Collins Modern Classics

Collins Modern New Zealand Classics 3. With a younger readership, of 9-12, this much-loved classic retells the traumatic events surrounding the 1886 eruption of Mt Tarawera, from the viewpoint of two young schoolgirls. Lillian lives with her widowed mother at Te Wairoa, the village, which acts as a center for tourists who flock to see the famous eighth wonder of the world, the pink and white terraces. When Mattie, an English girl of her own age arrives with her parents, Lillian finally has an opportunity to join a tour party led by her friend, the famous Guide Sophia. But these are worrying times, the old tohunga has been prophesying doom and disaster, and when they travel across Lake Rotomahana, a mysterious canoe appears out of the mists, a waka wairua, or ghost canoe, and all who live in the shadow of Mt Tarawera are about to have their lives changed forever. An exciting tale of New Zealand's recent history, Elsie Locke's timeless classic has now been reissued for a new audience.

The rugged west coast of Ireland seems like the perfect place for a holiday. Then everything starts to go wrong. Colin is aware of an awful smell coming off the land, a smell of death and decay… Colin and Prill were looking forward to a holiday of fun and adventure in Ireland. It would have been perfect if only they hadn't had to drag along their 'odd' cousin Oliver. But Oliver, it turns out, isn't their biggest problem. Almost from the moment they arrive, Colin feels sick from an awful smell, so powerful and horrible that it seems to be rising from the land of the dead. At the same time, Prill is visited by a strange creature creeping into her dreams. Who is she, and what does she want? Only Oliver seems untouched by the danger. As the hot summer days continue, their terror mounts and their baby sister becomes critically ill. Oliver links the present horror with the terrible famine in Ireland of the 1840s – and the strange occupant of the nearby caravan, whose land was lost then through eviction – and he must bring about the reconciliation to save himself and his cousins.