The Cuckoo Child

Reach for this book when your child develops an all-consuming, quirky obsession that feels a bit over-the-top for their age. It is the perfect story for the kid who loves animals more than anything and needs to see how patience and responsibility can turn a wild idea into a rewarding reality. The story follows young Jack, a bird-lover who rescues an ostrich egg and convinces a hen to hatch it on his family farm. While the premise is humorous, the book deeply explores the themes of stewardship and the courage it takes to be different. It is an excellent choice for children ages 7 to 11 who are starting to take on more independent projects. Dick King-Smith balances gentle farm life with the high-stakes excitement of raising a massive, prehistoric-looking bird, making it a delightful read-aloud or independent chapter book.