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The Wombles #1
The Wombles
The adventures of the Wombles who live underground and collect the things that untidy humans leave behind.
176 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 1968
About the author
Elisabeth Beresford
151 books19 followersElisabeth "Liza" Beresford MBE was a British author of children's books, best known for creating The Wombles. Born into a family with many literary connections, she worked as a journalist but struggled for success until she created the Wombles in the 1960s. The strong theme of recycling was particularly notable, and the Wombles became very popular with children across the world. While Beresford produced many other literary works, the Wombles remained her most well known creation.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 94 reviews
November 29, 2015
Ahhhhhh. What a satisfying bedtime read.
I never heard of the Wombles until I ran across them 15 yrs ago or so on Nick at Nite. The charming short films were cute without being twee, funny without being obvious, and I loved them immediately. Only recently did I find out there were books!! And the books came first!!
The first volume introduces our friends, and tells us a bit more about Wombledom. Turns out there are far more Wombles than we know even in the local burrow--about 250 to be exact--and Great Uncle Bulgaria (great in both senses of the word) is about 300 years old!
Though first written in 1970 or so, the text doesn't feel all that "dated." An excellent read-aloud for all ages.
I never heard of the Wombles until I ran across them 15 yrs ago or so on Nick at Nite. The charming short films were cute without being twee, funny without being obvious, and I loved them immediately. Only recently did I find out there were books!! And the books came first!!
The first volume introduces our friends, and tells us a bit more about Wombledom. Turns out there are far more Wombles than we know even in the local burrow--about 250 to be exact--and Great Uncle Bulgaria (great in both senses of the word) is about 300 years old!
Though first written in 1970 or so, the text doesn't feel all that "dated." An excellent read-aloud for all ages.
August 3, 2022
Reflections and lessons learned:
“…as Great Uncle Bulgaria, helped by the others, pushed the door wide…”
The Wombles bring back huge childhood nostalgia for me, but they weren’t a comfortable like. I always preferred the albums and music, and can still recite many random lyrics (oh my word - just unbelievably found Spotify!! May we all bless Mike Batt and 70s family pop), but there was something about watching the programmes - was the scary part that we knew they weren’t animals but neither were they humans (ignoring the staging), and had to accept this in a time of outer space being/do they walk amongst us paranoia? But ignoring this, they were fabulous inspirational stories - live in and look after nature, look after each other, be productive and you’ll find meaning - all rolled around a societal structure based around family named characters that weren’t actually family (eponymous uncle!). And the use of the word Womble in so many contexts was genius… did I litter pick as I had a crush on a boy also doing it, or did the Wombles make me do it? Wombles are organised and work as a team… what more do we need?
As a consequence, when I started listening to this it felt happy to remember the names and stories, but from a very gone by era… of course though, like an old, slightly battered coat, this soon became very familiar, and the narration was as lovely as Cribbins always will sound to me. As I write this I’m currently listening to a book about the tv show the Sopranos… not all that different from the Wombles weirdly! People looking after people, and finding a reason to live and enjoy each day - if only they would have used to Soprano as a verb, but I don’t think it would have been as friendly as recycling somehow…
“…and very slowly, and with aching limbs but contented hearts, the two old Wombles made for their beds”
“…as Great Uncle Bulgaria, helped by the others, pushed the door wide…”
The Wombles bring back huge childhood nostalgia for me, but they weren’t a comfortable like. I always preferred the albums and music, and can still recite many random lyrics (oh my word - just unbelievably found Spotify!! May we all bless Mike Batt and 70s family pop), but there was something about watching the programmes - was the scary part that we knew they weren’t animals but neither were they humans (ignoring the staging), and had to accept this in a time of outer space being/do they walk amongst us paranoia? But ignoring this, they were fabulous inspirational stories - live in and look after nature, look after each other, be productive and you’ll find meaning - all rolled around a societal structure based around family named characters that weren’t actually family (eponymous uncle!). And the use of the word Womble in so many contexts was genius… did I litter pick as I had a crush on a boy also doing it, or did the Wombles make me do it? Wombles are organised and work as a team… what more do we need?
