Bookworm follows 11-year-old Mildred (Nell Fisher), whose life takes a wild turn when her estranged father, Strawn Wise (Elijah Wood), an abandoned Las Vegas magician, suddenly reappears. Many years ago, after a magical meeting with the once charming Strawn, Mum Mildred moved back to New Zealand. Now, a comical mishap leaves Strawn to care for Mildred while her mother is in the hospital. Their first adventure? Camping to hunt the mythical Canterbury panther. As this mismatched duo travels through the wilderness, magic tricks and unusual quests, fun ensues, and they just might find a way to bring their family back together.