This is a cute concept, and the message is important about it being healthy to express sadness and not try to cover up difficult emotions.
Try to avoid ‘telling’ what the story is about, and instead ‘show’ it. For example, telling us that she “spends most of the book” trying to cheer herself up doesn’t create an image of what she actually does to try to cheer up. I don’t know the details of your book, but here’s an example:
Korra the Kangaroo is sad that her grandparents are moving away. She tries everything to cheer herself up, but nothing seems to work. Friends try to help. They play hide-and-seek, hopscotch, and tag, but Korra is still sad.
# # #
Does Korra solve her own problem with the help of her wombat friend, or does her friend sort of give her the solution? It would be best if the main character solves her own problem. With that in mind, the wording there might show that they figure it out together: Then with the help of her wombat friend, Korra learns that cheering up can’t happen until she finishes being sad.
I would leave it more open ended and not share the ending about her grandparents deciding not to move after all. With a query, it’s more of an overview/teaser, and not a full synopsis.
One last suggestion would be to cut the word “recalcitrant” and choose one that is more kid-friendly and better reflects the language and vibe of your story. Or just leave it out, and let the manuscript itself reveal the wombat’s unique personality.
Best wishes!!
