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Kiki and Me by Leo Timmers

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ACHUKA Book of the Day 12 Oct 2026

Publisher: Gecko Press
ISBN: 9798348041700

See also:
The Monster In The Lake [ACHUKA Book of the Day 4 Se 2025]
Bear’s Lost Glasses [ACHUKA Book of the Day 7 Oct 2024]
Elephant Island [One of New York Times Best Children’s Books 2022]

“This tale will easily become a beloved classic on the shelves of horse fans. Heck, even the horse averse will cave under the sheer beauty of the illustrations. Equestrian adoration brought to life via breathtaking artwork—an unequivocal champion.” KIRKUS
“This book stages joy so fully, and resolves heartache with such virtuosity, that it is lifted into rare air.” PublishersWeekly

Leo Timmers, writing on the Gecko Press website:

You could say there is something of me in all of the characters here: the child who got to discover the world, the horse that is left behind when Kiki grows up, and also the father who looks for a solution when the horse is left behind.

Because it’s so personal, it also has a different feel from my other books. There is still humor in it but there is also another side, which is a little bit more serious, a little more poetic. When I first stumbled upon this story, I was a little afraid of it. It didn’t feel like something I would normally make—so I knew I had to make it.

The colour spreads in this really wonderful picture book are all wordless and in the middle there is a sequence of seven such spreads uninterrupted by any printed words, allowing for fresh retelling each time, and for children to make up their own words for this part of the story.

First there was a long, windy road. Then I heard voices. The gate lowered . . . and there she was. Kiki.

It took her a while to get used to me, but she was a fast learner. Kiki did everything for me. She watered me, kept me warm, groomed me, and fed me. Kiki loved me. And I loved her.

Kiki and her horse explore the landscape together and are inseparable. But Kiki grows older and things change. One day, the horse is alone—and thinks it will be forever.

Delicate black-and-white drawings alternate with rich, dramatic paintings to tell a poignant story about inseparable friends and growing up.

You can follow Leo Timmers on

Pomona: Stories of the Cat Witch by Tor Freeman

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ACHUKA Book of the Day 8 Oct 2026
Indie Book of the Month October 2026

Publisher: Guppy Publishing Ltd
ISBN: 9781916558823

See also:
Boss Of The Underworld [ACHUKA Book of the Day 5 Mar 2025]

Pomona lives in a little house in the forest, near her friends Ratso, Prince Frog, Elfis and Grandma Wyona.

In this funny and charming collection of stories, she learns how to bake a cake with love, finds a friend for her lonely pet caterpillar, discovers empathy and confirms that there definitely isn’t enough room for anyone else in her hammock!

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On Board: The epic history of ships, sailors and the voyages they made by Tom Adams ill. Tom Jay

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ACHUKA Book of the Day 7 Oct 2026

Publisher: Wide Eyed
ISBN: 9781836004691

A handsome monster of an illustrated information book with wonderful end papers.

There are feature page spreads interspersed between the main chapters and that can make the sequence seem somewhat surprising at times. However, this is hardly a book to be read from cover to cover, page after page, but rather one to be dipped in and out of. It’s just the kind of book to have in a KS2 class library, available during wet play or for those finishing work ahead of schedule. Better still, have a personal copy in the home library.

Packed with exciting, real-life stories and detailed illustrations, this is the fascinating story of how boats and ships have transformed our world. 

For thousands of years, the only way to cross the oceans was by boat. How must those first voyagers have felt, first hugging the shorelines and eventually venturing out across open seas?  

On Board charts water transport through history, exploring: 

  • Early seafarers and the great journeys that carried people across the globe. 
  • How boats and ships have changed over time, from simple craft to modern engineering. 
  • Famous voyages, including circumnavigations and groundbreaking expeditions. 
  • Life at sea, from navigation and safety to daily routines on board. 
  • Remarkable vessels from history, including iconic ships and ancient discoveries. 
  • Inspiring figures who changed maritime history, such as lighthouse keeper Grace Darling, who saved lives at sea and Hugh Mulzac, the first Black US shipmaster. 
  • Surprising facts, record-breaking ships and unusual designs from around the world. 

Brought to life with rich, detailed illustrations, On Board takes readers deep into the world of seafaring, past and present. From dramatic adventures to quiet moments of discovery, every page reveals something new about how humans have explored and connected across water. 

Perfect for curious readers who love history, technology and adventure – step aboard and start your journey today!  

Take a look behind the scenes with Tom Jay the illustrator on Instagram:

The Paper Girl by Caryl Lewis ill. Kanako Abe

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ACHUKA Book of the Day 6 Oct 2026

Publisher: Frances Lincoln
ISBN: 9781805701828

This title is a work of art – one you will want to keep in your home library forever.

