Andersen Press snaps up 'thrilling' new novel from Earle

Andersen Press has landed While the Storm Rages, the new novel from Phil Earle.  

Charlie Sheppard, publishing director, bought world rights to the book from Jodie Hodges at United Agents. While the Storm Rages will be released 2nd June 2022.  

Earle’s novel follows from the “phenomenal success” of When the Sky Falls (Andersen Press), named the Times’ Best Children’s Book of 2021 and winner of the 2021 Books Are My Bag Readers’ Award for children’s fiction.  

The publisher wrote: “Again inspired by real events, While the Storm Rages is set in September 1939 with Britain on the brink of war. As Noah Price’s dad marches off to fight, he asks his son to honour one vital promise: that he will keep their dog, Winn, safe. No matter what. Noah agrees, but his best intentions are crushed when the government advises people to have their pets put to sleep as part of the war preparations. Children are heartbroken, queues outside vets’ surgeries stretch for miles. But Noah refuses to just do what he is told. Far from it. With his two friends in tow, he makes a pledge. To go on the run, and save as many animals as he can, whatever the cost.”  

Sheppard said: “We had so much fun bringing When the Sky Falls to readers last year and I’m so pleased that we get the chance to do it all again with this fabulous new book. The Second World War, animals and Phil Earle. It’s a winning combination. And this new novel does not disappoint.”  

Earle added: “Working with Andersen Press has been an absolute joy, so I’m chuffed to bits to follow up with a book that I hope people will love. I also hope it’s a little different to its predecessor. While there are bombers and animals aplenty, this is also, at its heart, an adventure story, one that was inspired by great writers such as Katherine Rundell and Robert Westall.”