The illustrated Rakali of the Riverbank introduces readers to one of only two amphibious Australian mammals, once regarded as a pest.
Early European settlers to Australia regarded the rakali as a pest, perhaps assuming it to be the same disease-carrying animal as Rattus rattus. They hunted and killed them for their fur.
Rakali of the Riverbank (CSIRO Publishing,2025; cover design Cath Pirret Design), with words by Stephanie Owen Reeder and illustrations by Rachel Gregg, provides a much more sympathetic view of this creature.
It describes the beauty of rakali’s fur, his hunting and feeding habits, the dangers he faces, his cleverness in working out how to safely consume the deadly cane toad and his nimbleness on land and in the water.
Written in a descriptive style, the book emphasises vocabulary and ideas by bolding and capitalising certain words. There is a lilt to the author’s prose. The illustrations are in pastel hues – muted greens, blues and creams, depicting the Australian bush and waterways, the softness of rakali’s fur, his sleek shape and lithe movements.
Three pages of information, including a glossary, complete the book, giving young readers a good basis for further investigation if inspired to learn more about this one of only two amphibious Australian mammals.
Inspired by the 2019-2020 bushfires, The Peach King tells the story of survival, hope, courage and resilience.
The Peach King (Lothian/Hachette, 2025; illustrated by Tannya Harricks; design Christabella Designs) is Inga Simpson’s first picture book. Best known for her adult fiction and nature writing, this work is a decisive expression of her concern for the environment.
Based on her experience during the 2019-2020 bushfires on the NSW South Coast, the story recounts the survival of one young voice of the destruction of a long-established peach orchard by fire. As fire looms, the orchardist and his neighbours pick every peach, but most of the trees are burnt and blackened. The magnificent King Tree succumbs but Little Peach Tree regrows and rises to take his place in the orchard hierarchy.
Whilst grounded in the awful reality of those fires, the book is also allegorical. It is a story of survival, hope, courage and resilience, of community and individual strength. It also carries a warning about environmental destruction, climate change and the consequences of human inaction.
Gloriously illustrated, The Peach King’s pages are swathes of colour and movement – the waving of trees, the flight of birds, the ravaging firestorm. Hope appears in the final illustration in the form of a lush and healthy young tree laden with peaches.
The book is beautifully produced in a large format and is thought-provoking and important material for young readers.
Jenny Horsfield’s book pays homage to grasslands and the people who look after them.
Jenny Horsfield provides non-fiction homage to our environment and those who care for it in Our Grassy Landscapes – A celebration of the people who care for them (independently published, 204; design Rosanna Horn Design).
This is a detailed discussion of our region’s grasslands from pre-colonial times to the present. The author is a ‘Landcarer’ with a strong and long connection to Tuggeranong Homestead. She is also a volunteer with Friends of Grasslands, a community advocacy group which concerns itself with the conservation of grasslands based on scientific research.
Whilst being a substantial work providing information about the significance of our grasslands, the book also details the practical activities of many volunteer groups and includes a solid collection of illustrative photographs by a variety of photographers.
Reference to the work of Charles Massy draws our attention to the sociological aspect of conservation and farming methods, pointing out the courage needed to strike out in new directions in the face of long-held beliefs and fiercely defended agricultural traditions.
The positive effects of labours of love by committed individuals and groups strike forcefully as one reads this work. The photographs reinforce the beauty of the landscape and its fragility, along with the camaraderie, diligent physical toil and determination of the conservationists. This is an inspiring work to read.
A helpful reference section and detailed index are included. The author’s sound background in historical writing is evident in the thoroughness and scope of Our Grassy Landscapes, a book which goes well beyond the science of conservation and ecology and encompasses the human element and its crucial role in sustaining life of all kinds and enhancing the country we inhabit.
This is weighty, in the best possible way.
Barbie Robinson is co-founder and a content creator for Living Arts Canberra, a not-for-profit media outfit supporting arts and community in the Canberra region and books worldwide through its website, podcast interviews and a 24/7 internet radio station, at https://www.livingartscanberra.com.au/
