRALIA BOOK OF THE YEAR AWARDS 2016 WINNER**
**ENVIRONMENT AWARD FOR CHILDREN'S LITERATURE 2016 JOINT WINNER**

An Australian Bedtime Classic Reimagined


'Once I heard a little wombat stomp stomp stomp . . .'

This book offers a whimsical journey through Australia's unique landscapes and introduces children to our distinct animal inhabitants. Read along and act out the movements as these baby Australian animals eat, play, and settle down for nap time.

What Your Little One Will Learn


* Animal Awareness: An engaging introduction to Australia's special critters.
* Restful Routines: The calm ending aids in settling down for naps or bedtime.
* Interactive Learning: Encourages vocalisation and action, boosting linguistic and motor skills.

More Than Just a Bedtime Story


Sure to be a hit with kids toddlers and pre-school age children, this picture book offers more than just a goodnight tale. It's a great way to learn about Australia's special wildlife and make bedtime extra special, too.

A Cherished Keepsake


With its beautiful illustrations and captivating story, this book isn't just another item on the shelf. It's a keepsake to treasure for years to come—making it an excellent gift choice for birthdays, holidays, or any occasion that calls for something truly special.
  • Published: 16 July 2019
  • ISBN: 9781760890544
  • Imprint: Picture Puffin
  • Format: Board Book
  • Pages: 24
  • RRP: $14.99

About the author

Renee Treml

Renée Treml was inspired by Australia’s wildlife and native birds after moving from the USA to Australia in 2007. She loves to create artworks that highlight the subtle details of nature with delicacy and humour. Renée’s books have won or been listed for awards including the CBCA Crichton Award for New Illustrator, Speech Pathology Book of the Year and the Environment Award for Children’s Literature. Renée’s illustrations are featured on a variety of products, including stationery, ceramics and fine art prints.

Also by Renee Treml

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Praise for Once I Heard a Little Wombat

And as well as being a beautiful object, Once I Heard a Little Wombat generously provides almost everything a parent or carer for a toddler could ask for in a story: movement prompts, a bold and contrasting subject for each spread, varying colour backgrounds, sounds (and just the right amount of repetition), voices, rhyme, first person narrative and can't you just imagine it as a song? Once I Heard a Little Wombat is a deceptively sophisticated combination of art and aesthetic, with thoughtful and studied consideration of audience. It is exactly what a board book should be!

The Little Bookroom

This delightful board book will engage young listeners at lots of levels as they gently learn about the names and habits of five very different Australian animals. The simple, rhyming text includes action verbs to encourage young listeners to engage in language as well as the action which is demonstrated in the pictures. Delightful for parents to share many repeat readings with their young children.

Chloe Mauger, Reading Time

Cleverly interactive, the tale talks in first person, immediately connecting the reader with the audience. And it’s only at the very end that the mystery of the narrator is revealed. Great for fostering prediction skills! Energetic rhyme and repetitive verbs in clumps of three hook the listener in for the ride as an array of animals display their typical behavioural characteristics. In her characteristically unique and stunning style, Renée Treml‘s artwork is soothing, yet playful. ‘Once I Heard a Little Wombat’ is a delightful board book of perfect size and shape for little hands. With its exhibition of charming Australian animals and their habitats this lively romp has great learning potential, and is the perfect excuse for repeated read-alongs and role play action for all its early childhood readers.

Romi Sharp, Boomerang Books

Awards & recognition

Environment Award for Children's Literature

Joint winner  •  2016  •  Picture Fiction

Speech Pathology Australia Book of the Year Awards

Winner  •  2016  •  Birth to 3 Years