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, slated for publication in 2022.
In Major and Mynah things are being stolen all over town, but 9-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?
‘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 & 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.’
Karen Owen
‘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 compliment 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!’
Leonie Lock, editor
ABOUT KAREN OWEN
Karen fell in love with books and stories at a young age. She read whenever and wherever she could. She’s been a journalist, a creative writing teacher, and an author. She’s written stories (real and imaginary) on everything from noisy elephants to the nomads of Mongolia. She is the author of picture books As Quiet as a Mouse (Maverick Arts Publishing) and I Could Be, You Could Be (Barefoot Books). Karen was brought up in Kent and currently lives in London.
Find out more at www.karenowen.co.uk and on Twitter @AuthorKarenOwen