Told in three sections by different kids living on Tūī Street in New Zealand.
The Hole in the Hedge has Ella wondering about her next door neighbours. A little boy she soon learns is named Archie, seems to be spending a lot of time at a hole in the hedge between their properties. Even late at night.
Taking a closer look, Ella discovers handmade lizards left next to some very strange footprints.
Does Archie know something about the prints and what made them?
Bows and Arrows has Tim learning at school about Robin Hood and his Merry Men. His teacher asks her students what they think about stealing from the rich to give to the poor.
This question gets Tim thinking about what’s happening in his own community. What he discovers upsets him and he takes things into his own hands, with surprising results.
The Way Home, connects into previous Tūī Street novels with a villain who also happens to be the girlfriend of Gemma & Harry’s dad.
She isn’t allowed anywhere near Gemma & Harry but she has been seen searching for something in their area. This is too close for comfort for Gemma and Harry, and they ask her what she wants. Given a promise they will never see her again if they help her, they decide it’s worth the risk.
All three stories in Tūī Street Legends link into what the Tūī Street kids are learning at school about legends from all over the world. They also connect into everyday life, family, friendships, friendly rivalries and problems to solve.
The third book in this series, kiwi kids will see themselves, their friends and neighbours, in this novel. Tapping into intriguing legends at school captures the character’s imaginations and will grab readers too.
There are relatable family issues, neighbourhood fun and banter, interesting classroom and school activities, mixed in with intriguing mystery, rising tension, and heart pumping action – all within the three sections of the novel.
After reading any of the books in this series, young readers will want to live on Tūī Street!
Author – Anne Kayes
Illustrator – Craig Phillips
Age – 8+
(2023, Wilding Books, Friendship, Mates, School, Family, Neighbourhood, Fantasy, Legends, Ron Hood, Archery, Animals, Lizards, Nessie, Conflict, Selkie, Kelpie, Mystery, Series)