Egmont signs 'empowering' pirate picture book

Egmont is to publish a swashbuckling adventure that "smashes stereotypes", featuring a book-loving pirate who dares to be different.

Written by Timothy Knapman and illustrated by Sam Lloyd, Captain Sparklebeard is a pirate story "with a twist". Melissa Fairley, publishing director for picture books and gift, and Abi Luffman, senior designer, signed the deal for world rights with Emily Talbot at United Agents. Captain Sparklebeard will publish on 7th March 2019, ahead of International Women’s Day.

The story follows Peg who decides to redefine what it means to be a pirate and transforms into Captain Sparklebeard after being rejected by her crew.

"Knapman’s empowering story is paired with vibrant, distinctive illustrations from Lloyd to create an uplifting adventure that’s guaranteed to stick with you long after reading", said the publisher. "Featuring an inclusive cast of characters, this is a must-have book for giving young children the courage they need to be themselves."

Knapman writes plays, musicals, songs and children’s books and has been published by Simon & Schuster, Puffin, Macmillan, Scholastic, Hachette, Egmont UK and others. His previous books include Dinosaurs in the Supermarket (Scholastic), Dinosaurs Don’t Have Bedtimes (Scholastic) and Superhero Dad (Nosy Crow).

Lloyd is the illustrator behind the Mr Pusskins series (Orchard Books) which won the Roald Dahl Funny Prize, the Booktrust Pre-School Award and was shortlisted for the V&A Illustration Award.

Captain Sparklebeard will be a paperback at £6.99.