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

Wishtree by Katherine Applegate

Trees can't tell jokes, but they can certainly tell stories. . . .

Red is an oak tree who is many rings old. Red is the neighborhood "wishtree"—people write their wishes on pieces of cloth and tie them to Red's branches. Along with her crow friend Bongo and other animals who seek refuge in Red's hollows, this "wishtree" watches over the neighborhood.

You might say Red has seen it all. Until a new family moves in. Not everyone is welcoming, and Red's experiences as a wishtree are more important than ever.

Paperback, 224 pages

Published September 26, 2017

by Feiwel & Friends

5/5 stars

Katherine Applegate is one of my favourite middle-grade authors and here is with another example of why I love her books.

Wishtree is unique in that it's from the pov of an oak tree. As Red tells his story he does it in such a way that I was spellbound.  I read it over 2 days without rushing.  I enjoyed listened to Red talk about all the changes that have taken place around the edge of the forest.  There was the friendships, people in the neighborhood  and those that come once a year to tie wishes on the branches.

Red has 216 rings, lots of changes in the world were witnessed. This was such a wonderful heartwarming story about friendship, nature and family.

I recommended not just for middle graders but all readers.

This book was part of 2024 reading off shelf challenge