Cassowary Dad by Beverley McWilliams. Illus. by Julian Teh

This strikingly illustrated new release, Cassowary Dad, is a wonderful book to read aloud and share with children. Written by talented and versatile South Australian author Beverley McWilliams, this factual narrative tells the story of a cassowary dad and his three young chicks. For those who know very little about the cassowary, this book provides clear and accessible information that will encourage new interest and learning about this remarkable bird. Set in the rainforests, mangroves and swamps of the Wet Tropics and Cape York regions of Northern Queensland, the endangered southern cassowary is the only species found in Australia and is of cultural significance to the First Nations peoples of these areas.

This engaging story begins with the dad sitting on the nest for 52 days. He is hungry but must protect his clutch of eggs. Finally they hatch and three stripy chicks appear. Throughout the narrative, the cassowary dad guards his chicks and teaches them how to survive. He watches out for predators, dangerous weather conditions and provides a safe haven. The descriptive language used is full of imagery and is cleverly positioned across each page among the glorious illustrations in predominate multiple shades of green:

Parched days give way to welcome rains.
Starved streams swell.
Rocky rivers rage.
The rainforest wakes from its dry season slumber.

Key words are highlighted and feature in a glossary in the final pages. There are excellent facts to be read and discussed, with an important section on ‘Save our Cassowary’. Cassowary Dad will be a fabulous addition to a home, school or public library.

Teacher notes: https://www.publish.csiro.au/book/8116#forteachers

Themes: Cassowaries, Life Cycles, Family, Chicks, Rainforest, Survival, Sustainability.

Kathryn Beilby