Disclosure: I was sent a digital copy of this book in order to provide an honest review. All opinions are my own. I am working with The Children's Book Review and Jennifer Ussi to bring you this post.
I love stories that are fun to read and teach about different places and animals. They are even better when they have life lessons in them as well. Today we get to share the sixth book in The Incredible Adventures of Casper the Cat Who Got Lost in Africa: The Ostriches by Jennifer Ussi and illustrated by Lekshmi Bose. We shared our review of the first book in this fun series previously. This post has an amazing giveaway at the end of it!
About the Book:
The Incredible Adventures of Casper the Cat Who Got Lost in Africa, Book 6: The OstrichesWritten by Jennifer Ussi and Illustrated by Lekshmi Bose
Ages: 6-10 | 82 Pages | Publisher: Little Boola Books (2026) | ISBN: 978-1923356269
Publisher’s Book Summary: 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:
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
- www.littleboolabooks.com
- https://www.instagram.com/littleboolabooks/
- https://www.facebook.com/people/Little-Boola-Books/61566854906831/
- https://au.pinterest.com/mgobessi0619/
- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCllGI6OJNNhOsIxD7-tN4Sg
- https://www.tiktok.com/@littleboolabooks.com
- https://www.linkedin.com/company/little-boola-books/?viewAsMember=true
From Me:
Casper is a black cat who got lost in Africa. She is heading east to find her way home but, on her journey, she meets different animals who she helps, and some help her. In this book she meets a dung beetle, ostriches, a warthog, giant red-headed centipedes, a leopard tortoise, and a cheetah. Casper is happy to help other animals and offers help to the dung beetle who tells her she asks too many questions, and her curiosity will get her in trouble. However, some young ostriches hear her offer to help the dung beetle and ask for her help. Their mother has not returned, and they need to get to their cousins for protection. They don't know the way completely but know it is north. Even though it is not the direction Casper is traveling she agrees. She goes off with the twenty young ostriches. They are doing great until Casper climbs a tree and the branch she is on falls. Sleeping inside it are red-headed centipedes which are poisonous. A warthog saves her from them. The adventure continues even after joining the ostrich family. Throughout the adventure Casper realizes that the ostriches think they are stupid because they have small brains and were told they were stupid. Even the adult ostriches think this. She shows them how smart they actually are and that a small sized of a brain doesn't mean one cannot think. There are other lessons about courage and bravery throughout the book.
This book is a fun tale that also educates in different ways. It shares about the African animals as well as some of the life lessons like helping others and being kind. It shares that asking questions is all right most of the time and that sometimes one must not run from fear but stay and fight. Casper helps the ostriches find their own courage and intelligence. She teaches them to believe in themselves. The ostriches offer her a bit of comfort and safety after the scare with the red-headed centipedes. Casper is missing her family and home but gets a glimpse of being with family with the ostriches. It is truly a sweet story. At the end of the book is information about each of the African animals in the book. This allows readers to learn even more about the animals and possibly spark the reader's curiosity to explore them more. It is a wonderful story to add to a personal library as well as a classroom library. Kids will enjoy reading this series. The entire series is perfect for introducing African animals to young readers!
Ostrich Craft Roundup:
The obvious thing to do with this book is to make an ostrich craft in honor of Casper's new friends that feel like family. A coloring page can be fun and easy, or it can be used to create more art by adding feathers or as a template for another craft. I Heart Crafty Things shares a roundup of 20+ ostrich coloring pages for different levels. I did a small ostrich craft roundup a few years ago here.
2) Kids Art & Craft share this curly paper ostrich craft.
3) Going to see an ostrich at a zoo is a fun activity as well!
4) Learn Create Love shares a free printable cut and paste ostrich craft.
5) Beth Ann Averill shares this fun heart ostrich craft.
7) North Carolina Zoo shares a pdf tutorial to make this handprint ostrich.
Giveaway:
Enter for the chance to win one of ten paperback copies of The Ostriches by Jennifer Ussi. One grand prize winner will receive paperback copies of the first six books in The Incredible Adventures of Casper the Cat Who Got Lost in Africa series! Good luck!!
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