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 for readers 8+.

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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?

The perfect story for 8+ fans of The Last Bear, The Girl Who Stole an Elephant and Polly Pecorino: The Girl Who Rescues Animals.

"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

About the Author

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, Fabish: The horse That Braved a Bushfire, was shortlisted for the CBCA 2017 Book of the Year. Neridah loves cricket, football, birdwatching, walking her dog and meeting other people's dogs. She lives in Melbourne.

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, and she was shortlisted in the 2021 Australian Book Design Awards. Astred lives in Sydney. You can find her on Instagram at AstredHicksDesignCherry

Reviews
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 *


Awards
Winner of Speech Pathology Book of the Year Awards, 3-5 Years 2023 (Australia). Short-listed for CBCA Book of the Year Awards, Younger Readers 2023 (Australia).



Book Information
ISBN 9781529511154
Author Neridah McMullin
Format Paperback
Page Count 272
Imprint Walker Books Ltd
Publisher Walker Books Ltd
Weight(grams) 246g
Dimensions(mm) 198mm * 129mm * 19mm