Thursday, November 24, 2022

Review - Wally the World's Greatest Piano-Playing Wombat

Wally the World's Greatest Piano-Playing Wombat

by Ratha Tep
illustrated by Camilla Pintonato
Date: 2022
Publisher: Princeton Architectural Press
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book
Pages: 40
Format: e-book
Source: library

Wally was the world’s greatest piano-playing wombat—until he realized there was an even more talented piano-playing wombat in town! This funny picture book’s bright colors and imaginative musical scenes teach children to have self-confidence when faced with competition.

When Wally, the world’s greatest piano-playing wombat, hears Wylie play, he becomes envious. Wally tries toe-tapping and ball-twirling as he plays piano, but every time Wally thinks he’s one-upping the competition, he discovers Wylie can do all the same tricks.

Although Wally is discouraged at first, he soon realizes that competing with Wylie inspires them both to play better. And finding a friend to share what you love? That’s the best win of all. Both affirming and motivating, Wally’s story will resonate with young readers as they learn how to deal with competition and to do what makes them happy—even when they’re not the very best.

(synopsis from Goodreads)

This picture book tells the story of Wally, a piano-playing wombat who wants to be the greatest. But when another wombat comes along and steals all of Wally's tricks, he gets frustrated and gives up. If he can't be the best, he doesn't want to do it at all! But Wally soon comes to realize that the competition with the other wombat was making them both better artists... so they hatch a plan to have the greatest show ever.

The story is fairly basic, but has a nice message. I didn't love the pictures, but they're colourful and work well with the text.

Overall, this is a strong picture book with a good message about competition and doing what you love.

Premise: 4/5
Meter: n/a
Writing: 4/5
Illustrations: 3/5
Originality: 4/5

Enjoyment: 3/5

Overall: 3.5 out of 5

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