Rakali of the Riverbank
By: Stephanie Owen Reeder Illustrated by: Rachel Gregg
Explore the night with Rakali as he hunts for food, patrols the riverbank and dodges threats.
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? + Full description
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.
- Short descriptionDetails
Hardback | July 2025 | $ 26.99ISBN: 9781486317547 | 32 pages | 250 x 250 mm
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Colour illustrations
ePDF | July 2025
ISBN: 9781486317554
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Available from eRetailers
ePUB | July 2025
ISBN: 9781486317561
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Available from eRetailers
Features
- Explores the night-time activities of the rakali – one of only two amphibious mammals in Australia.
- Highlights the threats rakali face each day from feral and introduced species, humanmade fish traps, urbanisation and climate change.
- Shares facts about the rakali, including tips on how to identify and help protect them.
- Encourages conservation of our aquatic habitats and the native creatures that call them home.
Contents
Main storyThe remarkable rakali
Glossary
Acknowledgements
Authors
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!
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