Sir (Brigadier) John Smyth (1893-1983)

British author. Born in Teignmouth in 1893. He had a distinguished, although at times chequered, military career, winning the MC and VC. He later worked as a journalist, broadcaster and MP. His writing career consisted of works on military history and a short foray into the world of children's books which consisted of a three part series about a girl called Ann Sheldon. These were in part horse stories, although perhaps the last is the only one that can be classed as a true pony story. Have included all three here however.

Sadly I do not have any pics of the author's books. If you have any and would like to help out I would be most grateful.

Paradise Island Series:
Variable pony content with the last possibly the only one to be classed as a true pony story.

1) PARADISE ISLAND
(MAX PARRISH 1958)
ILLUSTRATED BY MICHAEL LEONARD
SUMMARY: Slight pony content. It is up to Ann to save their island home.

2) TROUBLE IN PARADISE
(MAX PARRISH 1959)
ILLUSTRATED BY MICHAEL LEONARD
SUMMARY: Slight pony content. More trouble and adventure for Ann on her family island.

3) ANN GOES HUNTING
(MAX PARRISH 1960)
ILLUSTRATED BY MICHAEL LEONARD
SUMMARY: Ann and brother Podge are spending Christmas hols in Yorkshire in the heart of hunting country. They borrow some ponies to join in the hunting and get mixed up in a mystery to boot!

Collectors Info:
Not common titles, but the first in the series is by far the hardest to find. The other two are easier and less expensive. All hard to find outside of the UK, but not impossible.