Wombat Waiting, Wildfires, and Weird Is Wonderful with Katherine Applegate

Newbery Medalist Katherine Applegate(The One and Only Ivan, Wishtree, Odder) returns to talk about her newest book, Wombat Waiting—a free-verse “destiny dog” story set against California wildfires. We dive into climate change with hope, why picture books still matter for big kids, how to reach reluctant readers, and why “weird is wonderful” might be the best antidote to both peer pressure and AI.

Summary:

In this episode of the Adventures in Learning podcast, Dr. Diane sits down with Katherine Applegate to explore Wombat Waiting, a lyrical novel-in-verse about a stray dog, wildfires, waiting, and finding your purpose. Katherine shares the real rescue dog who inspired Wombat, how she writes about climate change without overwhelming kids, and why she believes in best-friend books, comfort reads, and picture books for older readers. They also talk about scripted curricula, book bans, and Dr. Diane’s Read•Connect•Play•Reflect™ framework for connecting stories like Wombat Waiting to STEM/STEAM, SEL, and inquiry-based thinking. Katherine closes with her core message for kids—“embrace your weird”—and a peek at what she’s working on next.

Chapters:

[02:08] Inside Wombat Waiting: Destiny Dog in a Wildfire

Katherine shares the California fire inspiration, her real rescue dog Astrid, and why she chose free verse and white space to make a climate story accessible.

[04:18] From Stray to Comforter: Character, Community, and Very Few Words

How Wombat learns to trust humans, the Hachiko connection, and why Katherine loves “chiseling” language down to its most essential form.

[08:30] Author Visits, Rally for Reading, and Reluctant Readers

School visit stories, one-book/one-school programs, kids meeting a “real author,” and how a “best friend book” like Charlotte’s Web can flip a reluctant reader.

[11:00] Graphic Novels, Comfort Reads, and Picture Books for Big Kids

Why we shouldn’t dismiss graphic novels or series, and how picture books support dyslexic, visual, and older readers while teaching craft and content.

[14:07] Curriculum, Book Bans, and Trusting Teachers

A candid look at scripted programs, excerpts vs. full novels, and why respecting teacher judgment and giving kids whole books matters for real literacy.

[16:21] Read–Connect–Play–Reflect: Classroom Ideas for Wombat Waiting

Dr. Diane shares practical ways to link Wombat Waiting to climate change, STEM challenges, creative response, and deeper reflection.

[22:21] AI, Authentic Voices, and “Weird Is Wonderful”

Katherine and Dr. Diane discuss AI’s push toward generic voices, why kids need to be their boldest, strangest selves, and how “embrace your weird” empowers readers.

[24:10] Climate Themes, Kids Who Care, and Finding Hope

Katherine’s environmental throughline, the seven-year-old who explained climate change at a school visit, and why informed, passionate kids give her hope.

[26:25] Writing for Kids, Staying 11 Inside, and What’s Next

Why children are her favorite audience, staying connected to her “inner 11-year-old,” and a glimpse at upcoming graphic/picture adaptations and a new middle-grade fantasy.

Links and Resources

• Check out all of Katherine's books -- and don't miss Wombat Waiting
• Check out Katherine's previous appearances on the podcast: Episodes 51, 83, and 132.
• Learn more about Dr. Diane’s Read•Connect•Play•Reflect™ frameworkand contact her to speak or work with your school, library, or district.