New Releases by Noel Streatfeild

Margaret Thursday, the unforgettable heroine of Thursday's Child stars in this classic children's adventure from Noel Streatfeild, the beloved author of Ballet Shoes. When Margaret Thursday lands a role as a child actress at a well-known London theatre, becoming famous almost overnight, news of her success reaches her bitter enemy, the matron of her old orphanage. Margaret knows that Matron is set on revenge, but she keeps her head held high, focusing on the play. But Matron's evil plans are well prepared, and Margaret is going to need her wits about her - and the help of her friends - if she is to escape unharmed...

A thrilling, classic children's adventure with a courageous heroine, from the beloved author of Ballet Shoes. Margaret Thursday was named after the day she was found on the church steps as a baby. But she isn't really an orphan - each year a bag of gold coins is left at the church for her keep. However, when Margaret is eleven years old, the money suddenly stops and her guardians have no choice but to send her away to an orphanage. The orphanage is worse than they could have imagined. The children are poorly treated and barely fed, and fearless Margaret soon makes herself the enemy of the evil matron who runs it. Vowing to protect her new friends, Peter and Horatio, Margaret plans their daring escape ... but she'll have to outwit Matron at every turn. Margaret's action-packed adventure, set in turn-of-the-century England, takes her from orphanage to canal boat to the world of the theatre. Through it all, Margaret is propelled by her unwavering sense of self and determination.

A timeless children's classic about ice-skating, friendship and ambition, from the beloved author of Ballet Shoes. Perfect for all children who love skating, dancing and performing. Harriet's best friend Lalla dreams of being the best skater in the world - but when Harriet discovers her own natural talent on the ice, the girls' friendship comes under threat. Will Harriet choose Lalla, or her own glittering future?

This enchanting story follows one girl's journey from her very first trip to the ballet, through the doors of ballet school, and into the world of disciplined yet passionate training. From the beauty of key positions to the grace of timeless choreography, this story invites readers to step into a world where dreams and hard work intertwine. Filled with illustrations of ballet positions, a history of the art form and the captivating tales behind famous ballets, this book is a treasure trove for budding dancers. A glossary of ballet terms makes it the perfect companion for young readers eager to learn. First published in 1953, Anna's story will captivate young readers and delight adult fans of Noel Streatfeild's work, including the much-loved Ballet Shoes. Fresh new illustrations bring this classic ballet book for children up to date.

A treasury of inspiration for every April baby... Find out which names for your April baby have connotations of renewal, learn what is meant by a gift of a bunch of moss, bearded crepis, primroses, daisies and wood sorrel, and discover who your baby shares their birthday with - could it be Charlotte Brontë, Leonardo da Vinci or Alexander the Great? Much-loved author Noel Streatfeild originally launched this series of month-by-month baby books in 1959. Recently rediscovered in her publisher''s archives, each little book arrives complete with gorgeous illustrations, and includes: - suggested names and games for babies born in each month - characteristics of your baby according to their zodiac sign - famous babies who share your baby''s birthday - quotations and rhymes to fit every aspect of babyhood ... and much more. With a warm, lively and charming introduction by Noel Streatfeild to every volume, each adorable book in this series is a pleasure to read, and an object to treasure.

Theatre Shoes is part of the wonderful 'Shoes' series of adventures for children by Noel Streatfeild. Every family has its secrets, but it was a huge surprise to the three young Forbeses, fresh from a country vicarage, to discover that their grandmother was a famous actress. Sent to live with her in bombed-out, wartime London, they soon discovered that they were expected to follow in the family footsteps - to the footlights -! As an actress herself, Noel Streatfeild was familiar with all the details of the backstage world of the theatre. She has created an authentic, perceptive and vivid picture of theatrical life - from stage school to auditions to performances. Reissued in 'A Puffin Book' series of Puffin modern classics, along with Ballet Shoes, Circus Shoes and Tennis Shoes, all by Noel Streatfeild.

Margaret Thursday, the unforgettable heroine of Thursday’s Child stars in this classic children’s adventure from Noel Streatfeild, the beloved author of Ballet Shoes.

A thrilling, classic children’s adventure with a courageous heroine, from the beloved author of Ballet Shoes.

*'Classic Noel Streatfeild at her warm-hearted best. I absolutely loved it' Hilary McKay, author of THE SKYLARKS' WAR *'Such rewarding reading' Daily Telegraph There are stories for every reader in this delightful collection - exciting crime-solving adventures; nervous young actors in the spotlight for the first time; unforgettable holidays and unlikely friendships. Featuring beautiful illustrations by PETER BAILEY Stories include: The Plain One; Devon Mettle; Chicken for Supper; Flag's Circus; The Secret; Coralie; Ordinary Me; Cows Eat Flowers; Andrew's Trout; The Old Fool; Let's Go Coaching; Howard; The Quiet Holiday; Roberta; Green Silk Originally written for annuals and magazines from the 1930s-70s, these newly discovered stories make captivating reading for Noel Streatfeild fans of all ages.

Written by the author of the beloved classsic, Ballet Shoes (1936), this wonderful picture book about a cat who lives in a theatre is available once again after 70 years! Pinkie the cat works at the ballet theatre as a mouser. He loves watching the dancers, but he''s scared of the mice he''s meant to catch! What''s a ballet-loving cat to do? Collectible hardback with foil on the cover makes this a lovely gift for anyone''s library Rarely seen since it''s publication in 1951, this heartfelt and nostalgic read is the perfect gift for cat lovers of all ages Osbertand The Theatre Catare Noel''s only picture books - both republished simulataneously. Includes the book''s original illustrations by artist Susanne Suba, also known for her covers for The New Yorkermagazine. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Noel Streatfeild was born in Sussex in 1895 and began writing children''s books in 1931. Ballet Shoeswas published in 1936, and she quickly became one of the most popular authors of her day. She was one of the first winners of the Carnegie Medal and was awarded an OBE in 1983. Streatfeild lived in London until she died in 1986.

