What is stalking around Cass’s village?
Everyone calls it The Beast, but Cass is not so sure. Terrible tales swirl through the villager’s gossip and minds, but Cass want to know the truth.
At night when the moon is at its highest, Cass sits watching the dark and finally sees the creature everyone is afraid of. All Cass can think of is how it must be hungry. She knows she is brave enough to help and is soon on a wonderful journey.
The 1st picture book from the author of The Raven’s Eye duology, Cass and the Beast is a tale of courage, kindness, and wonder. It reminded me of another girl and a frightening creature which also shows a child with more curiosity in her heart than fear (Black Dog – Levi Pinfold)
The age-old but important concept of not judging a book by its cover, (or a creature by its size), rings true here.
The illustrations by Jill Calder are gorgeous (in the same tones of the cover) throughout, as a child goes on an epic night time escapade. The starring creature behaves as all large creatures might, crunching small animals as snacks, so this isn’t for the tender hearted.
Any child with a heart full of spirit who dreams of adventure, will enjoy this hardback picture book by New Zealand’s own Claire Mabey, and Scottish illustrator Jill Calder.
Author – Claire Mabey
Illustrator – Jill Calder
Picture Book
Age – 5+
(2026, Gecko Press, Aotearoa New Zealand, NZ Author, Creature, Beast, Courage, Kindness, Adventure, Suspicion, Mistrust, Animals, Misconceptions, Judgement)