As a consequence, when I started listening to this it felt happy to remember the names and stories, but from a very gone by era… of course though, like an old, slightly battered coat, this soon became very familiar, and the narration was as lovely as Cribbins always will sound to me. As I write this I’m currently listening to a book about the tv show the Sopranos… not all that different from the Wombles weirdly! People looking after people, and finding a reason to live and enjoy each day - if only they would have used to Soprano as a verb, but I don’t think it would have been as friendly as recycling somehow…
“…and very slowly, and with aching limbs but contented hearts, the two old Wombles made for their beds”
April 3, 2023
This book took me right back!
... way, way back to the days of watching The Wombles on the TV and first reading the book.
... back about 15 years, when our school's reward stickers had The Wombles on them, so reward time began with The Song
And it was still as memorable as ever!!!
A children's classic that can and should be revived!
... way, way back to the days of watching The Wombles on the TV and first reading the book.
... back about 15 years, when our school's reward stickers had The Wombles on them, so reward time began with The Song
And it was still as memorable as ever!!!
A children's classic that can and should be revived!
June 23, 2023
Alys didn't like my Cousin Yellowstone voice ://
April 15, 2018
What I'd describe as an amalgamation of The Moomins and the make-do-and-mend post-war Britishness, Beresford's Wombles are a delight. I loved each little story which connect to those told previously. Those endearing, if not slightly scary, characters from the 70s are all there and I give full credit to Bernard Cribbens for setting the tone just right, in my opinion.
When they reach a working age, all Wombles are allowed to choose their name from an old atlas and so, much to the consternation of Great Uncle Bulgaria, we meet our first Womble, Bungo whose adventures and friendships guide us through many of the stories. I had a particular love for Orinoco who has an impressive penchant for catching 40 winks as much as possible whilst eating as much as he can whilst on and off duty. A lovely collection which I read with a smile on my face throughout.
When they reach a working age, all Wombles are allowed to choose their name from an old atlas and so, much to the consternation of Great Uncle Bulgaria, we meet our first Womble, Bungo whose adventures and friendships guide us through many of the stories. I had a particular love for Orinoco who has an impressive penchant for catching 40 winks as much as possible whilst eating as much as he can whilst on and off duty. A lovely collection which I read with a smile on my face throughout.
June 19, 2019
A proper nostalgia trip revisiting the world of the Wombles of Wimbledon Common.
I used to love watching the tv series as a child but had never read the books. Now I get the chance to read them, to my son, who is just as enthralled with these tales of the adorably eccentric creatures.
I used to love watching the tv series as a child but had never read the books. Now I get the chance to read them, to my son, who is just as enthralled with these tales of the adorably eccentric creatures.
July 19, 2023
I read this as a child and have just read aloud (from my copy) to my 8 year old son. He enjoyed the stories, and Bungo was his favourite Womble. He asked for it every night and is also listening to it on Audible with the wonderful Bernard Cribbens reading it. Some out dated references to shillings etc, and some calling of Orinocho 'too fat', which may bother some, not many female characters (Alderney and Madame Cholet who both work in the kitchen) but the stories have a gentle humour and memorable characters who care for the environment and also for each other, loving and supporting each other in their differences and difficulties.
March 25, 2021
I re-read this book this year as a comfort read and I loved it! The characters are adorable and so sweet- I very much wish they were real!
This book was so ahead of its time and is very clever. If I could only read one book for the rest of my life, it would probably be this one.
This book was so ahead of its time and is very clever. If I could only read one book for the rest of my life, it would probably be this one.
July 9, 2023
Very good. I wish I were a Womble. Although the female ones just help out in the kitchen so maybe not...
