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Award-Winning Children's Book Series Celebrates the Real Kangaroos Behind Viral Success of More Than 53 Million Views

Red Rabbit Books

Key Facts:

• Kelly Ryner, a regional New South Wales author, is launching the Red Rabbit Roo Series through her independent imprint Red Rabbit Books on 8 September 2026, with a community celebration event in Cobargo on 12 September.
• The series features two rhyming picture books with hand-painted watercolour illustrations: *Maxie Roo Is Just Like You!* and *Indie Roo Is Now A Mother Too!*, both inspired by Ryner's firsthand experience raising orphaned grey kangaroo joeys on her Sapphire Coast property.
• Both titles have earned Literary Titan Gold Book Awards, and *Maxie Roo Is Just Like You!* has also received a Kirkus Star from the prestigious US publication Kirkus Reviews.
• The Red Rabbit Books social media pages celebrating the kangaroos behind the series, have attracted over 53 million views in 90-days.
• The Red Rabbit Books website features dedicated sections where parents, children, and teachers can explore the real-life photos, videos, and notes that inspired the books, alongside the finished illustrated pages.
• Free downloadable teacher resources accompany the series, with classroom guides for children aged 3–8 designed to extend the books into learning about Australian wildlife, curiosity, empathy and caring.
• A significant portion of all profits from Red Rabbit Books is donated to volunteer wildlife carers and small wildlife sanctuaries across Australia.
• Both titles are available to pre-order ahead of the 8 September release from www.redrabbitbooks.com

COBARGO, NSW — 18 August 2026 — Over the past few months, millions of people around the world have quietly discovered the daily lives of rescued and wild Australian kangaroos through heartwarming videos filmed in regional New South Wales. These clips, captured on Kelly Ryner's Sapphire Coast property, have recently amassed more than 53 million views across Facebook and Instagram and attracted a combined global audience of over 35,600 dedicated followers. For Ryner, these viral videos offer a real-time window into the remarkable kangaroo behaviours and relationships that inspired her critically acclaimed children's book collection.

On 8 September, Ryner's independent publishing imprint, Red Rabbit Books, will officially launch the Red Rabbit Roo Series.

The series is launching with significant international recognition. The newly revised edition of Ryner’s debut title, Maxie Roo Is Just Like You!, has received a Kirkus Star, one of the book industry’s most coveted distinctions, awarded by Kirkus Reviews to books of exceptional merit. Kirkus praised the book as “a tender, gorgeously illustrated escape into nature.” It also previously won the Literary Titan Gold Book Award.

"This story isn’t just about a cute kangaroo; it’s filled with little moments that teach kids about nature without them even realising it," was one of the many standout quotes from The Literary Titan’s five-star review.

The second book in the series, Indie Roo Is Now A Mother Too!, has followed in its predecessor’s footsteps, securing its own Literary Titan Gold Award ahead of its 8 September release. Kirkus Reviews has lauded the sequel as "a sweet celebration of motherhood and an endearing insight into kangaroo life." Both rhyming picture books feature Ryner’s detailed, hand-painted watercolour illustrations, capturing the sparse and tranquil beauty of the New South Wales Sapphire Coast countryside.

"While raising orphaned grey kangaroo joeys on my farm, I was privileged to experience their unique personalities, deep relationships and human-like qualities firsthand," says Ryner. "Though they are a soft, lyrical read, each book is full of educational content which will, I hope, foster lifelong curiosity and empathy for our native wildlife."

"I have also created Meet Maxie Roo and Meet Indie Roo sections on the Red Rabbit Books website, where parents, children and teachers can visit to see for themselves where these stories came from,” Ryner shares. "I’ve uploaded my photos, videos and notes about what I’ve witnessed and learned. Then, at the end of each entry, I show the finished pages of the book that were inspired by those moments. I love that!"

Beyond storytelling, supporting wildlife carers remains an important part of the Red Rabbit Books mission. A significant portion of all profits from Red Rabbit Books goes directly to providing vital financial support to volunteer carers and small wildlife sanctuaries across Australia.

Maxie Roo Is Just Like You! and Indie Roo Is Now A Mother Too! are available to pre-order now from Red Rabbit Books, ahead of their official release on 8 September 2026.

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The launch event at The Cobargo Bank on Saturday, 12 September will offer a unique peek into the stories that inspired these books, along with live readings, book signings, and children's colouring activities. The free event is open to the public, with RSVPs available here:

  https://events.humanitix.com/red-rabbit-books-launch

About us:

About Red Rabbit Books
Red Rabbit Books is an independent Australian children’s publisher founded by author and watercolour illustrator Kelly Ryner. Its picture books are inspired by real Australian wildlife and combine storytelling, original watercolour illustration and opportunities for children to learn more about the animals behind the stories. Red Rabbit Books also provides free educational resources for families and teachers and donates a portion of profits to volunteer wildlife carers and small wildlife sanctuaries across Australia.

Contact details:

Media Kit available at: www.RedRabbitBooks.com/media-kit

Primary Contact: Kelly Ryner
Author & Publisher, Red Rabbit Books
0427 922 141
[email protected]
redrabbitbooks.com