Welcome to SMH!

We have been publishing, promoting and marketing our unusual and worthwhile titles
since 1987. But please note that OUR PUBLISHING PROGRAMME IS NOW CLOSED.

This is because, although I still have SMH books to sell,
I have now gone back to my own writing.

*** STAR PROJECT ***

In an extraordinary year, which saw Sir Patrick Moore achieve 88 years (his birthday was on 4 March, 2011), he invited us to publish a little book of his poems, written originally for two children aged 5 and 6, and hidden for decades in a desk drawer. They are short, funny poems about birds and animals, rather like the subjects of Edward Lear’s nonsense poems, which are still enjoyed by – children of all ages! (Remember ‘The Owl and the Pussycat’?)

Remember also The Wind in the Willows. A fascinating programme on its author, Kenneth Grahame, was shown on ITV on 29 April, in their ‘Perspective’ Series. It was presented by Griff Rhys Jones. He was just as charming but less ‘irrepressible’ (i.e., the tail-wagging factor, as described in programme notes) this time round; working the programme with intelligence; listening well and thus getting the most out of those he interviewed.

Griff spoke of the love, friendship and hospitality shared by those ‘country creatures’, Mole, Ratty and Badger: (exactly the same characteristics that shine through the poems, by Patrick Moore in WITHIN THE GLADE). These, mused Griff, were reasons why The Wind in the Willows has endured for so long, and will continue to endure. I, for one, am sure he is right. S.S. (see also Dr Louise Joy’s words, in the lower left hand column)

WITHIN THE GLADE:, which we sub-titled A Collection of Poems written to amuse children – of all ages was published last June I commissioned 23 cartoons from Dr Euan Dunn, Director of Marine Policy at the RSPB. Brilliantly drawn, they were soon recognised as ‘little masterpieces’

It was Euan who embellished the text of our REDBREAST: The Robin in Life and Literature by Dr Andrew Lack. That began our happy working relationship.

WITHIN THE GLADE continues to delight readers, and receive all-enthusiastic media coverage, One of our favourite reviews appeared in the Autumn 2011 edition of THIS ENGLAND magazine, which has an impressive worldwide circulation , and is an institution as patriotic as Sir Patrick himself! Many will no doubt have chuckled at the final words in the accolade – with this same cartoon alongside:

That said, THIS ENGLAND has a an impressive WORLWIDE circulation, and many all round the globe will no doubt have chuckled at the final words in the accolade, with the same cartoon alongside:

'Here is Patrick's poem about the Rat, accompanied by Euan's illustration – now who does that rat remind you of?' !

We also enjoyed Danny Pike’s wonderful chat with Patrick for BBC Radio Sussex and Surrey, with Patrick and Sandra reading a GLADE poem each.

IN THE NEWS

Four of the winners of our GLADE Poetry Competition met with Patrick recently at his Selsey home. The eldest winner was 83; the youngest, just 8. The four read their poems to him and Sandra read those of the three winners who could not be present. This happy visit (Valerie, 83, described it as ‘a magic timewarp’) received a major feature in the Chichester Observer Series, with a beautiful photograph of all five.

Sir Patrick now has another book out, about cats. Beautifully illustrated with photographic treasures from his own collection at home, MIAOW! Casts an autobiographical spotlight on how the cats in his life, and his mother’s, have had a great influence, with their love and affection. For more details, go to the Hubble and Hattie Imprint of Veloce, publishers of car books.

I now have one of my books on sale: CHRISTMAS PLAYS FOR CHILDREN, to be launched officially this summer.

Another excitement is the near-completion of THE LUCKY ONES, my plays inspired by The Eight Beatitudes. I am looking for an Agent to handle them and/or an outlet for a TV or radio production. Has anyone any suggestions?

DATES AND VENUES 2012:

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Over more than twenty-five years we established a national and international reputation for the effective Script Assessment, Editing, Publishing, Publicising and Marketing and Selling of books. Ever-increasing enthusiasm and respect was gained, from booksellers and readers alike, for publishing just a few lovely books: memoirs, unusual anthologies, and poetry. We took great care in the making of a book, through all the processes, from script assessment and editing to illustration research, and ultimate overall presentation. Our bookjackets have been especially well-liked. After all, if a book looks attractive from the outside, there's a good chance the potential buyer will want to look inside!

Window Space by Sandra Saer