April 16, 2020
Read this aloud to Ben. Five stars because he was completely hooked and it was a pleasure to read out loud. Beautiful use of the English language, appropriately very British. Lovely, subtle humor (again, so understated-British) and loveable characters. It’s a shame there are no Wombles living in PA...
July 23, 2021
Overground, underground – wombling free!
Now I've forgotten what I wanted to look up, because arriving on the Lexico website their Word of the Day took me straight back to childhood: Womble.
The Wombles of Wimbledon Common are we.
Now I've forgotten what I wanted to look up, because arriving on the Lexico website their Word of the Day took me straight back to childhood: Womble.
The Wombles of Wimbledon Common are we.
March 31, 2022
Sometimes you go back to a childhood favourite and are disappointed but not this time! The characters are perhaps a bit stereotypical (the jock, the fat lazy kid etc.) but they are all treated with affection and respect and allowed to stretch their boundaries. The stories are funny and surprising absorbing and of course you know that nothing too dreadful will happen! The upcycling message seems very up to date.
June 14, 2020
Nice read taking me back to my teens!
September 9, 2023
#skaitaugarsiai serijoje po trijų metų pakartoti "Vombliai". Patiko ir keturmečiui, ir dabar septynmečiui. Šįkart giliau diskutavome apie žmonių daiktų ir šiukšlių keliamas problemas.
Labai gera idėja ir smagi istorija, ir nuoširdžiai gaila, kad lietuvių kalba daugiau vomblių pasakojimų nepasirodė.
Labai gera idėja ir smagi istorija, ir nuoširdžiai gaila, kad lietuvių kalba daugiau vomblių pasakojimų nepasirodė.
June 7, 2020
I know, okay I am a child - lol. I laughed so much there were tears in my eyes at one of these stories.
Loved having Bernard Cribbens read it to me - superlative performance.
Loved having Bernard Cribbens read it to me - superlative performance.
October 10, 2013
Author: Elisabeth Beresford
Illustrator: Nick Price
First Published: 1968
I didn't read the books when I was younger. My exposure to the Wombles was via the TV series (which I enjoyed). I don't think I even knew Womble books existed.
It was a very pleasant surprise to find that they did.
And even nicer to be able to share them with the 7yo.
We really enjoyed this, the first book in the Womble series. My daughter came in knowing nothing about them, and so was left with her imagination and limited book illustrations to fill in the details.
Which was more than enough.
Of course, I spent the time with a Womble refrain ear-worming itself...
"Underground, overground, wombling free
The Wombles of Wimbledon Common are we
Making good use of the things that we find
Things that the everyday folks leave behind"
It was a fun read. Very light morals of caring for our environment and each other, but filled with laugh-out-loud imagery that had the 7yo rolling.
A great find, and a wonderful republishing. The 7yo is putting the rest of the series on her Christmas Wish List.
Can't really ask for more.
Series:
The Wombles
The Wandering Wombles
The Wombles At Work
The Wombles to the Rescue
The Wombles Go Round the World
The Invisible Womble (short story collection)
Age:
Read aloud: 5+ (The book is lengthy. Chapters are reasonably long. It will require a reasonable attention.)
Read yourself: 8+
References:
Official Wombles books website: http://www.thewomblesbooks.com/
(ISBN 9781408808375)
-CR-
Illustrator: Nick Price
First Published: 1968
I didn't read the books when I was younger. My exposure to the Wombles was via the TV series (which I enjoyed). I don't think I even knew Womble books existed.
It was a very pleasant surprise to find that they did.
And even nicer to be able to share them with the 7yo.
We really enjoyed this, the first book in the Womble series. My daughter came in knowing nothing about them, and so was left with her imagination and limited book illustrations to fill in the details.
Which was more than enough.
Of course, I spent the time with a Womble refrain ear-worming itself...
