Do you remember Casper, the cute city cat who tries to find her way home after getting lost in the wild? Follow her latest adventure in The Incredible Adventures of Casper the Cat Who Got Lost in Africa, Book 6: The Ostriches by award-winning filmmaker and author Jennifer Ussi. You may refresh your memory by reading my review of the first book in the series. Learn more about this upcoming release and enter to win a copy or a complete set of the first six books in the series!
My Review:
Written with humor, knowledge and wild imagination, The Ostriches brings us an exciting and empowering tale of friendship, leadership, kindness, courage, and collaboration.
After overhearing Casper's conversation with the dung beetle, a flock of orphaned baby ostriches approach her for help. Can Casper manage to take care of twenty babies on their way to reuniting with their extended family? What should they do about the army of furious venomous centipedes? And the hungry cheetah hunting for her next meal?
Through engaging conversations and vivid descriptions, the book brings to life a diverse cast of wild animals with distinctive traits. From the fearless three-toothed warthog to the wise, cool-headed leopard tortoise, the adorable animal characters inspire young readers to offer help utilizing their strengths and specialties. Casper the Cat wins the reader's heart by going out of her way to help others, keeping her mind open for new discoveries, and being a good-humored, trustworthy, caring and protective friend. The young ostrich named Felicity, on the other hand, exemplifies a natural leader with growing capabilities.
The story mesmerizes young readers with an abundance of funny or thrilling moments, the most impressive of which has to be the battle between the ostriches and the cheetah. The unexpected victory of the prey over their predator shows the power of strategic planning, creative problem-solving, and teamwork while urging youngsters not to be defined or misled by others' prejudice or fallacy. Just as Casper concludes, brains come in all shapes, and bravery doesn't have to always look the same.
As a perfect complement to the narrative, the colorful, expressive illustrations help us visualize each of the characters, along with the most important events in the story. The back matter provides a profile for each animal that has made an appearance, including both fun facts woven into the story and something extra.
Stimulating and entertaining, The Ostriches makes a wonderful addition to the series, which fosters a lifelong love for nature and promotes wildlife conservation through captivating stories and charming characters.
About the Book:
Ages: 6-10 | 82 Pages
Publisher: Little Boola Books (2026) | ISBN: 978-1923356269
What happens when the fastest birds on Earth would rather hide than face the truth—and a tiny lost cat refuses to look away?
In The Ostriches, Casper’s journey east leads her into the wide-open savannah, where danger is approaching fast…and no one wants to admit it. The ostriches have perfected the art of avoidance—heads down, problems ignored—but when real threats close in, Casper must help them discover that bravery isn’t about speed or strength, but about choosing to see what matters.
Packed with laugh-out-loud moments, sharp dialogue, and heartfelt wisdom, this story tackles big ideas—fear, denial, courage, and responsibility—in a way that feels playful, empowering, and deeply relatable for young readers. As always, Casper’s kindness, quick thinking, and gentle leadership prove that even the smallest voice can inspire change.
Beautifully illustrated and seamlessly blending adventure, humour, and wildlife education, The Ostriches is a standout chapter in the series—perfect for readers aged 6–10, classroom discussions, and families who love stories with both heart and substance.
A fast-paced, funny, and meaningful read that sparks conversations long after the last page.
Ideal for reviewers who love spotlighting children’s books with depth, charm, and purpose.
Purchase links: Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Bookshop.org
About the Author:
Jennifer Ussi is an award-winning filmmaker and children’s author whose work has screened at international festivals and cinemas worldwide. With a background spanning feature films, television, commercials, and education, she brings a cinematic eye and a storyteller’s heart to everything she creates.
The idea for The Incredible Adventures of Casper the Cat Who Got Lost in Africa didn’t arrive at a desk—it emerged on the road. Over two years, Jennifer and her husband explored the wilds of Africa in an ancient campervan, camping in wildlife reserves, and sharing their days with elephants, birdsong, dust, stars, and stories. Armed with her camera and an insatiable desire to observe and imagine, Jennifer absorbed the landscapes and rhythms of life close to nature—experiences that now pulse through every page of the Casper series.
Her work blends adventure with authenticity, using storytelling to spark curiosity, build empathy, and invite young readers to see the natural world—and their place within it—just a little differently.
Discover more from the author at littleboolabooks.com.
One lucky Grand Prize winner will receive a complete paperback set of the first six books in The Incredible Adventures of Casper the Cat Who Got Lost in Africa series!
Ten additional winners will each receive a paperback copy of The Incredible Adventures of Casper the Cat Who Got Lost in Africa, Book 6: The Ostriches!
Giveaway ends 3/15. Open to Australia, Canada, United Kingdom, and United States. Please enter below. Good luck!
The Incredible Adventures of Casper the Cat Who Got Lost in Africa, Book 6: The Ostriches: Book GiveawayDisclosure: This post is sponsored by Jennifer Ussi. All views and opinions expressed are my own. icefairy's Treasure Chest is not responsible for winner selection or prize fulfillment.
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