Pantera Press acquires world rights for THE REINDEER AND THE SUBMARINE by Beverley McWilliams
Pantera Press
Pantera Press has bought world rights for The Reindeer and the Submarine, the debut middle-grade novel by Beverley McWilliams.
Inspired by true events, The Reindeer and the Submarine is a timeless story of adventure, hope, bravery and facing change told through the eyes of Pollyanna, a real-life reindeer who lived aboard and captured the hearts of the crew on HMS Trident submarine in 1941.
Orphaned as a calf, Pollyanna is more at home in the company of people than other reindeer. Shunned by her herd as she has no antlers, Pollyanna feels like an outcast. When she discovers her beloved herder, Igor, is leading a reindeer battalion to war, Pollyanna decides to follow. En route, she is captured by a Russian Admiral and gifted to the crew of a British submarine.
While on patrol, the submarine is attacked by a destroyer. Damaged and forced to remain submerged, hope is nearly lost. But Pollyanna stays strong, and her bravery and cheekiness help comfort the crew through desperate times ahead – proving that heroes can come in all shapes and sizes.
Lucy Bell, the acquiring editor at Pantera Press, says: ‘The Reindeer and the Submarine is a story that I was drawn to immediately. It has all the makings of a timeless classic – it’s an incredible wartime adventure about courage, being different, making new friends, and finding the light in dark times. It’s sure to make you laugh and cry. I’m delighted to be working with Beverley and I can’t wait to see this book out into the world, where I know it will captivate and warm the hearts of readers young and old, joining the ranks of some of the great animal stories for children.’
Beverley McWilliams says: ‘History is full of fascinating anecdotes, and when I heard about the adventures of a reindeer on board a wartime submarine, I knew it was a story I had to tell. I am thrilled to be working with Pantera Press and look forward to sharing Pollyanna’s story with the world.’
Beverley McWilliams loves sharing history with young children. Her debut picture book Born to Fly (MidnightSun) received a notable commendation from the CBCA (Eve Pownall Award for Information Books) in 2019. Beverley’s writing has been published online and in magazines. She is a regular contributor to The School Magazine, Australia’s longest-running literary publication for children, has spoken at libraries and schools as well as aviation events for young people. Beverley is the event coordinator for the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI SA) and a member of the Australian Society Authors.
The Reindeer and the Submarine will be published in November 2022.
For further information please contact Léa Antigny: 02 8096 5192 or lea.antigny@panterapress.com