Ryner’s debut picture book explores the daily life of a young kangaroo in Australia’s beautiful bush setting.

Maxie Roo is an Eastern Grey kangaroo. He rests beneath a distinctive, yellow-blossomed golden wattle tree, digs with his claws, munches on flowers, and goes bounding amid the rosellas, galahs, and cockatoos, jumping so high that he feels like he’s flying among the birds. Maxie’s best friend is another young kangaroo named Indie. One day, Indie spots a fox and hops away in fright. She and Maxie are separated, and for a while they become lost in the bush. Relieved to find each other again, they make their way back down to the pasture, where a “mob” of kangaroos has gathered in the setting sun. Maxie’s mother hugs him tight. The author narrates in gentle verses, their uncomplicated meter capturing something of a kangaroo’s hopping gait: “The pair made a plan. / Their steps they retraced. / Along the cool creek, / they hopped in great haste.” The joeys’ explorations provide a safe adventure for young readers, and Ryner’s delightful, double-page watercolor illustrations bring the Australian outback to vivid life, including the subdued landscapes and stately gum trees, the bursts of color in the forms of birds and flowers, and the young roos themselves, full of soft-eyed wonder. The book concludes with a two-page addendum relating facts about Australian flora and fauna, wildlife sanctuaries, and the real-life Maxie and Indie.

A tender, gorgeously illustrated escape into nature.

In the second volume in Ryner’s Red Rabbit Roo picture-book series, a mother kangaroo gives birth to her first joey and raises him through adolescence.

Indie, the young Eastern Grey kangaroo introduced in Maxie Roo Is Just Like You! (2022), is all grown up now. After giving birth to Charlie, she nurses him in her pouch for six months until he firsts sticks his still-bald head out (“Your fur is soon coming”). As Charlie continues to grow, he learns how to exit and reenter the pouch—especially important when danger threatens and Indie needs to hop them both away. She teaches Charlie both affection and independence, showing him how to be on his own and stay still and vigilant. After 10 months, Charlie is too big for the pouch. Indie continues to guide him, instructing him in life skills until Charlie is ready to explore on his own. Ryner tells the pair’s story with simple verses and beautiful two-page-spread watercolor illustrations that convey the sparseness and tranquility of the Australian bush setting. Indie and Charlie are delightful protagonists, and Ryner depicts a beguiling variety of Australian birds and animals, although some of their interactions detract a little from the pervading sense of authenticity. The book ends with a page of noteworthy facts about Australian animals and trees, along with lovely photos showing the real-life Indie and Charlie.

A sweet celebration of motherhood and an endearing insight into kangaroo life.