"Underground, overground, wombling free
The Wombles of Wimbledon Common are we
Making good use of the things that we find
Things that the everyday folks leave behind"
It was a fun read. Very light morals of caring for our environment and each other, but filled with laugh-out-loud imagery that had the 7yo rolling.
A great find, and a wonderful republishing. The 7yo is putting the rest of the series on her Christmas Wish List.
Can't really ask for more.
Series:
The Wombles
The Wandering Wombles
The Wombles At Work
The Wombles to the Rescue
The Wombles Go Round the World
The Invisible Womble (short story collection)
Age:
Read aloud: 5+ (The book is lengthy. Chapters are reasonably long. It will require a reasonable attention.)
Read yourself: 8+
References:
Official Wombles books website: http://www.thewomblesbooks.com/
(ISBN 9781408808375)
-CR-
January 10, 2022
I adore the Wombles and everything they stand for. Genuinely think every 10 year old in the country should be given this book! It is adorable and wonderful and it instils just the most wonderful morals. A 5 star book for little people.
August 29, 2012
Living under Wimbledon common and keeping the greens clean and tidy are a family of Wombles. For years it has been their duty to collect, clear and recycle any and all manner of things we messy humans leave behind. Form scarves and umbrellas to buses and cement trucks, the Wombles have managed to reuse and borrow all that they need. But it's not just at Wimbledon where Wombles can be found.
The Wombles introduces these much loved creatures to a new generation of young readers. With their mini adventures, various foods and capacity for finding the lost and discarded, these delightful Wombles will have you laughing along with them in their various antics. A much loved story that children of all ages will adore.
The Wombles introduces these much loved creatures to a new generation of young readers. With their mini adventures, various foods and capacity for finding the lost and discarded, these delightful Wombles will have you laughing along with them in their various antics. A much loved story that children of all ages will adore.
November 23, 2015
Loved this as a child, and thanks to the TV series Bungo, Orinoco and all the rest have become furry national icons up there with those from the Hundred Acre Wood. The book is a little different from the TV series (I never hear the wonderful Bernard Cribbins' voice when I read it) but it's certainly worth reading.
The idea of creatures living alongside us, largely unseen, with their own social structure and work activities is not a new one, of course, but the Wombles are entirely benign and appealing, and very modern. And it's a good story. One could, of course, bang on about gender stereotyping, but it was written a long time ago, and I think its forward-thinking environmental message more than makes up for this.
The idea of creatures living alongside us, largely unseen, with their own social structure and work activities is not a new one, of course, but the Wombles are entirely benign and appealing, and very modern. And it's a good story. One could, of course, bang on about gender stereotyping, but it was written a long time ago, and I think its forward-thinking environmental message more than makes up for this.
September 14, 2023
I wonder if this is like The Borrowers....
---
It is, sort of. Wombles are nearly the size of humans, and can be mistaken for them if they're discreet. But they do live off our leavings and are clever & 'cute.'
I'm not interested in the sequels. I probably would have been when I was a child, though.
They have been reissued as ebooks; if you're interested, check your library.
---
It is, sort of. Wombles are nearly the size of humans, and can be mistaken for them if they're discreet. But they do live off our leavings and are clever & 'cute.'
I'm not interested in the sequels. I probably would have been when I was a child, though.
They have been reissued as ebooks; if you're interested, check your library.
January 11, 2023
A super fun story about little bear-mouse creatures that live under the Wimbledon Common (and choose their names from the Atlas) and pick up the abandoned belongings of the Human Beings. (A non-human reimagining of the Borrowers, if you will.)
Notes: promotes good values, is clean, and quaint.
March 5, 2021
i would die for these wombles. i would fight in their wars, should they ask me to.
October 5, 2020
Another in the series of late night "comfort" listens with milady following the shaky resumption of life during the pandemic. Although it was more her than me that was a fan of the Wombles, you can't help loving Bernard Cribbins and his beautifully warm performance of Elisabeth Beresford's original Wombles novel is strikingly lovely.
