Junior Library Guild

Back in September I wrote an On the Radar article about a wonderful nonfiction book, Unusual Creatures by Michael Hearst. The author gives two pages of amazing drawings and facts about unusual creatures from the sea to the skies. One of those creatures is a wombat. Readers learn that wombats have special bones that squeeze the poop into a six-sided shape. Really! Why? Unlike Hansel who left breadcrumbs that got eaten by forest birds, wombats leave a trail of scat to follow home. Flat sided poop doesn’t roll, so wombats can get home in time for dinner. (Not really, but can’t you just see the picture book?)

Not only that, but in 2009 an Australian paper making company began using wombat scat to create an organic paper. According to ABC News, it passes their quality test. According to Hearst, the paper has been a hit with tourists who like its “earthy smell.”

At a recent release event for Unusual Creatures, Hearst made a companion food, Wombat Poop Fudge. (No wombat bi-products are used in the recipe.) After a series of trials and errors, he came up with the following recipe. Not that you need anything to “sell” this book, but who could resist after you introduce the book with poop fudge?

Here’s the recipe.

Wombat Poop Fudge

1 (14 oz.) can of sweetened condensed milk
1 (18 oz.) bag of semisweet chocolate chips
2 tablespoons butter
Salt

Over low heat, melt butter in a heavy-bottomed pot. Add sweetened condensed milk and chocolate chips. Stir constantly until chips have melted and mixture is well blended. Pour mixture into a foil-lined 9×11-inch baking dish. (Yes, it will be a thin layer of fudge.) Allow to cool at room temperature for 30 minutes, then place in the refrigerator for another hour or two. Remove from the refrigerator and cut into 1-centimeter-wide strips. With strips still in place, cut perpendicular so that you now have many 1-centimeter-wide cubes. Place three or four cubes in a small baking cup. Sprinkle with salt, and serve. Wombat poop fudge!

What about you? Have you ever made a recipe for your students? Do you have one to share? Post it on our Facebook page. Try this one out and let me know how it goes. Oh! And by the way, October 22 is unofficial Wombat Day. Don’t forget to bring the fudge.

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