Room for More

Age range 5 to 8

Two wombats, two wallabies, a koala, and a tiger snake humorously squeeze into one burrow-and reveal important truths about environmental disasters and the importance of welcoming refugees.

When afire sweeps through the Australian bush, wombats Dig and Scratch are glad to have a cool, damp burrow to keep them safe. But Dig notices that other animals are not so lucky. When Dig invites a wallaby mother and her joey to shelter with them, Scratch grumbles. When Dig beckons to a koala, Scratch complains. And when Dig welcomes in a tiger snake, Scratch is fit to be tied - but Dig is sure there's always room for more. And when the rains come to douse the fire and bring a new threat of flooding, a crowd of creatures may turn out to be just what the wombats need.

Inspired y stories of animals sheltering in wombat burrows when her homeland ofAustralia experienced devastating fires, award-winning author Michelle Kadarusman gets young readers up close and personal with Australian wildlife.Illustrator Maggie Zeng brings the creatures to life with a generous dose of personality as they squeeze together in the burrow and work together above ground. Extensive back matter includes information about wildfires, a glossary of animals, and age-appropriate context about environmental disasters and the work that is being done - including a renewal of Indigenous land practices - to prevent them.

'A sweet and simple cautionary tale, with a tip of the cap to the spirit of altruism.' - Kirkus Reviews

'The messaging around welcoming refugees is subtle but also important... With adorable characters, important themes, and lovely illustrations, this is a cute picture book that children will enjoy.' - YA Books Central

'Room for More can supplement a unit about inclusiveness and friendship and is a good read-aloud. Recommended' - CM Magazine

"Room for More is a nice picture book about kindness and helping others and it introduces young (and old) readers to some of the fascinating animals who live in Australia.' - Simcoe.com

'In her dedication, Kadarusman thanks those 'who open their hearts, homes, and borders to those in need,'which is a pretty powerful statement...The book is super cute both the story and the illustrations and I love how, in the end, Scratch feels good about helping others in needs.' - Book Time