You know the story: there are a benevolent race of sentient mammals that basically exist to recycle the waste of humans. They live in a colossal burrow underneath Wimbledon Common and that's essentially it. What makes it charming is a very strong core cast of characters, some very sweet moments and some unexpectedly realistic hardships (nearly starving over winter and having to structurally reinforce the burrow being two of them). It's nicely British in a relatively understated way (although the queen does show up of COURSE) and the continuing narrative of a lonely old man whom the Wombles help is genuinely rather touching. In fact, given the time it was written, you'd expect there to be far more awkward moments but apart from Orinoco being the continual butt of some very dated fat jokes it's aged rather smartly.
As harmless and surprisingly likable as the core text of the Wombles franchise is, I feel I wouldn't have been so forgiving of this without the superlative Cribbins who could read the back of a cornflake packet in a heartwarming and convincing way. "Beloved national treasure" doesn't quite cover it really and it's certainly surprisingly that Bloomsbury didn't feel the need to have him do the other books in the series when they got the rights back in 2010. Perhaps he costs a fortune AND RIGHTLY SO. At the end there is a strangely unnecessary rundown of the characters and a very interesting "Wombles trivia" section that alludes to a grander continuity where Wombles live in the Khyber Pass (!) which boggles the mind.
As a comforting nosedive into a sprawling and much beloved British franchise it was a very pleasant experience - and although I was generationally passed-by from the phenomenon it's not hard to see why it took off in the way it did. PROTECT CRIBBINS AT ALL COSTS.
You know the story: there are a benevolent race of sentient mammals that basically exist to recycle the waste of humans. They live in a colossal burrow underneath Wimbledon Common and that's essentially it. What makes it charming is a very strong core cast of characters, some very sweet moments and some unexpectedly realistic hardships (nearly starving over winter and having to structurally reinforce the burrow being two of them). It's nicely British in a relatively understated way (although the queen does show up of COURSE) and the continuing narrative of a lonely old man whom the Wombles help is genuinely rather touching. In fact, given the time it was written, you'd expect there to be far more awkward moments but apart from Orinoco being the continual butt of some very dated fat jokes it's aged rather smartly.
As harmless and surprisingly likable as the core text of the Wombles franchise is, I feel I wouldn't have been so forgiving of this without the superlative Cribbins who could read the back of a cornflake packet in a heartwarming and convincing way. "Beloved national treasure" doesn't quite cover it really and it's certainly surprisingly that Bloomsbury didn't feel the need to have him do the other books in the series when they got the rights back in 2010. Perhaps he costs a fortune AND RIGHTLY SO. At the end there is a strangely unnecessary rundown of the characters and a very interesting "Wombles trivia" section that alludes to a grander continuity where Wombles live in the Khyber Pass (!) which boggles the mind.
As a comforting nosedive into a sprawling and much beloved British franchise it was a very pleasant experience - and although I was generationally passed-by from the phenomenon it's not hard to see why it took off in the way it did. PROTECT CRIBBINS AT ALL COSTS.
October 15, 2016
This was our bedtime book for October, one chapter a night for the most part but sometimes half a chapter depending on how tired everyone was.
I didn't know that the Wombles existed in book form, before they existed in television form and discovered this fact when we were in the UK recently and binging on English-language books whilst they were available. I noticed the Wombles book on the table and decided to grab it, based purely on childhood memories.
From my perspective, it appears that the television series was pretty faithful to the characters from the book. I didn't love the story, but I didn't hate it either. The various Wombles are briefly introduced, mostly just defining their main characteristics (the old, wise Womble, the engineering Womble, the chef Womble, the bumbling nightwatch-Womble, the naive newly graduated Womble, etc). Once the Womble's "character" is defined then the stories spool out, usually following one or two Wombles on a self-contained experience, although there's a fair bit of call-back to previous adventures as the book progresses. There wasn't a lot of exposition and things, both large and small just happen and are passed by without too much delving into the hows or repercussions. Now, with all that said, I suspect I'm no longer the target audience, because the kids (4ish and 7ish) loved it. The chapters were just a smidge too long for my four-year old (although we might have made it through if there was a picture guaranteed in each chapter) which is why we sometimes only read half a chapter at a time.
