Mango and Hopscotch – The Inspiring Story of a Brave Kangaroo and her Joey Rescued from Floodwaters by Sophie Cunningham, illustrated by Anil Tortop

Title: Mango and Hopscotch – The Inspiring Story of a Brave Kangaroo and her Joey Rescued from Floodwaters

Author: Sophie Cunningham, illustrated by Anil Tortop

Genre: Narrative non-fiction

Publisher: Allen and

Published: 29^th July 2025

Format: Hardcover

Pages: 24

Price: $19.99

Synopsis: Mango and Hopscotch live in a beautiful tropical forest on the banks of a big river. Together, they munch on grass and lounge in the shade.

One day, while the mob graze quietly, drops of rain start to fall. Lightning flashes, thunder rumbles. Soon it is pouring. And then the river bursts its banks…

Inspired by amazing true stories, this is the tale of a brave kangaroo and her joey rescued from floodwaters.

Also available: Tippy and Jellybean – The True Story of a Brave Koala Who Saved Her Baby from a Bushfire, and Flipper and Finnegan – The True Story of How Tiny Jumpers Saved Little Penguins

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When the storms hit, all the wildlife starts to scatter, trying to escape the rain and floods. A kangaroo and her joey take shelter on the verandah of a house, but soon, they’re swept into the floodwaters, and are swimming for their lives. A quiet day grazing has turned into one of fear and tragedy, and the kangaroos – Mango and Hopscotch – must swim for their lives.

This new picture book from Sophie Cunningham is based on true stories about people who rescued kangaroos and wildlife during devastating floods. It captures the fear that people affected would have felt, and the lengths they went to so they could help each other and save as many people, homes, and wildlife as possible. It’s an evocative story that captures how large weather events affect more than just people. They affect the wildlife too, and they need help as well. There didn’t appear to be a singular story this was inspired by. It works because it is a culmination of more than one story, based on what the blurb says.  Anyone who has been affected by a flood or heard one of these stories will have a story they can relate to as they read.

Sophie has captured the sense of community in this story, and Anil Tortop’s illustrations are gentle and give a good idea of what the characters would be feeling, whilst delving into what happened to the kangaroos, centring their story in this delightful picture book. It is told through the eyes of Hopscotch, the kangaroo joey, as she comes to terms with her changing world as floods threaten her safety.

Picture books like Mango and Hopscotch are joyful and hopeful, and a great way to explore fears with children. Or to help them understand how natural disasters affect wildlife and communities. The reassuring story is perfect for readers aged three and over, and is a wonderful one to share with the family. It’s one that reminds us that there is still humanity in the world, and that there is good in the world too. Another fantastic picture book for all ages.