Why Mara Wilson Agreed to Voice the Audiobook for Katherine Applegate’s “Wombat Waiting” (Exclusive)

**Mara Wilson Narrates Katherine Applegate’s Touching New Audiobook ‘Wombat Waiting’**

Mara Wilson, renowned for her childhood roles in film, has taken on a new challenge by narrating the audiobook of Katherine Applegate’s latest release, *Wombat Waiting*. This middle-grade novel, now available in bookstores, presents a story that resonates deeply with themes of loss and hope, drawing upon Wilson’s personal experiences with devastating wildfires in California.

Katherine Applegate is well known for her impactful writing, particularly the beloved *Animorphs* and *Everworld* series, which have made an indelible mark on young readers since their debut in the late 1990s. Even at the age of 12, Wilson was captivated by Applegate’s gift for storytelling. Reflecting on her past, she shared, “The *Everworld* books…were everything to me in middle school,” affirming the series’ significance in shaping her love for literature.

Given her admiration for Applegate’s work, Wilson was thrilled when the opportunity arose to record *Wombat Waiting*. “I got an email saying, ‘Would you like to do another book by Katherine Applegate?’” she recounted. “And I said, ‘Yes, of course.’” This enthusiasm translated into a heartfelt performance, which resonated with both Applegate and listeners. Applegate expressed her satisfaction with Wilson’s narration, stating, “As soon as we heard your voice, we knew it had to be [Wilson]. It’s just so soothing and lyrical.”

*Wombat Waiting* tells the compelling story of a dog, ironically named Wombat, who finds herself in a shelter after wildfires ravage her surroundings. Central to the narrative is the belief that her person is out there waiting for her. Concurrently, the story follows a young boy named Henry, who is grappling with his fears, particularly concerning dogs. This interplay of perspectives highlights the nuanced emotions experienced by both characters.

Wilson’s background growing up in Burbank, California, where wildfires were all too familiar, informs her connection to the narrative. She described the recent wildfires in Los Angeles as “unlike anything any of us had ever seen,” noting that the devastation affected her friends deeply. Her reflections on the book culminated in an emotional response, articulating, “I think the message of the book is sometimes you have to wait…things will get better, and beautiful things are around the corner.”

Applegate also shares her personal connection to the themes within *Wombat Waiting*. Having lived in Los Angeles, she vividly recalls the traumatic sights and sounds during wildfire events, including the “sky turning that horrible shade of orange” and the incessant sirens. She aimed to approach the topic sensitively, recognising that many children were grappling with the uncertainty and fear created by such disasters.

The narrative deftly balances the exploration of difficult topics with underlying messages of resilience and hope. Applegate expressed her aim to discuss challenging realities while still finding a pathway toward optimism. She noted that she enjoys crafting stories for younger readers, as it is around this age that children begin to navigate the complexities of the world around them.

Furthermore, Wilson resonated with Henry’s character, who initially harbours fear towards dogs. She related this back to her own childhood anxieties, reflecting, “I was a little afraid of dogs, like Henry, when I was a kid. And then I grew up and came to love dogs.” This personal touch enriches the listening experience, making the themes of personal growth and change all the more poignant.

Backed by decades of experience, Applegate’s esteemed catalogue includes the Newbery Award-winning *The One and Only Ivan*. The enduring popularity of her earlier works, as evidenced by adult readers attending her book events with well-loved copies, speaks to her ability to connect across generations.

*Wombat Waiting*, along with its audiobook, is currently available for purchase at various retailers. As both Wilson and Applegate continue to inspire younger readers, their collaboration on this heartfelt project promises to resonate with many, capturing the experiences of those navigating the complexities of love, fear and hope.