ACHUKA Book of the Day 28 Sep 2026
Publisher: Gecko Press
ISBN: 9798348030377
“Both tough and tender—like the titular beast.” KIRKUS
There is a beast at large. The townsfolk are afraid. But not Cass. One night she ventures out with a single slice of bread as offering. A wild night’s ride on the beast’s back ensues. The illustrations are sketchy but highly emotive. The writing is direct but poetic. “Mouth, teeth and tongue roared foul and fierce in her face.”
The author (based in New Zealand) and illustrator (based in Scotland) interview one another in this feature from the publisher’s website:
Q&A with Author Claire Mabey and Illustrator Jill Calder
And here is a video version of that conversation:
When a fearful beast arrives in the township, Cass finds her courage and is rewarded with a wild and magical journey.
A mysterious creature takes Cass, a young girl, on a thundering ride through a forested landscape, leaving her town and people far behind. In the wilderness that is home to the beast, Cass finds adventure, ferocity, and gentleness. And the beast finds its name.
Atmospheric illustrations complement an original narrative voice in this collaboration between an author and illustrator from opposite sides of the world.
Follow Jill Calder, the book’s illustrator, on
View this post on Instagram
Follow the author there too:
View this post on Instagram
A slightly surreal magical story of a risk-taking child #CassandtheBeast Claire Mabey and @jillcalder @geckopress is #RedReadingHub’s #picturebook of the day reviewed on the blog https://t.co/V3ZXUyWZwS pic.twitter.com/Fem2bgnDaH
— Jill Bennett (@JillBennett18) August 10, 2026
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