Rakali are native Australian rats. Sometimes they are known as the golden-bellied water mouse or native water rat. They are amphibious mammals. Only one of two in Australia. They have personalities likened to an otter.
Rakali of the Riverbank tells us the story of one night in the life of Rakali. As night falls Rakali can sense dangers around his riverbank. But he is brave and keen to hunt. He glides past the platypuses, flattening his ears as he ducks and dives to look for crustaceans. He finds a yabby, returning with it to his feeding rock to crunch it up.
His nose twitches as he patrols his territory, marking his boundaries with his stinky poo. He comes across a cane toad that is hovering near his pups. He charges and knocks the toad onto its back, snipping with his teeth, chomping on its innards. He searches for fungi to eat, is almost caught in a human laid trap in the river and has his tail tugged by a carp. Who will win the tussle? Rakali has a good dinner back on his feeding rock.
As he chases away another intruder, he senses danger. A fox appears on the edge of the bank. Time to hide!
This terrific book tells us exactly how Rakali spends his time in the native bush each night. The soft colours of the illustrations mimic his surroundings, warm and appealing, yet cool for the night.
Rakali of the Riverbank is a winner in many varied ways. The perfectly matching illustrations, the strong storytelling, and the educational aspect bring alive the night as we join Rakali. Rats are so often maligned, thought to be disease carrying, like the black rats. But Rakali are not, and are in fact highly important to the Australian environment, helping to keep waterways healthy.
In the rear of the book there is more information to learn about Rakali. We observe the main features of their bodies, how they raise their young to where they live and eat.
Terrific job by the author and illustrator. Next time you spot a rat in the bush, you might think twice – perhaps it’s a rakali, dozing through the day and bustling with purpose all night long.
Reviewed by Jane Stephens
Age Guide 5+
ABOUT THE AUTHOR AND ILLUSTRATOR
Dr Stephanie Owen Reeder
Dr Stephanie Owen Reeder is the author of over 20 historical and environmental books for children, including Swifty and Sensational Australian Animals. She has won both the CBCA Book of the Year Award and the NSW Premier’s 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 Children’s Literature Trust, 2019). Rachel is also a wildlife rescuer, has six animal companions and her nickname is Rat!
0 Comments