A spellbinding keepsake book about learning to say ‘no’ and the transformative beauty of becoming who you truly are, brought to life with exquisite papercut artwork.

This is the story of a girl made from paper, who is bright and kind and eager to please.

When she is told she should be beautiful, she folds herself into a flower; when she is told she should be clever, she folds herself into a fox; when she is told she should be a ‘shining example to others’, she folds herself into a star.

But nothing she does is ever quite enough – until she does something truly beautiful, clever and shiningly wonderful. She says, ‘No.’

So unfolds this modern fairy tale, powerfully written by the multi-award-winning author, Caryl Lewis. Her words are paired with exquisite papercut artwork by début illustrator Kanako Abe.

Packaged as a beautiful hardback – featuring gilded edges, an embossed cover and an intricate diecut design sitting over the title page – this book is suitable for children and adults alike… An invitation to celebrate your strength and find your true self.

The Mole Construction Company: The Squirrel Family’s Treehouse by Shingo Nagasaki tr. Lisa Wilcut

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ACHUKA Book of the Day 1 Oct 2026

Publisher: Do Re Mi
ISBN: 9781917933070

“A welcome addition to construction-themed picture book collections and a good choice for libraries seeking to diversify their international offerings.” SLJ

If only I could have called on the Mole Construction Company when my garden shed started leaning badly. They would have got it upright and shipshape again in to time. Instead I had to have it removed and awaiting delivery and assembly of a new shed as I write this entry. 

The Mole Construction Company is another warmly recommended title from this new children’s publisher.  Lisa Wilcut’s translation is excellent (I’m guessing the original Japanese builders were not called Mick, Miles and Max) and the illustrations a joyful evocation of purposeful bustle and machinery.

The squirrel family has a problem: their treehouse is leaning, the kitchen needs renovating, and… could they have a playroom too?

 

Luckily, the Mole Construction Company is on the job! An excavator digs at the base of the tree, a crane pulls to straighten it, and a dump truck fills the hole to fix the foundation. Then the moles can start building the new rooms!

Shingo Nagasaki’s illustrations bring working vehicles to life. Filled with charm, humour and warm storytelling, The Mole Construction Company shows the power of teamwork, helping others and problem-solving. Perfect for children aged 4–7, this picture book is ideal for read-aloud story times, vehicle fans and little builders everywhere.

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Snowfall by Sun-jung Park

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ACHUKA Book of the Day 29 Sep 2026

Publisher: Floris Books
ISBN: 9781835750049

“Children will be captivated by this magical portrayal of snow; what fun to imagine flakes as athletes, entertainers, and playmates! Park relies on acrylic paints, pastels, and digital tools to create a world that youngsters will return to again and again, inventing their own stories as they pore over the snowscapes. An enchanting vision of a natural wonder.” KIRKUS
“An immersive, interactive opportunity for even the youngest readers to independently, cozily delight in an enveloping snowfall… without the need to bundle up and brave arctic temperatures.” ShelfAwareness

It’s quite some time since where I live in deepest south-east England had significant snowfall. What will this winter bring? Here is a wordless picture book that will get you in the mood for that magical covering of white.

Little snowflakes dance joyfully through the night sky, gently tumbling to the sleeping city below. As they swoop and swirl dizzily down into the warm glow of the streetlights, they discover a peaceful world of dark apartment buildings, empty parks and quiet streets with only the occasional lit window or late-night traveller to be seen.

But the happy snowflakes want to play! As they fall, they tickle a dog’s nose, skate across a frozen lake and do acrobatics on telephone wires. Finally, tired from their adventures, they curl up together. When dawn arrives, the city awakes to find itself transformed.

Told entirely through Park Sun-jung’s sweet, playful and atmospheric illustrations, Snowfall is a captivating wordless picture book that will inspire young children to imagine the snowflakes’ stories on magical winter days.

Park Sun-jung is a graphic designer and illustrator from Seoul, South Korea. Her debut picture book, Snowfall, was inspired by a winter walk through her neighbourhood, where she looked up and saw snowflakes fluttering as if they were dancing. She carried the warmth of that memory into her illustrations. Sun-jung lives in Namgajwa-dong, Seoul, with her snowy-white dog Poya.

I haven’t been able to find more information about this Korean debut picture book artist. She doesn’t appear to have a website or a presence on Instagram. If anyone knows differently, please get in touch so that I can update the entry here.

