The Reindeer and the Submarine (Beverley McWilliams, Pantera)
Having previously been awarded a notable CBCA commendation for her picture book on aviator Captain Harry Butler, Beverley McWilliams now makes a quirky and charming foray into middle-grade fiction. The Reindeer and the Submarine is based on the remarkable true story of a young reindeer who makes her way to England from Russia at the height of World War II. Our intrepid narrator Pollyanna has never felt like she belonged anywhere: she was hand-raised by a Sámi man after her mother died and her only real friend is an Arctic Fox called Misha. On an adventure to the port town of Polyarny (after which she is named), Pollyanna is discovered by a Russian Admiral and gifted to the British submarine HMS Trident along with a weeks’ supply of moss. Amidst amusing anecdotes of the narrator developing her sea legs and a taste for biscuits, McWilliams gives readers insight into life on a submarine patrol. We learn about the different parts of the vessel, the day-to-day life of the sailors and some of the emotional impact of wartime. Pollyanna’s sweet disposition (and sweet tooth!) softens these potentially heavy subjects and occasional illustrations by Martina Heiduczek lend a humorous counterweight to the serious historical period. With just the right blend of action, comedy and pathos, The Reindeer and the Submarine will spark or stoke a love of the past in eight- to 12-year-olds.
Annie Waters sells books, writes about books and podcasts about books.
