Carmen Agra Deedy is a Best-selling Author but if there were a category for Best-story telling, she would be that too.
Mesmerized, that’s the word of the day, as Habersham County Elementary students sat on the edge of their seats, biting their nails, laughing, oooooing and ahhhhhing, and purely focused on Deedy’s every word. The message was clear – reading is fun and books open the world to children.
Wombat Said Come In is the One Book Habersham read this year. Second and Fifth Grade students met at the Habersham Central Performing Arts Center on Wednesday, April 16, to hear a story by Deedy and to talk about the joy of reading and becoming friends with the characters in a book.
This delightful picture book is set against the backdrop of a dangerous wildfire in the Australian bush. As the flames approach, Wombat opens his burrow to a growing group of animals seeking shelter—Wallaby, Kookaburra, Platypus, and even a snappy little Sugar Glider. Though his burrow grows crowded and tensions rise, Wombat’s generosity never wavers.
With warm humor and a gentle message about kindness, community, and making room for others in times of crisis, Wombat Said Come In resonates deeply with readers of all ages. It’s a touching reminder of how empathy and hospitality can make a difference, even when we feel overwhelmed.
As part of One Book Habersham, schools and libraries across the county will host read-alouds, themed activities, art projects, and family engagement nights centered on the book’s themes. It’s an opportunity not just to promote literacy, but to foster compassion, understanding, and community spirit—values that are just as important outside of the pages as they are within them.
There is a QR Code on the front page. The book is meant to read and share and see how far it goes.
Deedy talked about her love of story telling and writing for children. “I write books. The story telling side is something I grew-up with in my own Cuban culture and in the Southern culture where we were embedded, you couldn’t go three feet without somebody saying ‘Did you hear the one about Paquito how he went to the grocery store…’ or ‘Did you hear the one about the three legged dog?'”
Her warmth exudes giving anyone around her the feeling of being a part of every word that comes from her mouth. “Children are my favorite audience, and not because they are easy, because if they don’t like you, you better run for the hills!” Deedy said offering a chuckle, the kind people want to join in even if they don’t know what is funny.
“Stories are what is most human about us. It is that gossamer thread that connects every human being to the next,” Deedy expressed.
She explained that children, no matter their emotions or challenges, can find a sense of belonging through stories, as storytelling creates a powerful connection between people.
Be on the look out for Wombat Said Come In and join in the fun of reading and passing the book along.
