Rakali of the Riverbank
By (Author) Stephanie Owen Reeder
Illustrated by Rachel Gregg
CSIRO Publishing
CSIRO Publishing
1st July 2025
Australia
Children
Fiction
Zoology: mammals (mammalogy)
Wildlife: general interest
Educational: Mathematics, science and technology, general
Hardback
32
Width 250mm, Height 250mm, Spine 7mm
396g
As the sun sets, Rakali prepares to patrol the riverbank. He is on a mission to fill his belly, protect his pups and keep his home safe. But he must face feral foxes, disease-carrying black rats and toxic cane toads. Will he make it safely back to his burrow before the sun rises Rakali of the Riverbank is an engaging look at a night in the life of an Australian native water rat, and the challenges that these unique and charming creatures face. Reading level varies from child to child, but we recommend this book for ages 5 to 9.
Dr Stephanie Owen Reeder is the author of over 20 historical and environmental books for children, including Swifty (CSIRO Publishing, 2022) and Sensational Australian Animals (CSIRO Publishing, 2024). She has won both the CBCA Book of the Year Award and the NSW Premiers History Award. Rachel Gregg works as an illustrator, photographer, performer and educator on Gundungurra Country. She was awarded the Ian Wilson Memorial Fellowship (May Gibbs Childrens Literature Trust, 2019). Rachel is also a wildlife rescuer, has six animal companions and her nickname is Rat!