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?
Neridah McMullin is the author of eight children’s books, including the picture book Drover. Her latest middle grade read, Evie and Rhino, is a based upon a true story of a shipwreck in 1891 off the south-west coast of Victoria. It’s known as Shipwreck Coast for good reason – there were 638 shipwrecks along this coastline, around 240 of which have actually been discovered. This book is inspired by the shipwreck of SS Bancoora, which travelled from Calcutta with a cargo load of exotic animals bound for a new home at Melbourne Zoo. Evie and Rhino is the wondrous tale of how the shipwreck led Evie to care for Rhino – and saved him from a fate of captivity at the zoo.
McMullin moves between the perspectives of Evie and Rhino. Evie is orphaned and struggles to speak. Rhino, while unable to communicate verbally with humans, has a unique way of bonding with Evie – it’s an unlikely yet heartwarming connection, and the way they bond against all odds is heart-warming. It made me think about how we treat animals, especially those who have a reputation for being a bit scary. It also brings home how much our relationships with animals can affect our lives and mental health.
Illustrations from Astred Hicks are scattered throughout this book, providing a warm touch. She drew post office telegraphs, which add a historic element to this book. Don’t miss Cook’s Delicious Apple Pie recipe at the back, too!
Evie and Rhino is a moving tale about love, connection and the healing power of friendship. It’s perfect for young readers aged 9+ who are interested in Australian historical settings and the life-affirming bonds between animals and humans.
Leave a Reply