Macmillan Children's Books buys debut World War Two story

Macmillan Children’s Books has bought a middle-grade book about a mouse whose home is bombed in World War Two by debut writer Anna Fargher.

Senior editor for 6+ bought world English rights to The Umbrella Mouse from Chloe Seager at Diane Banks Associates in a two-book deal. Publication is set for summer 2019 with an as yet unnamed second book to follow in 2020.

Fargher said: “I am always so saddened and alarmed by statistics that show how little young people know about World War I and II. I first learnt about them by reading When Hitler Stole Pink Rabbit, War Horse and Goodnight Mr Tom and I wanted to write a new book for children using characters based on real-life human and animal heroes, in the hope it will encourage them to learn more about the incredible bravery and sacrifice so many have made during dark days of war - both now and in the past. I am utterly thrilled Pip has found a home with Macmillan, whose brilliant children’s books taught me from an early age that to read was to go on an adventure.”