Whetū Toa and the Magician

Book excerpt: When Whetu’s mother takes a job organising a magician’s house and farm, Whetū becomes the animal keeper, looking after a golden ram, three lazy pigs, talking horses, a cowardly bull and the magician's stage assistant – an arrogant white rabbit called Errant. Errant’s been playing around with magic and created a carnivorous lamb, which he can’t change back. Rather than face the magician, Errant disappears and Whetū becomes the magician’s new assistant, just in time for the Royal Performance. It all seems to be going well until Errant reappears to seek his revenge, and Whetū must save the day – and the king.