Bookworm follows 11-year-old Mildred (Nella Fisher), whose life takes a wild turn when her estranged father Strawn Wise (Elijah Wood), a washed-up Las Vegas illusionist, suddenly reappears. Years ago, after a magical encounter with the once charming Strawn, Mildred's mother moved back to New Zealand. Now a comical accident forces Strawn to take care of Mildred while her mother is in the hospital. Their first adventure? Camping to hunt the mythological Canterbury panther. Hilarity ensues as this mismatched duo navigates the wilderness, using magic tricks and unusual adventures, and they just might find a way to reunite their families.