Pou has done his homework and his chores around Nan’s house, which means screen time is waiting for him. But Nan has felt something in the land as she was hanging the washing outside. Something is unhappy and out of balance.

In minutes Pou, his cousin Pipi and Nan are in her old car called Betsy that runs on waiata (song), and they are headed south. Nan explains to her mokopuna (grandchildren) that the land (whenua) was shaking. Sure enough, the cousins feel it too when Nan finally stops the car on the side of the road.

Trees fall in the bush beside them, shaken by the heaving land. Nan stands unafraid at the edge of the road and calls creatures from the bush to help them. They need help up the mountain facing them. Nan knows this is where the trouble lies.

The Maunga (mountain) that faces them is unhappy but with Pou’s and Pipi’s shapeshifting abilities, Nan gets to work. Nan, Pou and Pipi are Kaitiaki – Guardians and Protectors of the Natural World. Pou can turn into a mighty Taniwha and Pipi into a Pouākai – a giant eagle long extinct from Aotearoa (New Zealand). With their special skills and strength they not only speak to the mountain, but protect the humans walking around it.

But can they keep their special secret and help the Maunga too. Maybe this time they won’t have to?

The first book in a fantastic new series – perfect for kiwi kids keen to see themselves and their own surroundings in a story.

Main characters Pou and Pipi are funny, clever and brave. They love their no-nonsense but loving Nan and respect her knowledge, but are cheeky with her too. These three characters are introduced at the beginning of the book, explaining their shapeshifting selves, or experience and wisdom.

Te reo is effortlessly woven within this adventure story allowing the reader to absorb new Māori language alongside everyday meanings. With clear text and generous spacing, any reluctant reader will be keen to join these cousins in their Kaitiaki missions.

Black & White illustrations throughout the story show the action, and capture these hero’s emotions throughout their new adventure. 

This episode has these ‘superheroes’ of nature, working together to calm a mountain. It’s not happy at its treatment by humans. Elders from the local marae need their help too.

Author – Tim Tipene

Illustrator – Isobel Te Aho-White

Age – 7+

Read another book review for this series  (Click on the Cover)

(2022, OneTree House, Cousins, Mokopuna, Kuia, Marae, Respect for Nature, NZ, Series, Family, Humour, Animals, Action, Fantasy, Mystery, Secret, Cooperation, Giant Eagle, Taniwha)