The Hob and Miss Minkin

By Sandra Horn

A series of six gentle, humorous short stories set all through the seasons, in and around an old farmhouse. A Hob lives under the hearthstone, unknown and unseen by everyone except Miss Minkin, the tabby cat. At night, while the family sleeps, he emerges to share a bowl of cream with her. They tell stories of the olden days, dance and sing – and have adventures. Innocent and magical, they triumph over troublesome mice, a birds’ nest in the chimney, smugglers’ loot, ‘spooks’, a silent newborn foal, and some very strange Christmas presents when they try carol singing.

• Language: English
• Publisher: The Clucket Press
• Release date: Aug 1, 2012
• ISBN: 9780956960955

Sandra Horn

I’m a children’s author and publisher. I’ve lived in Southampton with my husband Niall for over 40 years, and our three children were all born and raised here in the city. I’ve been writing for children since 2005, when my first picture book, Tattybogle, illustrated by Ken Brown was published (Andersen Press). In 2007 ‘Tattybogle the Musical’ was created by Ruth Kenward of Starshine Music and performed at the Farnham Festival. I have had a wonderful, busy time since then! I have had invitations to visit schools all over the UK and in South Korea. The musical has also led to invitations to visit many schools and to work with the children – great fun and most rewarding. The success of Tattybogle the Musical has led on to further fruitful collaborations with Ruth; Babushka the Musical (book published by Barefoot books) for Christmas 2008 has enjoyed success not only here but in several other countries too. The Moonthieves musical was commissioned for the Farnham Festival 2009 and has also gone world-wide. My other picture books include the sequel to Tattybogle, The Tattybogle Tree. In 2005 Niall and I set up the Clucket Press and published The Mud Maid and The Giant, both written for the Lost Gardens of Heligan in Cornwall and illustrated by Karen Popham; The Furzey Oak, commissioned for Furzey Gardens in the New Forest and illustrated by Mervyn Hathaway; a new edition of The Moonthieves, illustrated by Esther Connon I Can’t Hear You! I Can’t See you! Illustrated by Muza Ulasowski, and Rory McRory, newly illustrated by Bee Willey. Books in preparation include a new Crows’ Nest illustrated by Jo Theobald, a new Dandelion Wish, illustrated by Louise Crowhurst, Rainbow!(Bee Willey) and Suvi and the Sky Folk (Muza Ulasowski). Some of the new books will be e-books, alongside storybook The Hob and Miss Minkin: tales from an old Sussex farmhouse.

Book preview

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