We didn't read this every night, but it was asked for every night! I asked them both if they liked it when we finished yesterday and they both said they had and demanded that we start on The Wandering Wombles tonight. The children's reviews were: "It was fun, they had a lot of fun! I liked that they were all happy at the midsummer's party. I liked Cousin Yellowstone and Uncle Bulgaria and Tobermory" and "I liked Madame Cholet...can't talk now watching TV."
I didn't know that the Wombles existed in book form, before they existed in television form and discovered this fact when we were in the UK recently and binging on English-language books whilst they were available. I noticed the Wombles book on the table and decided to grab it, based purely on childhood memories.
From my perspective, it appears that the television series was pretty faithful to the characters from the book. I didn't love the story, but I didn't hate it either. The various Wombles are briefly introduced, mostly just defining their main characteristics (the old, wise Womble, the engineering Womble, the chef Womble, the bumbling nightwatch-Womble, the naive newly graduated Womble, etc). Once the Womble's "character" is defined then the stories spool out, usually following one or two Wombles on a self-contained experience, although there's a fair bit of call-back to previous adventures as the book progresses. There wasn't a lot of exposition and things, both large and small just happen and are passed by without too much delving into the hows or repercussions. Now, with all that said, I suspect I'm no longer the target audience, because the kids (4ish and 7ish) loved it. The chapters were just a smidge too long for my four-year old (although we might have made it through if there was a picture guaranteed in each chapter) which is why we sometimes only read half a chapter at a time.
We didn't read this every night, but it was asked for every night! I asked them both if they liked it when we finished yesterday and they both said they had and demanded that we start on The Wandering Wombles tonight. The children's reviews were: "It was fun, they had a lot of fun! I liked that they were all happy at the midsummer's party. I liked Cousin Yellowstone and Uncle Bulgaria and Tobermory" and "I liked Madame Cholet...can't talk now watching TV."
August 13, 2020
Wombles look like teddy bears and act like children playing grown-ups. Or just like children in the case of the younger ones. For some reason humans never realize they are talking to an over-sized teddy bear when they happen to meet a womble - which of course wombles try to avoid as much as possible. They do share the same territory, they need to because wombles live upon what people leave behind: food, pieces of clothing, pens, books, watches, umbrellas and sunglasses, etc.
So: small adventures with this in mind. And a slightly bigger one when the burrow is almost washed away when it rains for a very long time (even for London).
It's a book for children of course. Children do not wonder where young wombles come from, when there seem to be only 3 older wombles only one of which is female. In fact the other wombles that are important for the story are also all male, the one female young womble distributes the food and does not go outside to collect things humans left behind. There seems to be a huge lack of females in womble society. Which was normal when the book was written: in those days girls would read a book with only boys in it, but boys would not read a book with a lot of girls in it, and authors needed as many readers as they could get. I don't think an author would get away with it these days.
So: small adventures with this in mind. And a slightly bigger one when the burrow is almost washed away when it rains for a very long time (even for London).
It's a book for children of course. Children do not wonder where young wombles come from, when there seem to be only 3 older wombles only one of which is female. In fact the other wombles that are important for the story are also all male, the one female young womble distributes the food and does not go outside to collect things humans left behind. There seems to be a huge lack of females in womble society. Which was normal when the book was written: in those days girls would read a book with only boys in it, but boys would not read a book with a lot of girls in it, and authors needed as many readers as they could get. I don't think an author would get away with it these days.
