Rosie the Rhinoceros; Jimmy Barnes, illustrated by Matt Shanks

Written by Australian-Scottish rock legend, Jimmy Barnes, and inspired by his own granddaughter, who when playing a word game decided that she didn’t want to be Rosie the rhinoceros but wanted to be Rosie the unicorn, comes a fabulous story about being who YOU want to be and getting others to accept you for who you are.

Meet Rosie, she lives in the savannah with the giraffes, monkeys, zebras, lions, elephants and birds. Up bright and early every day, Rosie loves to greet the other animals and they are always delighted to see her happy little rhinoceros face. But there’s a problem. Rosie isn’t a rhinoceros, she is a unicorn, she even has the delicate hooves and a beautiful horn on her head to prove it. Frustrated that the other animals cannot see her for who she really is, Rosie comes up with a daring plan. Can she convince the other animals to recognise her for who she really is…

Rosie the Rhinoceros is a fun, happy and heart-warming story about a delightful rhinoceros who wants to be seen as as unicorn. Bursting with joy, an amazing zest for life and an unbreakable spirit, Rosie is going to live life as a unicorn and no animal is going to stop her. Readers of all ages can learn a thing or two from this little bundle of fun who is wise beyond her years. Her story of acceptance will be relatable to many children who are working out who they are and what they like, and having this recognised and embraced by their friends.

Along the way there are misunderstandings and plenty of confused animals who are convinced that they know what a rhinoceros looks like and Rosie definitely matches the description. But Rosie doesn’t care what others think she should be, she knows what she wants to be and that’s the important message in this story. After convening a meeting, Rosie’s supportive animal friends embrace her for who she really is, apologise for their previous mistakes, praise her for bringing rainbows wherever she goes and for being such a kind and caring friend. If only we all had such understanding friends!

There is so much joy and happiness in the story and lots of valuable messages for children around acceptance, inclusivity, celebrating uniqueness and individuality, which is essentially what this book is all about. We are all unique, we should all be celebrated for who we are and we are free to choose who we want to be. And who wouldn’t want to be a unicorn; skipping, dancing and prancing across the savannah plains, playing with friends and watching the sun rise each morning.

Matt Shank’s illustrations are fab and seeing Rosie loving life on the savannah and living each day to its fullest and best is an absolute joy; her enthusiasm for life and being herself are truly infectious. From the sparkly front cover to the delightful end papers, the whole thing is an absolute treat.

With huge thanks to Harper Collins for this great story.

Recommended for 3+.