Welcome, and thank you for your interest in Red Rabbit Books.
This private page has been created for reviewers, booksellers, librarians, media contacts, and industry professionals to preview upcoming titles prior to release.
All books shown here are forthcoming premium hardcover editions. Two are scheduled for release in September 2026, with the third following in early 2027.
Kelly Ryner is an award-winning wildlife artist and children's author based in Australia. Inspired by real-life experiences caring for orphaned kangaroos, she creates beautifully illustrated, rhyming picture books that connect children to the natural world.
Her stories highlight the emotional lives and behaviours of native animals, helping young readers discover the similarities between human and wildlife families.
Through Red Rabbit Books, Kelly combines storytelling, art, and conservation, with her work supporting small Australian wildlife sanctuaries and volunteer carers dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and releasing native animals.
About Kelly Ryner Author/Illustrator
The Red Rabbit Roo Series
Inspired by real experiences with Australian wildlife, The Red Rabbit Roo Series combines authentic kangaroo behaviour with classically painted watercolour illustrations to create gentle, emotionally rich stories for young children.
Each book is thoughtfully designed to grow with the child, blending engaging rhyme and storytelling with educational backmatter that encourages curiosity about the natural world and the similarities shared between human and animal families.
Each book will be supported by educator guides designed for a range of grade levels and learning environments.
About
Friendship, family, curiosity and courage, Maxie Roo's story shows just how much we share with these iconic Australian animals.
Awarded the Literary Titan Gold Book Award, this heartwarming rhyming picture book is brought to life with classically painted watercolour illustrations and engaging kangaroo facts woven throughout.
Premium hardcover picture book
9 × 10 inches
32 pages
Full colour throughout
Illustrated endpapers
Ages 3–7
Inspired by real Australian wildlife behaviour
ISBN 978-0-6455696-6-7
About
Follow Indie, a devoted kangaroo mother, as she nurtures her joey through the early stages of life in the Australian bush. Through gentle rhyme and beautifully detailed watercolour illustrations, explore the relationship between parent and child, celebrating the care, protection, and loving bond between mother and joey.
Inspired by real kangaroo behaviour, this story reveals the often unseen role of a mother as teacher, as Indie guides her joey through each new experience. From the safety of the pouch to the first steps of independence, her patient instruction and watchful care reflect the universal journey of growing, learning, and letting go.
A companion to the award-winning Maxie Roo Is Just Like You!, this timeless picture book connects children to wildlife while highlighting the deep parallels between human and animal families.
Premium hardcover picture book
9 × 10 inches
40 pages
Full colour throughout
Illustrated endpapers
Ages 4–8
Inspired by real Australian wildlife behaviour
ISBN 978-0-6455696-9-8
Coming in 2027
Inspired by the true story of an orphaned Western Grey Kangaroo rescued in Australia, Jaffa Roo Is Growing Up After Rescue! explores early life in wildlife care through gentle rhyme and richly detailed watercolour illustrations.
This book will spark discussions about:
Australian wildlife diversity
Wildlife rescue and rehabilitation
Empathy and compassion for animals