Story: Children’s and young adult literature

Party time with Hutu and Kawa

Party time with Hutu and Kawa

The Hutu and Kawa picture books, written and illustrated by Avis Acres, were popular in the 1950s. A strong ecological message underpinned the series. It starred two 'pōhutukawa fairies' who Acres first created for a comic strip that was published in the children's pages of the New Zealand Herald. The picture books were published by A. H. & A. W. Reed. This charming scene is from Hutu and Kawa meet Tuatara, which was first published in 1956 and republished in 1990. 

Using this item

Reed Publishing, New Zealand
Reference: Avis Acres, Hutu and Kawa meet Tuatara. Wellington: Heinemann Reed, 1990

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How to cite this page:

Kerryn Pollock, 'Children’s and young adult literature - Fairies, families and adventures, 1900s–1960s', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/artwork/43158/party-time-with-hutu-and-kawa (accessed 29 March 2024)

Story by Kerryn Pollock, published 22 Oct 2014, updated 1 Aug 2016