"Peter MacNeills life is turned upside-down when his family is forced from the house he has lived in all his life. The new place is a decaying dump awaiting demolition. And yet Peter finds much of interest in the wilderness backyard and nearby bush reserve: an old henhouse that becomes a secret den; a tree hut; and lots of huge protected native trees. But Gary Oxley, their landlord, plans to build a luxury apartment block with expensive views, and those trees are in the way. Soon Peter is accused of all sorts of crimes from killing animals to spreading kauri dieback disease. When Peter fights back with the help of local girl, Tui, Gary responds with extreme action that will kill not only the trees but also the creatures who depend on them. As Peter and Tui scramble to save the animals they quickly realise they must first save themselves"--Back cover.