Set in 1891, this enchanting story was inspired by a real event: the stranding of a steamship and its cargo of exotic animals, bound for the Royal Melbourne Zoo. What actually happened is well documented but Neridah McMullin reimagines history into a captivating tale of a young rhinoceros and his rescue and care by the kind and gentle Evie.

Evie’s discovery of the shipwrecked Rhino is a salve to her wounded spirit, her interminable, silent grief over the loss of her parents. By pushing her personal woes aside to care for Rhino, she nurses her own injured soul. The gentle Rhino seems to find a kindred spirit in Evie; there’s an unspoken understanding and a deep, unbreakable bond between them.

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+.

Athina Clarke is from Readings Malvern