The Wombats Go Wild for Words

Ages 4 to 8, Grades P to 3

A trio of wandering wombats with a passion for words inspire an enthusiastic duckling to transform her town from dull to dazzling in this delectable picture book that shares with children the magic of words.

Evergreen Forest is a very nice forest, with very nice trees and very nice animals. It’s a rather dull place, but no one says a word about it. In fact, no one says very many words at all! And therein lies the problem.

Until the word-loving wandering wombats arrive.

They use words like enthusiastic and splendiferous, ready to turn ordinary into EXTRAordinary! With twinkles in their eyes and words on their minds, the word wombats come to transform Evergreen Forest. 

At first, the animals of Evergreen Forest are…confused. All except for a curious duckling who eagerly devours every noun, adjective, and verb that she hears. Slowly, the inhabitants of Evergreen Forest become mesmerized as they realize that words are not just fun, they are inspiring.

New York Times bestselling author Beth Ferry and acclaimed illustrator Lori Nichols captivate readers with this dazzling, magnificent, and triumphant tale about discovering the power of words and the ways they connect and empower us.

About the Author

Beth Ferry is the author of many picture books including the New York Times bestseller Stick and Stone, The Scarecrow, an Indie Next List Pick, Swashby and the Sea, which Booklist called “an exceptionally satisfying picture book” in a starred review, and Tea Time. She has celebrated all but four of her birthdays in New Jersey where she lives with her family by the beach.

Author Residence: New Jersey

Lori Nichols has written and illustrated numerous books, including The Light in Me Sees the Light in You and the award-winning Maple and Willow series, which have been picked for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library and have been called “Best Of” books by the Children’s Book Council and Bank Street College. She lives in Birmingham, Alabama, with her husband.

Illustrator Residence:Birmingham, Alabama