1. Written by Helena Harper
Illustrated by Malachy McKinney
and
,

2. First published 2010
Kingsham Press Ltd
Kingsham Press Ltd
Oldbury Complex
Marsh Lane
Easthampnett
Chichester, West Sussex
PO18 0JW
UK
Copyright © Helena Harper 2010
Typeset in Trebuchet MS
Printed in China
ISBN: 978-1-904235-69-9

3. About the Author
Helena Harper was born in Surrey, England, daughter of a German mother and English
father, who met in Hamburg at the end of World War II. After graduating in German and
International Relations, Helena spent two years in banking before deciding to train as a
teacher. She has always loved to write fantasy stories for young children, and in the past
few years has also discovered the joys of writing poetry for adults.
Pep, Polish and Paint is Helena’s first children’s book and is preceded by two collections
of stories in verse, drawn from her professional experiences (It’s a Teacher’s Life...!) and
family situation (Family & More - Enemies or Friends?). To find out more about Helena,
go to her website www.helenaharper.com.

4. For
MY FATHER
who always believed
in my writing

5. Sammy, the sun, heaved an enormous sigh and looked
more miserable than ever.

7. Apassing spaceship said, “Hello, what’s the matter?”
“I’ve lost my shine and I can’t seem to get it back,”
said Sammy.
“I know exactly how you feel,” said Jimmy the spaceship.
“I couldn’t fly once, but I took a pep-me-up drink and
then felt right as rain. I’ll bring one with me when I come
by next time. Don’t worry, you’ll soon feel fine!”

8. And off he flew leaving Sammy to think about pep-me-
up drinks. He was still thinking about them, when a
second spaceship flew by.
“Hello,” said Jenny the spaceship. “What’s the matter?”
“I’ve lost my shine and can’t get it back,” said Sammy.
“I’ve got just the thing for you,” said Jenny. “Polish,
that’s what you need! I’ve got a very good polish at
home. Used it myself when I was really dirty and
afterwards looked like a brand new ship. Do the same
for you. I’ll bring it along next time.”

10. And off she flew leaving Sammy to think about polish
and pep-me-up drinks. Soon a third spaceship came
along. He saw the sad looking sun and said, “Hello,
what’s up?”
“I’ve lost my shine and can’t get it back,” said Sammy.
“Oh, is that all?” said Johnny the spaceship. “What
you need is a new coat of paint. I’ll bring some along
next time.”