A Review By Frances Smith

The wombles first told their stories to Elisabeth Beresford in 1968.  Since that time they will have aged very little, as Wombles live to a very great age!  This gap means that a whole new generation of human children can be entranced by these lovely stories.  In the first book, we are introduced to the Wombles themselves, learning about the major characters, Bungo, Orinoco, Tobermory and Great Uncle Bulgaria.  The story of Tomsk (who is not terribly clever) saving the burrow by his bravery, the dreadful winter when so much snow covers Wimbledon common for so long, the  Wombles nearly starve, and by contrast a midsummer party when they travel to Battersea Park and have clandestine rides at the funfair.

 The stories remain as wonderful and fresh as when they appeared over forty years ago.  There are thirteen stories in the first book to be reissued in November, with another four books to follow in 2011.  “The Wombles” will make an ideal Christmas present for children of three upwards, and for children from about seven to read for themselves.  Parents who remember them first time around are also in for a treat.