Cassowary Dad

Cassowary Dad

Beverley Williams

Julian Teh

CSIRO Publishing, 2025

32pp., hbk., RRP $A26.99

9781486317578 

“In an ancient forest beside a reef-fringed shore”, in the tropical region of Far North Queensland, Cassowary Dad is keeping three precious eggs safe under his warm breast feathers.  His mate has long since left and hungry though he is, he will stay there for about eight weeks waiting for the chicks to hatch.  And even after they do, he will still protect them for months as they grow and mature and become independent.  He will protect them from predators like the lace monitors, show them the sorts of fruits and foods that are safe to eat, and shelter them from the ravages of the cyclone. Like the emperor penguin and the seahorse, he is another dad responsible for raising his offspring. 

This is another beautifully illustrated narrative non fiction contribution from CSIRO Publishing, showcasing yet another of Australia’s enigmatic creatures. Closely related to the emu, but with a strange casque helmet, the cassowary is not only a keystone species in the local ecosystems spreading the seeds of its diet throughout the forest so there is food for it and shelter for others in the future, but it is also an important part of the traditions, stories, ceremonies and dances of the Indigenous people of the region.  Shy and reclusive, but with populations appearing to be expanding and re-colonising areas they once inhabited as more becomes known about the threats and dangers that they face, particularly the expansion of human habitation, Cassowary Dad’s story introduces this “rainforest gardener” to the many who will only ever see photos of them. raising awareness of Nature’s diversity and adaptation.