Evie and Rhino

I loved Neridah McMullin’s latest book, Evie and Rhino so much that I was compelled to blog about it here. It’s the heartwarming story of a connection between a human and an animal, and the healing power of friendship.



Evie and Rhino is historical fiction for middle grade readers (and adults) inspired by an actual event.



Evie and Rhino features kind-hearted, animal loving Evie and a rhino who swam ashore after the shipwreck of the SS Bancoora in 1891.



The ship ran aground off Buckleys Beach, a beautiful and wild part of the Australia that the author clearly knows well, and has brought it to life in stunning detail as the backdrop for this story.



But it’s the characters, Evie and Rhino that really capture the reader’s heart. Evie is an orphan, being raised by her kind and slightly eccentric grandpa who has also experienced great loss.






After her parents perished in a shipwreck, Evie loses her zest for life and her ability to speak.



Rhino is dealing with his own loss and sadness. He has been torn from his home and everything he knows and packed onto a ship sailing to Australia where he will become an exhibit at the Royal Melbourne Zoo



When Evie finds Rhino in the dunes, it changes both their lives. Rhino gives Evie back her voice and Evie gives Rhino love and freedom. But a representative from the Melbourne Zoo is on his way to collect Rhino, and Evie’s determined not to let her giant friend go. Innate empathy and understanding for each other make Evie and Rhino’s connection so strong.



Despite the trauma that both characters have suffered, this beautifully written story about an unlikely friendship is optimistically told.



This compelling story unfolds from the dual points of view of Evie and Rhino, and as they grow and so does their relationship, the reader is left with a feeling of warmth and hope for both of them.



Wonderful emotive illustrations by Astred Hicks are scattered throughout Evie and Rhino , and it’s published by Walker Books Australia.



A wonderfully told story that appealed to my dual loves of history and animals.