Evie and Rhino

A young girl with a tragic past and a rhinoceros facing life in captivity form an unlikely and magical bond after a fateful storm and a shipwreck bring them together. A moving tale about love, connection and the healing power of friendship.

1891
On a stormy night off the coast of southern Australia, a ship transporting a cargo of exotic animals tosses and turns in enormous seas. Rhino senses they are in grave danger. . .
Not far away, ten-year-old Evie and her grandfather shelter in their crumbling, once-grand old home. They know too well how deadly storms can be. When all is calm, Evie treks over the dunes to the sea and makes a discovery that will change her life, and Rhino’s, forever.
Will the tragedies of their pasts finally be put to rest?

Awarded CBCA 2023 Honour Book - Younger Readers

“I cared deeply for these two incredibly endearing characters whose fates are inextricably linked. Rhino's multiple escapades made me laugh out loud and the seemingly insurmountable challenge they face brought me to tears. The writing is beautiful, the sentiments profound; the restorative love possible between human and beast shines a beacon of hope throughout this unforgettable tale. This perceptive and poignant story of hope and ultimately joy will strike a chord with independent readers ages 9+.”

Oh, this book is just exquisite. It’s my favourite book of the year so far! It’s like being wrapped up in a warm blanket of love while drinking a mug of something hot and a comforting apple pie […] I cannot wait for my daughter to read this book because I know she will adore it too. A squillion stars for this one! Mini Travellers Blog
It is a story based on true events, introduces readers to some fascinating facts about animals and fauna in Australia, and will make your heart sing. […] . This story exudes love and the magical connections and healing powers that true friendship brings. Armadillo Magazine
A truly memorable tale of rediscovering your inner strength and your voice, and the healing power of friendship. Red Reading Hub

Neridah McMullin lives in the city, but is a country girl at heart. She loves history and true stories. An author of seven books for children, Neridah is also an award winning short story writer and poet. Her latest picture book, published by Allen & Unwin in 2016, ‘Fabish: the horse that braved a Bushfire’ is a true story set in the Black Saturday Bushfires in 2009. It was shortlisted for the CBCA 2017 ‘Book of the Year’ in the Eve Pownall Award. Neridah loves cricket, footy, birdwatching, walking her dog and meeting other people’s dogs.

Astred Hicks is an award-winning Australian book designer, illustrator and author whose distinctive work for Australian and International publishing houses includes fiction, non-fiction and educational, with a special emphasis on young adult fiction and children’s non-fiction. Most recently, Astred has been included on the Notables list in the Children’s Book Council of Australia Book of the Year Awards 2022. She was shortlisted in the 2021 Australian Book Design Awards, Children’s Book Council of Australia Eve Pownall Award 2020 and the Wildlife Society's Environmental Award for Children's Literature 2020.

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