Pipi is a bit miffed about school sports. She loves to compete and has many certificates to show for it, but is no longer allowed to play netball or basketball. One game came way too close to sparking interest in her amazing skills on the court. Some of the crowd thought she actually might fly! Nana thinks this close attention is dangerous for Pipi, but Pipi doesn’t think it’s fair.

There’s no time to dwell on it as Nana has received an intriguing message – delivered by a butterfly. Something strange is happening in a forest south of where they live. Climbing into Nana’s car Betsy who runs on waiata (not petrol), and the trio are off again to investigate more trouble in the natural world .

They find frightened people on the edge of the unsettled forest, and are suddenly wary themselves. The butterfly was right. There is definitely something very wrong among the trees. Venturing further and further among the dark vines, trees and giant ferns, they finally see what has upset so many hikers and local residents. But it’s not as some would think, and they are quickly swept up in the turmoil.

The creatures have a good reason however, and Nana, Pipi and Pou understand their anger. Once again, humans have put the surrounding forest, rivers and natural world at risk. This time it is forestry and the chaos left once the trees have been harvested. The ominous beings among the trees have a compelling way to draw people into the forest to see the problem, just as powerful as they kept people out of it.

Pipi and Pou are authentic kiwi kids, cheeky, brave and keen to help their powerful Nana in their kaitiaki duties – keeping Aotearoa New Zealand’s natural world safe and well.

Although Number 8 in this exciting, relatable and thought-provoking series, Pipi and Pou and the Haunted Forest can be picked up just like the others and dived straight into – without having to read the previous books. If you have followed the series (and it just gets better and better), this time we get an insight into Pipi’s school life and love of sports away from her kaitiaki responsibilities. Her superhero Pouākai skills are showing, making Nana worry for her mokopuna.

As with most tweens, Pipi just wants to fit in and play sports with her friends. Author Tim Tipene shows this push-back gently within the story. It’s not long however, even with the most frightening adversary they’ve faced, that Pipi remembers and cherishes who she truly is.

With chapter numbers in te reo, and a generous usage throughout the story, all readers can improve their Māori language, checking on their understanding in the glossary at the back of the book. A chapter for another book in the series is a final treat for readers.

The action and emotions are captured in Isobel Te Aho-White’s illustrations sprinkled throughout the book.  

It’s release has perfect timing for Halloween 2025, and will be a must for Kiwi kids for every year’s lead up to October 31st.

Author – Tim Tipene

Illustrator – Isobel Te Aho-White

Publisher – OneTree House

Age – 7+

Find more books in the series here

Find more books by Tim Tipene here

Find more books illustrated by Isobel Te Aho-White here

(2025, OneTree House, Series, Aotearoa, New Zealand, NZ, Family, Fantasy, Adventure, Kaitiaki, Eagle, Taniwha, Environment, Forest, Haunted, Insects, Forestry, Responsibility, NZ Bush, Monsters)