Evie and Rhino
Age 10+
Animal Stories
**eBook Only** 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
Creators
Neridah McMullin loves animals, true stories and history. An author of twelve books for children, Neridah is also an award-winning short story writer and poet. Her middle-grade fiction novel Evie and Rhino was shortlisted for the CBCA Book of the Year in 2023, shortlisted for the Readings Prize and won the Australian Speech Pathology Book of the Year for Younger Readers. Her picture books Drover, Shearer and Tearaway Coach, set during the Victorian gold rush, were published to great acclaim. Her picture book Eat my Dust was a CBCA Notable in 2024. Neridah believes she was born at least 100 years too late. She loves old books, old people and local historical societies. She also loves footy, family, 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.
Reviews
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+.
Readings
A gorgeous, warm and beautifully written story – one that you would give to your children or grandchildren.
ReadPlus
This heartfelt story captured my imagination, and I loved Evie and Rhino – they were lovely characters, who seemed to understand each other without words.
Ashleigh Meikle
This charming story of friendship and conservation will be enjoyed by those who like adventure, animals, and justice.
CBCA Reading Time
This is an absolutely delightful and touching story, with beautiful characters who have such warm and genuine relationships. Grandpa’s love and care for Evie is evident throughout the book, and it really is a story that will stay with you long after you have finished reading.
Lamont Books
