No one believes cousin Rāwiri when he tells them he saw a woman in the forest. He’s in trouble again, and his mum thinks he’s just trying to blame someone else. He was caught playing with matches amongst the trees and his mum is really angry.

Nana is calm and patient with Rāwiri, drawing his story out of him. A woman saw him in the forest with matches and told him to stop before he caused a fire. But then she shocked him,

“The woman threw a fireball.”

Everyone is silent, and only Nana seems to believe him, saying they will go and check it out for themselves. What they find in the forest surprises Pipi and Pou, but not Nana.

First they see a little girl in a beautiful cloak, then a young woman. She seems to know what they are underneath, a taniwha, and a pouākai. But how could she possible know their secret?

Suddenly everything cousin Rāwiri said about fireballs is all true, and they flee through the bush. As they hide, Nana explains who the woman is, but isn’t going to leave. She guides her young kaitiaki through a dangerous but exhilarating meeting with an actual atua, and they realise she is kaitiaki too.

Although this is an exciting episode in this purely kiwi series, what I most enjoyed is the way nana deals with the problems in front of her. She and her mokopuna Pipi and Pou, are in grave danger from flying fireballs, but Nana smooths the way with patience, understanding and kindness.

This time it isn’t an animal or river in trouble or distress, it’s an ancient atua (god), who feels very wronged. Nana ensures her mokopuna are safe, but she is not keen to leave the situation without a solution. Pipi and Pou watch her example, even though they feel unsure. Trust is required between them, as they then build trust with the god.

A strong theme throughout the Pipi and Pou series is looking after our environment, and this time it is about being careful with fire. With so many fires in the daily news both in New Zealand and worldwide, it is a pertinent topic.

Pou’s cheeky nature shines through in this instalment, weaving humour through a scary situation, and allowing him to learn more about being kaitiaki.

The short chapters, clear font and riveting plotlines of this series are perfect for emerging readers – especially kiwi kids who can clearly see themselves between the pages of Pipi and Pou adventures.

A glossary of Māori words is at the back of the book which will help increase readers te reo, along with the first chapter of another Pipi and Pou experience – Pipi and Pou and the Waves of Destruction.

Author – Tim Tipene

Illustrator – Isobel Te Aho-White

Age – 7+

See the rest of the series here

See more books by author Tim Tipene here

See more books illustrated by  Isobel Te-Aho White here

(2024, Series, Māori Myth, Legend, Whānau, Family, Cousins, Mokopuna, Grandmother, Nana, Kaitiaki, Guardians of the Natural World, Protectors, Sper powers, Taniwha, Haast Eagle, Pouākai, Fireballs, Mahuika, God, Atua, Trust, Humour, Adventure, Mystery)