Cass and the Beast by Claire Mabey ill. Jill Calder

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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

 

 
 
 
 
 
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Three Brides for the Devil by Sally Nicholls ill. John Broadley

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ACHUKA Book of the Day 25 Sep 2026

Publisher: Andersen Press 
ISBN: 9781839137853

“In Nicholls’ hands, this traditional tale is brilliantly witty, and perfectly paired with John Broadley’s illustrations. While the backgrounds of his woodcut-esque illustrations evoke classic editions of Slavic folktales, his characters display a degree of modernity in their expressions. Taken together, the text and illustrations make Three Brides for the Devil a glorious gift for readers who adore fairy-tale retellings with gleefully empowering feminist messages, and those who appreciate the beauty of exquisitely-produced books.” Joanne Owen, LoveReading4Kids
“Elegant, subversive revisiting of Bluebeard, fascinatingly illustrated.” Guardian
“A thing of beauty…just stunning.” Pam Smy

A companion title to Godfather Death, written by Nicholls, illustrated by Júlia Sardà [ACHUKA Book of the Day 9 Nov 2023]

How do you outwit the devil himself?

When the Devil rides into town looking for a wife, he has one rule – she must be obedient.

Coming across the house of a widow and her three daughters, he thinks he has found what he is looking for. But can these sisters play him at his own game?

Follow John Broadley on

Follow Sally Nicholls there too (she also has a YA novella out now with Barrington Stoke):

The Tale that Time Sews by Sita Brahmachari ill. Jane Ray

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ACHUKA Book of the Day 24 Sep 2026

Publisher: Templar 
ISBN: 9781800789654

“At its heart, this is a tender story about migration, heritage, family and the ways we carry the past into the future. The quilt becomes a powerful metaphor for rebuilding after loss: each patch represents a memory and every new stitch a reminder that identity can be lovingly remade without losing what came before.
The story’s message about displacement is gentle but profound, offering children an accessible way to understand courage, belonging and the importance of remembering where we come from.
Jane Ray’s illustrations beautifully complement the storytelling, filling each page with rich patterns and a sense of magic. The textured cover is particularly effective, echoing the tactile world of sewing and quilting and inviting readers to imagine the warmth of Nana’s handmade creation.” BookTrust

 

 
 
 
 
 
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While a young girl awaits the arrival of a new sibling, her Nana works on a special story quilt. As she sews, mends, and adds new patches, Nana shares the story of her own journey – of fleeing her homeland, finding love in a new country, and stitching together a new beginning from fragile threads.

With every new and restored patch, the girl begins to understand her place in the world. Patterns burst with stories, threads shimmer with spirits passed and new patches wait to be brought to life. Each careful mend and every stitch carries the hope of what’s to come.

Now, as a new life enters the world, Nana’s quilt wraps around her grandchildren in the warmth of the past and the promise of what’s to come.

The Tale that Time Sews is a heartfelt tribute to love, resilience and the generations forever woven together.

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I Will Eat You in the End by David Duff ill. Marianna Coppo

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ACHUKA Book of the Day 22 Sep 2026

Publisher: Holiday House 
ISBN: 9780823463930

See also by Marianna Coppo:
The Best Bad Day Ever [ACHUKA Book of the Day 7 Aug 2023]
Fish And Crab [ACHUKA Book of the Day 24 Mar 2023]

“This funny, generous, and profound tale delivers hard truths in a way young readers can hold onto.” PublishersWeekly
“A multitude of books on dying exist, but few dare to speak of it so honestly with the youngest of readers. A strange, sweet, sad paean to the cycle of life and every living thing’s place in it.” KIRKUS
“Coppo’s hyper-simplistic expressions alongside Duff’s disavowal of exclamation points in either silly or serious moments (“Now I gotta get my wriggle on”) showcase their combined artistic restraint and confidence. Perhaps the funniest element here, however, is Frank’s mafia-boss tone, cocky, if not outright bored, while threatening to turn someone into nutrients for the soil.” MUSE

A worm and a dinosaur grapple with the circle of life in this hilariously macabre longform picture book.

Every life has a beginning and an end, and if we’re lucky, we make a few true friends along the way.  
And hopefully those friends won’t eat us. But you never know. 

When a dinosaur’s misplaced step flattens Frank the worm’s friend, Frank takes the loss in stride. He and his buddies will eat the poor guy— that’s what worms do. They eat dead things and return them to the soil. Someday, Frank’s descendants will even eat the dinosaur.  

But before it comes to that, there’s plenty of time to get to know each other. Even if neither can ultimately protect the other from the world’s slings and arrows, the unlikely friendship makes life worthwhile.   


A masterclass in dark humor, the book closes in a life-affirming catharsis it very much earns. Readers of all ages will return often to laugh, cry, and relish every page. Mortality has never been such fun.

Follow Rome-based, Italian illustrator Marianna Coppo (who studied illustration at MiMaster in Milan and children’s literature at the Accademia Drosselmeier in Bologna) on Instagram:

 

 
 
 
 
 
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Follow David Duff there too:
https://www.instagram.com/dufffiction/