Braver Paperback – April 5, 2022

Totally enjoyed this story and the characters. I also loved the way the relationships grew into such friendships. Thank you both for writing this story

“Gather ye round and prick your ears, for a tale is about to be told.” Readers and listeners will thoroughly enjoy this epic tale of a young Australian wombat, a fastidious swamp water rat, and an adorable clueless baby penguin, who join together on a journey to save the wombats of the Northern Forest and rescue their queen. Lola Budge may look like an average bare-nosed wombat, but her love for conversation, stories, adventure, and helping others set her apart from most wombats. Unhappy with her quiet, stable life, Lola sneaks out of her burrow and by accident meets a messenger platypus, who delivers a secret message, “T.B is ready”. Puzzled by its meaning, Lola returns to the village to discover that Tassie Devils have captured the village of wombats, including her family. With Her mother’s last words, “Find your uncle, He’ll know what to do,” she begins a hero’s journey to the royal city of Dore to rescue them. Joined by Melvin, a well-groomed swamp rat that sells beauty products, and Blue, a rescued baby penguin, Lola begins a dangerous journey of infested swamps, evil predators, royal corruption, family traitors, and unexpected friendships, because she knows, “The best stories come with the least expected heroes.” Adults will appreciate the warning in the credits: “Proclamation from the Royal Librarian of Dore: All creatures take heed, / A warning indeed, / Whether feather or fur, / Web-footed or spur, / If you steal a book / The predators will look, / FOR YOU.” Kids will enjoy this classic in the making with its adorable little Blue, the one-winged firehawk that flies a hot-air balloon, and the laugh-out-loud dialogue. Themes: Adventure, Animals, Families, Friendship, Humor

Unlike her parents and fellow wombats in the village on Tassie Island, Lola Budge is curious, chatty and explores when the other wombats sleep. This trait works to her advantage when she returns from an excursion to find that her parents and neighbors have been kidnapped and are being hauled away in a cage pulled by swamp rats and overseen by a ruthless wild eyed Tassie Devil. A cryptic message from her uncle who works for the Queen catapults Lola on a quest to reach the royal city in order to seek help from her uncle and rescue the wombats. Along the way, Lola meets a a trio of rats also traveling to the royal city, and one particularly fastidious rat decides to accompany Lola. They find aravenous baby penguin which they rescue, and both the baby penguin and the dignified rat make for great humor. Good pacing with lots of Australian animal characters, with an environmental and social justice themed plot. Great read, and excellent option for those who find the “Redwall” books too lengthy.

Braver: A Wombat’s Tale by Suzanne Selfors and Walker RansonLola is a wombat unlike most in her community. Instead of being shy and quiet, Lola always has questions and wants to explore. One day while exploring, a band of Tassie devils kidnaps her family and neighbors. Lola must be brave to save her family and friends. She has many adventures and meets many of the critters on Tassie Island. The characters have much personality and unexpected happenings keep the reader engaged and wanting to keep reading to find out how events resolve. This story is perfect for kids who like adventuring and rich language.

This is an excellent book for students in upper elementary and middle grades. I read the majority of it with my 5th graders. They enjoyed the humor, different characters and personalities and the suspense.As a teacher, I liked how the book pairs well with character traits, main ideas, plot (especially the climax), and use of descriptive words.The story's rising actions kicks off almost immediately, so any reader would be interested right away!

My kids got hooked on Suzanne Selfors writing with her Imaginary Veterinary series and since then have read every single one of her books. We had Braver preordered for months, and it was worth the wait. Lola the wombat is just as charming as all of Selfors’ other protagonists. Her love of animals really shines through in her work. A++ - would definitely recommend

My 11 year old son just read this book and said it’s one of the best books he’s ever read. He loves animals, loved the story, and enjoyed learning interesting animal facts along the way.

I received an advance copy of this book and read it aloud to my daughter as our nightly bedtime story. She loved the characters and loved the book. Braver is a very accurate title for this story. Looking forward to your next one!