Five reasons we love Mister Cassowary by Samantha Wheeler
Mister Cassowary is one of the six books shortlisted for this year’s Readings Children’s Book Prize. Here are five reasons why we think it’s brilliant.
1. It’s about a real kid with real problems.
After his Grandad Barney passes away, Flynn and his dad head up to the old family banana farm in Mission Beach to get it ready for sale. Ten-year-old Flynn is having a hard time connecting with his dad, who’s usually away working in the mines and doesn’t understand that Flynn isn’t a little kid any more. But on top of that, Flynn can never seem to get him to tell the truth about things, like why the cassowaries that call Mission Beach home scare his dad so much.
2. You’ll learn something when you read it.
How much do you know about cassowaries? If you’re anything like me, the answer is not much. But this is a read that’ll teach you all kinds of things about the endangered birds without ever feeling like a lesson. After Flynn finds a couple of orphaned cassowary chicks, he turns to his new friends for help and ends up learning a lot of interesting facts about rearing cassowaries.
3. It’s about friendship.
All kinds of friendship – from inquisitive local girl Abby who can’t seem to stop asking questions, to Flynn’s friendship with his dad, who never wants to answer any questions at all… not to mention Flynn’s friendship with the two Cassowary chicks, Peanut and Jumble. Mister Cassowary is one of those books where the characters are so real and likable that by the end of it, you’ll consider them friends.
4. There’s a mystery in it that will keep you guessing.
Just like Flynn, you’ll be itching to know the answers to the questions that plague him: who is Big Blue? Why was his grandad called Mister Cassowary? And – most frustratingly of all – why won’t his dad talk about any of it?
5. It’s a perfect read for boys and girls.
It’s rare that you find a book that has equal appeal to both boys and girls, but the interesting subject matter, relatable characters and intriguing mystery makes this a story that will draw in readers aged eight and up. Its themes on conservation and animal welfare means there will also be lots to discuss afterwards.
