We LOVE Michelle Kadarusman’s middle grade novels and were thrilled to see her debut picture book will be available at the end of June! Thanks to Pajama Press Inc for an advanced copy so we can start the book love early! Illustrated by Maggie Zeng, Room for More is the story of two wombats, Dig and Scratch, who help their fellow animals during a bushfire.

Dig and Scratch have just finished up digging their burrow when they smell smoke in the air. Lucky for them they will be safe underground but what about the other animals? Dig kindly invites many more animals to share the safety of their burrow, even though Scratch is a little apprehensive. It's a good thing too because when the wombats need help, their generosity is returned.

This adorable story of generosity and opening your doors for those in need is very timely. At a time when we are experiencing environmental displacement and wars, it's a good reminder that when we open our homes to those in need you never know how that generosity will manifest itself in the future. 

Michelle Kadarusman sets her stories in the places where she grew up and places that are close to her heart. Growing up in Australia, she knows lots about the unique species that make the island their home. Inspired by stories of animals taking shelter in wombat burrows during the devastating wildfires in 2019-2020, Room for More acknowledges the devastation in a child friendly way and also encourages readers to remember to extend a hand of kindness when you see another in trouble.

I LOVED that this book included information about the animals featured at the end as well as a glossary of important terms and other information about bushfires, climate change and Australian Indigenous environmental practices. She even included a lovely author’s note. 

Maggie Zeng’s illustrations are ADORABLE! Dig and Scratch are so cuddly and cute and readers will just want to bring them all home with them. I love the choice to give the illustrations during the fire a yellow/orange glow to them, emphasizing the heat and the danger. Then, when the rains come, the illustrations cool with blue and purple undertones. Readers will be drawn to the big faces and the endearing animals.