Diary Of A Wombat Essay

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Assessment 2 Children’s Literature ‘Diary of a Wombat’ is an Australia multi award-winning picture book written by Jackie French and illustrated by Bruce Whatley. It was published in 2002 and its most notable awards include: the Young Australian Readers' Award; CBCA Children's Book of the Year Award; and the American Library Association Notable Children's Book Award. It follows the life of Mothball the wombat; a very mischievous marsupial. During her daily schedule of scratching, sleeping and eating, she manages to create havoc in the lives of the humans around her. This story’s humour, fast paced plot and continuous conflict make it an appealing and engaging picture book. Extract of page 1 The front cover Critique of the Picture Book …show more content…

Whatley’s illustrations are clear, colourful and entertaining, they add humour to the story and they accurately depict the descriptive language used throughout the book. This is important as there are minimal words on each page; so the illustrations are needed to support readers to infer meaning from the text. This book follows a diary narrative structure and a recount format. This is effective as it gives the book rhythm and repetition which appeals to children and creates a flowing musicality. The characterisation is very well developed throughout the story. Mouthball is clearly distinguished as a very naughty, mischievous and adventurous little wombat, who likes to get her way. She has a very likeable personality, which strongly resonates with children. This picture book provides an insight into the life of an Australian native animal, the wombat. Also, the main themes explored are: human and animal interaction as a relationship develops between the humans and the wombat; the interplay between power as the wombat finds ways to manipulate the humans around her; and survival as the wombat continuously adapts to her

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