Diary of a Baby Wombat by Jackie French; illus. by Bruce Whatley Primary Clarion 32 pp. 9/10 978-0-54743005-8 $16.99

There is something irresistible about a wombat, especially the deadpan, lovable wombats brought to life by French and Whatley in Diary of a Wombat. This sequel harks back to die diary format of tliat book: "Monday. Early morning Slept. Slept. / Late morning: Slept. Woke up." Economy of voice is reflected in the understated illustrations: gray baby wombat and brown mama are shown in various poses against an expansive white backdrop. Closer inspection reveals the knowing and sarcastic eye of mama, trying to sleep while baby is awake. She pushes him outside, where he meets an equally adorable crawling human baby. This interspecies friendship blossoms as human and wombat share toys, food, and eventually a whole lot more. Every spread invites die reader to slow down and examine the eye and body movements of diese three characters. Young readers will howl when baby wombat scratches his backside on a tree, shaking a nest onto his new buddy's head, or when the two friends wear boots on their noses. Is rhat a bottle nipple on die snail's head? Yes, it is. Adult readers will especially enjoy the little details to be discovered upon frequent rereading. Make no mistake, this will be read over and over, providing new laughs each time, r obin l. smith