Pipi and Pou and the river monster / Tim Tipene ; illustrated by Isobel Joy Te Aho-White.

Author Tim Tipene who was adopted into the Waitai-Tipene whanau as a toddler. Tim's immediate family were abusive and violent and his childhood was very tough, but since 1994, Tim has been changing lives through his acclaimed Warrior Kids programme, his award-winning books and his inspirational talks. Tim has appeared on television and radio, and in various magazines and newspapers. The series is illustrated by illustrated by Isobel Te Aho-White whose creative work has featured in many of the top Aotearoa New Zealand children's books this year. Hand-drawn patterns carry across all her work as she is inspired by overlapping Māori design with botanical and figurative imagery which show the intersection of cultural narratives from her experience as someone who is of both Māori and Pākehā descent.

Pipi and Pou want to spend the day reading but Nana says they have to go up north - someone needs their help. Yet when they get there, instead of being greeted as heroes something attacks them! With danger coming from every direction, how can they work together so they can get out alive? Join Pipi, Pou, and Nana - katiaki with a superhero difference - as they journey to the river's edge, make unusual friends, and try to keep their powers hidden from a surprising source of help.