Barrington Stoke scoops 'captivating' book from Strange and Smy

The synopsis reads: "Money is scarce for George’s family and so at the age of nine he must join his father underground, hewing coal in the local mine. It’s far from the dreams George had of continuing his education, and it’s also a dangerous way to earn a living that has already claimed the life of his dad’s older brother. Not long after he starts work, a summer storm leads to flooding in the mine. Trapped down in the dark, George spots a shadowy figure that seems to be telling George to follow him. Can a ghost from the past lead him back to safety, or will George meet the same fate as his long-lost uncle?"

Strange commented: "Pam Smy is quite simply the illustrator of my dreams! – our visions of the characters and their world align so perfectly. The Storm and the Minotaur was written during the heatwave last summer and was inspired by the Huskar Pit disaster of 1838. It is a story of courage and hope, and I can’t wait to share it with young readers."

Bathgate added: "I am thrilled to bring our readers another captivating collaboration from stellar storyteller Lucy Strange and acclaimed illustrator Pam Smy. The Storm and the Minotaur showcases their incredible talents in a story that is both gripping and heartfelt, bringing this important historical period to life and making it accessible in an engaging and sensitive way.”