Bookworm follows 11-year-old Mildred (Nell Fisher), whose life takes a wild turn when her estranged father, Strawn Wise (Elijah Wood), a failed illusionist from Las Vegas, suddenly reappears. Years ago, after a magical encounter with the once charming Strawn, Mildred’s mother returned to New Zealand. Now, in a comical mishap, Strawn is taking care of Mildred while her mother is in the hospital. Their first adventure? Camping on the hunt for the mythological Canterbury panther. As this mismatched pair navigate the wilderness, magic tricks and extraordinary quests ensue, hilarity ensues, and they may find a way to reunite their family.