Wombat Waiting by Katherine Applegate

A new middle grade standalone novel about compassion, resilience, and surprising friendships, following a dog named Wombat in the aftermath of a catastrophic fire.

Wombat isn’t actually a wombat—but when the homeless dog is discovered, singed and ash-covered after a terrible fire destroys a community, someone tags her with the nickname and it sticks.

Wombat is a “destiny dog.” Something inside of her (she nicknames it “Voice’) keeps telling her there’s a special someone out there who is meant to be her person.

Surrounded by a devastated town, Wombat takes up residence on bench near the makeshift community center, an old brick warehouse that, for the most part, survived the flames. A small part of the community center evacuation site has been repurposed for the local wildlife rehab sanctuary that burned down. All of the animals were spared, and the temporary quarters include an elderly fruit bat and a young Northern saw-whet owl.

No matter what, Wombat refuses to move from her perch, despite the efforts of many humans. Clearly the dog is waiting for someone. But for whom? And what are the odds they survived?

Fans of modern classics like Because of Winn-Dixie , Pax , and Katherine Applegate’s own Crenshaw and Odder, and timeless tales like Charlotte ’ s Web , will find a friend in Wombat and her story.

Hardcover, 336 pages

Published May 5, 2026

 by Storytide

5/5 stars

I picked this one up because of its cover. Sometimes that's all it takes. 

I've been a fan of Katherine Applegate for a short time, ever since reading Wishtree (highly recommend). Wombat's Waiting is told in verse, which might sound odd, but don't let that fool you. It does pack a punch.

The story follows two perspectives during a California forest fire. One is a stray dog guided by an inner voice, a voice that leads him toward the fire, not away from it. Along the way he encounters other forest creatures also navigating the chaos.  The conversations he has with them add both warmth and depth to his journey. The other perspective is a person forced to flee their home, leaving everything behind. The way these two stories move toward each other is quietly heartbreaking while at the same time showing courage and determination.

Told in verse, the story moves quickly, with the emotion and setting fully felt. I was there. I was invested. And I didn't want it to end.  A lyrical read I highly recommend for middle grade readers and adults alike. 

This book was part of my 2026 Reading Off My Shelf Challenge. #26