August 22, 2021
For an art project, I wanted to know more about the characters I remembered from 70s British TV. This book was first published in the late 60s and of course some things were familiar, such as the main goal being to keep Wimbledon Common tidy. Wombles are usually plump and are very much concerned with food, in fact sometimes fixated.
They’re utilitarian and don’t hesitate to use artificial materials, in particular concrete, when their burrow needs a major renovation. As far as I can remember, in the animated TV series, they completely avoid human beings, but perhaps this was for technical and aesthetic reasons, because in the book they invite a human to eat with them, travel by taxi and tube (London Underground), and even proudly accept an invitation to the royal box at the Wimbledon tennis tournament.
A more recent TV version has tried to make them more diverse, and one thing that stands out now in the book is that the only female characters work in the kitchen and are very much secondary. Socially, the burrow is basically a boarding school, with Great Uncle Bulgaria as the headmaster (“in control” as he says), and Tobermory his deputy. The burrow has a Common Room and the young Wombles fear getting sent to Bulgaria’s room for a dressing down. There’s even class anxiety, with squirrels being “riff-raff” who will “take over a whole burrow” if you “Give them an inch”.
Overall, the book’s enjoyable but, as with the Narnia books for example, you may not want to take on board all of the author’s ways of thinking.
They’re utilitarian and don’t hesitate to use artificial materials, in particular concrete, when their burrow needs a major renovation. As far as I can remember, in the animated TV series, they completely avoid human beings, but perhaps this was for technical and aesthetic reasons, because in the book they invite a human to eat with them, travel by taxi and tube (London Underground), and even proudly accept an invitation to the royal box at the Wimbledon tennis tournament.
A more recent TV version has tried to make them more diverse, and one thing that stands out now in the book is that the only female characters work in the kitchen and are very much secondary. Socially, the burrow is basically a boarding school, with Great Uncle Bulgaria as the headmaster (“in control” as he says), and Tobermory his deputy. The burrow has a Common Room and the young Wombles fear getting sent to Bulgaria’s room for a dressing down. There’s even class anxiety, with squirrels being “riff-raff” who will “take over a whole burrow” if you “Give them an inch”.
Overall, the book’s enjoyable but, as with the Narnia books for example, you may not want to take on board all of the author’s ways of thinking.
May 13, 2021
There's something wonderful about the Wombles. Often, when a book gets overshadowed by its adaptions there is a reason for it, that's not to say the original isn't good but the thing that made the adaption special isn't there in the original. This is not the case with the Wombles, it's just as heartwarmingly charming as you would hope it would be. It's about time they had a resurgence. Maybe the team behind the Paddington movies could turn their attention and sprinkle some of their magic over the Wombles next?
April 7, 2024
A Children's classic that still has so much to offer for modern kids. This book has so much charm, humour and heart. I'm almost in my thirties but I was chuckling away reading this.
Other than a few too many comments about certain wombles being too fat, this is ahead of its time. The themes about protecting the enviroment and avoiding wastefulness are more relevant than ever.
If you're thinking of checking this out as an adult or introducing it to a young person I would say go for it. It will make you smile.
Other than a few too many comments about certain wombles being too fat, this is ahead of its time. The themes about protecting the enviroment and avoiding wastefulness are more relevant than ever.
If you're thinking of checking this out as an adult or introducing it to a young person I would say go for it. It will make you smile.
October 22, 2018
I don't have a specific reason why, but altho I can point out some distinctions between the different Wombles and easily find connections between the stories or even consider it a loose narrative, I never became invested in the characters or story. I see I gave three stars to the sequel (which I read first, oops), but I didn't give a review so I'm curious if I actually liked it more?
October 6, 2020
The Wombles in Elisabeth Beresfords charming stories are furry creatures who live in burrows under London’s Wimbledon Commons and spend much of their time cleaning up after the humans who spread trash and forgotten valuables All around the commons. The humans, of course, do not, for the most part know of their existence. Wikipedia claims they are fictional creatures. I wonder.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 94 reviews