Firefly Press acquires detective tale with hard of hearing protagonist

Firefly Press has acquired world rights in Major and Mynah, a junior detective story featuring a hard of hearing protagonist, by children’s author Karen Owen.

Rights were acquired by Penny Thomas, publisher, directly from the author. Publication is slated for 2022.  

The synopsis reads: "In Major and Mynah things are being stolen all over town, but nine-year-old Callie Major has other things to worry about — her dreaded new hearing aids, 'The Slugs'. But when she meets Bo, an abandoned mynah bird, she discovers something amazing; thanks to her new hearing aids, she can hear him! Can she use her magical Slugs to help catch the thief and save the day?"

Leonie Lock, editor, said: "I've always loved detective stories, and this is one of those books I wish I had the chance to read as a child. Karen Owen has created wonderful and vibrant characters to complement her fast-paced adventure, packed with high-speed chases and, of course, poo! Callie is witty, feisty and resilient and doesn't let her hearing impairment stand in her way. Bo is basically me but in animal form — constantly hungry and slightly hyper, except that I can't fly. I'm so excited for the world to meet this duo and love them as much as I do!"

Owen said: "Callie Major is the girl I wanted to be when I was younger: funny, clever, and with a special gift to hear something that other people can't. Having been partially deaf from childhood myself, I always retreat into my imagination as a way of coping – and from there the idea for Major and Mynah was born. Knowing that Firefly Press has a reputation for giving a voice to colourful and diverse characters, I'm thrilled they're excited about publishing the adventures of Callie and her feathered friend Bo. I'm looking forward to meeting them on the page." 

Owen is the author of As Quiet as a Mouse (Maverick Arts Publishing, 2016) and I Could Be, You Could Be (Barefoot Books, 2015).