1. Art techniques
2. Bullying
3. Cassowaries
4. Dreaming
5. Helpfulness
6. Kindness
7. Self-esteem
8. Self-image
9. Waterholes
10. Yidiny / Yidindji people (Y117) (Qld SE55-06)

This is the story of poor Cassowary, who was laughed at by the other animals because he could not fly. Avoiding the shaming taunts, Cassowary hides through the day, coming to the waterhole in the evening to bathe. One day, fleeing his tormentors, Cassowary runs into a large rock, part of which remains embedded in his head. When kind Seahawk comes upon Cassowary he listens to the sad tale, encouraging the poor bird, and recognising his unique skills. Later when Seahawk asks for Cassowary’s urgent help, he flies into action and saves the day.

The illustrations are beautifully painted in a bush palette of greens, browns, blues and black. An effect like body paint is used to outline and decorate the flora, fauna and landscapes depicted. Author Trevor Fourmile, and illustrator Lillian Fourmile (Trevor’s mother) are Yidinji people from Far North Queensland.

1. Cassowary Recovery Team: Education & Information Resources (Links to various teaching resources) https://cassowaryrecoveryteam.org/resources/resources/
2. Website. Trevor Fourmile: Spotlight on Australian Writers https://proof-it.com.au/spotlight-on-australian-writers
3. Bluethumb : Home of Austraian Artists. Lillian Fourmile: Biography https://bluethumb.com.au/lillian-fourmile/bio
4. Australia Zoo website. Cassowary! https://www.australiazoo.com.au/wildlife/our-animals/cassowary/
5. Flightless Birds 'How the Cassowary got its Helmet' https://infoflightlessbirdshelp.weebly.com/aboriginal-belief-and-story.html
6. La Trobe University News 'The Curious Case of the Cassowary Casque' https://www.latrobe.edu.au/news/articles/2019/release/curious-case-of-cassowary-casque
7. Daintree Wilderness Lodge- 'Cassowaries in the Daintree' https://www.daintreewildernesslodge.com.au/cassowaries-in-the-daintree/