Wadee is a little warthog that can't sleep as he worries about his friends. Then one night he has a special visitor who helps him overcome his worry.
Wadee is a warthog who loves to frolic and play with his friends . Every night, as the shadow of darkness creeps across the South African savannah, he curls up with his family and falls asleep. His gentle slumber is disrupted as he imagines horrible things happening to everyone he knows. Then one night, he has a special visitor in his dream. Can Wadee finally overcome the worry that consumes him?
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Excerpt
Wadee waddles back to the patch of bushes where his family usually settles down for the night. Mama is waiting for him along with his new baby sisters Isabis and Bisa. Isabis means ‘something beautiful’ and Bisa means ‘greatly loved’. Both are small. So new to the world. It is December, the time of new birth in South Africa. Wadee loves his new baby sisters and will do anything to keep them safe. He snuggles up next to mama and the babies, hoping for a good night’s sleep.
It’s been a while since Wadee has had a good sleep. So many things to think about. So many things to keep the mind alert when it should be sleeping. As Wadee curls up for the night, he tries to think positive thoughts. He tries to think of everything good. He tries to avoid the dreaded worry wakes.
Professional Reviews
5 Star Review by Mamta Madhavan for Readers' Favorite
Wadee Waddles is looking for his friends. It is going to be sunset soon and Wadee Waddles wants to play more before the sun sets and it is his bedtime. He sees Fayola when he reaches the waterhole. They decide to find their friends, Binah, Abayomi, Ada, and the rest of their gang and run for a while through the grass. The sun has already gone down and it is dark so they decide to go back home. Wadee's mama is waiting for him with his baby sisters, Isabis and Bisa. Wadee loves his baby sisters and they all snuggle up to their mama and go to sleep. Wadee has been finding it difficult to sleep for a while and he tries to think of everything good and keep his mind positive. Wadee is continually worrying until Rashidi, the great African grey parrot, appears in front of him. What advice does she give Wadee? Does it help him? Will Wadee be able to sleep peacefully at night without worrying?
Wadee and the Worry Wakes by Dawn Doig is a wonderful story. Not only does it give a good message, but it also takes young readers into the African jungle and introduces them to the animals that live there in an entertaining way. Savannah Horton brings the story alive with her lively and colorful illustrations. The African savannah, the animals living there, the waterhole, sunset, and everything else associated with the savannah is palpable to readers through the bright illustrations. They also give clarity to the author's words and her message. Tutors and parents can use Wadee and this story to help children find peace within themselves. As the old African proverb says: ‘When there is no enemy within, the enemies outside cannot hurt you.’
This second book in Edie's 'Puddle' series is filled with wonderful catchy rhyming poems that have positive nostalgic messages. Her whimsical illustrations carry the poems along on ripples of warm vibrant colours.
