This is Ms Harris’s Book of Green Household Management, which has been two-and-a-half years in the making, from initial idea to the actual, real object sitting in my hands. I almost didn’t want to open the packet when it arrived, and I’m dreading finding any mistakes inside (which I’m sure I will).

I’m delighted by how it’s turned out, though. It’s a real ‘thing’ and satisfyingly chunky. The illustrations are pretty and the book has a reassuring retro-but-modern feel. (Although, of course, it’s really the content that makes it…)

The official publication date is 8 January, but you can pre-order copies through Amazon at a substantial discount. Or try your local independent bookshop. In Bath we have Mr B’s Emporium of Reading Delights and Topping Books; it will also be on sale at Tony’s greengrocer in Larkhall.
 

The Book of Surfing has been featured by The Times as one of its books of the year. Described as “Irresistible... [it] tells you everything you'd ever wanted to know but were afraid to ask in case you sounded just gay – ‘quasi-homophobic term for anything regarded as uncool’. Yup, there's a dudish glossary. Also black-and-white photos of surfing heroes in retro trunks, blueprints for boards, loving descriptions of waves and idiot-proof guides to finding and understanding surf. Art, folklore, VW camper vans, it's all there.”

Ms Harris's Book of Green Household Management is being launched on 8 January 2009 with the shoutline ‘The Ultimate Thrift Bible’. With recipes for making your own marmalade as Christmas presents and preparing low-cost tasty ingredients such as pulses, simple sewing to make do and mend, and tips for saving on everything from energy use to parties, there is plenty in it to appeal to the eco-minded and credit-crunched households alike.

This is what Jane Fearnley-Whittingstall has said: “For anyone, of any generation, who would like to be greener but is not sure how to go about it, Caroline Harris's book is an excellent guide – practical and not at all preachy.”

Samplers and bound proofs are now available from Lucy Dixon at John Murray. The author, Caroline Harris (that's me), is a journalist who has written for the Sunday Telegraph, Eve and Evening Standard magazines among others – please contact me if you would like to discuss feature ideas.   

John Murray came to our home, garden and local greengrocer a couple of months back to shoot a short film for YouTube where I talk about bringing a flavour of The Good Life to Bath.
 

The Book of Surfing was launched into the world at the Sandsifter bar overlooking Godrevy beach, a few miles along the coast from St Ives. A balmy evening at a stunning surfside location set the scene for a memorable gathering, with illustrator Nick Radford’s hugely accomplished band rocking the party into the wee hours. Thanks to all those who made the long journey down from London, especially to Transworld publishing director Doug Young and his crew. The Sandsifter was exactly the right venue.

After an intense few months of getting it into production, The Book of Surfing finally hits the shelves on 16 June. It’s already generating a bit of a buzz in the surf community (Loose Fit has a great review) and our little movie trailer has had a wonderful response. It’s picking up an impressive number of hits on YouTube, considering the short time it’s been up there. We’re launching the book at the Sandsifter near Godrevy, one of the best surf spots in North Cornwall.

If you’d like a review copy, or author Michael Fordham to write a feature for you, do contact me.

Our logo has been designed by Si Scott  in collaboration with A-Side Studio. Si’s exquisite hand-drawn work has made him one of most talked-about illustrators in the UK. He has produced designs for, among others, Paul Smith, the BBC, Pentagram, Nike and Orange, and we’re excited that he’s been involved in helping to create our identity.