AWARDS

I am incredibly honoured to be the 2026 recipient of the Lynley Dodd Children’s Writers Award. I have, like so many readers, adored Lynley Dodd’s work since I was a child. As a writer I’m in awe of her impeccable rhyme and rhythm and know it’s a product of hard work, a keen ear and a commitment to excellent stories. You can read more about the award on the Arts Foundation website.

The Raven’s Eye Runaways won Best First Book at the New Zealand Children’s Book Awards! The novel is a Storylines Notable book of 2024; and joint winner of the Booklovers NZ Award for Best Junior Fiction 2025.

INTERVIEWS

REVIEWS

Of The Raven’s Eye Runaways

Hera Lindsay Bird on The Spinoff: ‘Mabey’s omniscient prose feels luxuriously spacious and self-assured, pausing occasionally to share a joke with the reader, before urging the eye onward like an invisible camera. The prevailing feeling is one of ever-unfolding complexity and veracity, as the truth of the world reveals itself, page by page. 

There is a lightness and dexterity to Mabey’s prose. Like good medieval craftsmanship it’s both simple and ornate, or perhaps ornate in its simplicity. Easy enough for a young reader to approach with confidence, but with a slightly archaic, otherworldly clarity to it, reminiscent of contemporary writers like Kate DiCamillo, Adam Gidwitz or Frances Hardinge.’

Elizabeth Knox: ‘The Raven's Eye Runaways is enormously enjoyable, relevant and meaningful without ever being pushy or heavy about what it does. It's a bright, burning, sunny, funny, serious work, and I can't wait to read the next one.’ (the brilliant Elizabeth launched this novel, you can read her full speech here)

David Hill on Kete: ‘an inventive, evocative fantasy for middle readers’

Bella Mackey on Readings (Australia): ‘Reminiscent of Philip Pullman’s Northern Lights, revealing glimpses of a complex magical world that we’re only beginning to uncover.’

Ashleigh Meikle, The Book Muse (Australia): ‘I found this an intriguing book that speaks to things that have happened in the past as well as where the world could be headed in some areas, and how certain beliefs can inform how we respond to freedoms that we take for granted.’

Rebekah Lyell on Booklovers NZ: ‘Our nighttime read-aloud became one where all three of us tried to squirrel the book away to read ahead in secret. 

There's twists and turns a plenty, and magic too, with Mabey setting a cracking pace. 

Mabey's characters are full of vigour and personality, and flaws too. They stumble, mess up, learn and grow. Her younger characters are refreshing, they're ready to take on the world and fight for what is right. Both Getwin and Lea are strong female leads, with Getwin's mother, Gunnora and Aunt Lolly serving as role models. Mabey nails the relationships between her characters, with every interaction feeling authentic and genuine.’

Alex at Scorpio Books: ‘This novel features great world-building, wholly-developed characters and whimsical-yet-earthy language – you can taste the ale at the inn, feel the wooden beams above your head, feel the wind on your face as the trio travels through their world. Excellent middle-grade fiction, perfect for readers who enjoyed The Grimmelings or Crookhaven.’

Of The Raven’s Eye Rebellion

Alex at Scorpio Books: ‘At its heart, this is a story about freedom from oppression, and what we as individuals can do to bring about greater change in the world—a truly important message for children given the state of the world we find ourselves in. This story is a timely reminder that no matter how powerless one feels, the forces of good can prevail.’

Rebekah Lyell on Booklovers NZ: ‘The Raven's Eye Rebellion is a book you will not want to put down. But at the same time, you'll force yourself to slow down so you can linger in Wyle and with Mabey's characters for longer. It is a gripping, magical book full of curiosity, intelligence and action and an absolute must-read.’

Of Cass and the Beast

Lyn Potter on Booklovers NZ: ‘I think that Cass and the Beast is a literary gem. Each sentence is beautifully crafted, making it a pleasure to read aloud, and I love the way Claire Mabey doesn’t shy away from using more sophisticated language than that used in many picture books and literary conventions such as similes and metaphors, for example: ‘The fur was thick and warm. Cass burrowed her hands into the heft of it. She could see now that the Beast’s coat was made of all the light and all the dark of the world together. Cass felt the Beast breathe as vast as the sea.’ Prose like this will help children build rich vocabularies.

Cass and the Beast is a collaboration by an author and illustrator from opposite ends of the world. Claire Mabey lives in Wellington, New Zealand, while Jill Calder is based in Scotland. She was an inspired choice. In her atmospheric illustrations, using a combination of analogue and digital drawing, she perfectly captures the mood of this magical story.’

Reviews & Media