This classic reissue of one of Joy Cowley's most popular children's stories follows Josephine as she tries to discover exactly what a taniwha is. Dad tells her the taniwha is a terrible beast but Mum doesn't believe they are real. Mr Mackie thinks it's a slimy monster with a long neck and teeth like carving knives. Mr Chen thinks it's like a Chinese dragon while Mr Papadoupolos thinks it's like a Greek Gorgon.
Everyone seems to have a different opinion so Josephine thinks the best solution is to catch a taniwha and find out for herself.