The Koala and the Wombat

Kip is a gentle koala who lives high in the gum trees, with soft grey fur and big fluffy ears. He enjoys dozing in the fork of a branch and watching the world below, yet he is a little anxious and feels safest when the air is calm and the branches are still. He often wonders what it might be like to have a friend nearby. Not far away, underground, lives Wally, a stocky wombat with strong digging claws who builds cozy tunnels and sometimes wishes for someone to share his quiet life.

When Kip climbs down to explore, the two meet and become friends. Wally shows Kip his burrow, and Kip finds that although it is not like his tree, it feels safe. Their friendship is tested on a windy night when Kip's tree sways and creaks, and Wally comes out into the dark to lead him to shelter. Later, Kip helps Wally in return. This gentle tale by Jane MEADOW follows two very different animals who look after each other, and it can be read on Kids Tale Book.