A skating champion. An unlikely friendship. A fateful pair of white boots. Read the classic that has captivated generations! It's a stroke of great luck when Harriet Johnson’s doctor prescribes skating after an illness that has left her feeling frail and listless. For on her very first day at the rink, Harriet meets orphaned Lalla Moore, who is being brought up by her wealthy aunt Claudia to be a skating champion. Although they have little in common, the girls form a fast friendship. Harriet is energized by talented, funny Lalla, and Lalla in turn blossoms under the affection of openhearted Harriet. The girls skate together more and more. But just as Lalla’s interest in skating starts to fade, Harriet’s natural talent begins to emerge. Suddenly Lalla and Harriet seem headed in two very different directions. Can their friendship survive? This beloved children's classic is the perfect gift for girls who dream of spending days at the ice rink and becoming a figure skating champion. Adult readers may remember the "Shoes" books from You've Got Mail!

A beautiful gift edition of the beloved classic about two orphan sisters and their newfound love of theater and dance. After losing their mother, Rachel and her adopted sister Hilary move in with their aunt, Cora Wintle. Cora runs a dancing school in London, and she thinks that Hilary would be perfect for her dancing troupe, Wintle's Little Wonders! The only problem is that Hilary might be as good as Cora's own precious daughter, Dulcie. Still, Cora is determined to make sulky Rachel and sprightly Hilary members of her dance troupe. But Rachel doesn't want to be a Little Wonder! She can't dance and feels silly in her the ruffly costume. Nothing seems to be going as planned, until Rachel discovers her talent for acting. . . . This classic children's book is perfect for kids who dream of being on stage, whether it be dancing or acting. And don't miss the other classic Noel Streatfeild titles, Ballet Shoes, Skating Shoes, and Theater Shoes!

For the first time ever in the United States, the "Shoes" books are available as ebooks! Go behind the scenes of a movie in this beloved classic! Life is tough for the Winter family in London, with little money and Dad out of work. Luckily, Aunt Cora comes to the rescue with an invitation to live in California. From that moment on, talented Rachel and Tim dream of stardom in America. The family couldn't be more surprised when a movie producer picks plain, peevish Jane for the lead role of Mary in The Secret Garden. No one's ever noticed Jane before. Could this be the chance of a lifetime? Noel Streatfeild's "Shoes" books are some of the most popular of the thirty-eight books she wrote for children.

'The wonderful Noel Streatfeild's Christmas Stories collects, for the first time, nine festive stories originally written for annuals and magazines in the 1940s and 1950s . . . As ever, Streatfeild's children always feel utterly real and relatable. A beautifully produced treat' Anna Carey, Irish Times In this captivating collection of stories by the author of Ballet Shoes, there are auditions on stage and antics on ice, trips to the pantomime, holiday adventures, and laughter shared with family and friends. Charming, heartwarming and funny, this collection will bring joy to readers of all ages. Originally written in 1940s-60s for annuals, magazines and the radio, these stories have never been collected before. With enchanting line drawings by by Peter Bailey. Stories include: The Audition The Bells Keep Twelfth Night The Moss Rose Thimble The Princess The Chain Christmas at Collers The Pantomime Goose Skating to the Stars

Myra Carrol has it all - beauty, kindness and a loving marriage. One afternoon she is searching through her barn for objects which could be of help in the Second World War, when she comes across an old picture of herself . . . She is immediately transported back to the carefree days of her childhood. Raised to be a strong woman by her governess Connie, Myra''s honesty, confidence and angelically beautiful face gave her the best start in life . . . until her father''s death takes her to boarding school. Through nostalgic flashbacks we learn about the events that shaped Myra''s life in this heart-warming family wartime novel by Carnegie Medal winning author, Noel Streatfeild.

Young, naive and too kind for her own good, Rose falls for a young Brigadier with a colourful history. Soon after their fling ends he drops a baby off on her doorstep begging her to raise it for his latest mistress. Tender hearted Rosie nurtures the baby into a sophisticated young woman called Marmie – alongside two other baby girls dropped off by the Brigadier – Daisy, a natural born dancer, and Tania who aspires to be a mechanic. But raising three growing girls on very little money after the war is an impossible task, so the girls find a way to earn their keep through a life on the stage. Revealing the toil a dancer goes through backstage and the friendship and love needed to survive it, The Whicharts is an exceptional inter-war novel from Carnegie Medal winning author Noel Streatfeild.

From Noel Streatfeild, the beloved author of Ballet Shoes, comes a moving story of unexpected friendships and new beginnings. When their father is injured in an accident, life changes for the Johnstone family. Unable to afford their home, they have to move to a small London flat. Carol can no longer go to ballet school and Tim is heartbroken as he must leave his beloved dog, Jelly, behind. Then, it seems, their wishes are granted: in an extraordinary twist of fate, Tim inherits a dilapidated country house, Caldicott Place, where the family - including Jelly - can live together. But the house is badly in need of repair and they have no money, so a solution is found - the family start to look after wealthy children in the school holidays. Although they dread the prospect of sharing their newly found home with rich spoiled children, perhaps friendships can be found in the unlikeliest places.

Christmas with the Chrystals is a gorgeous short story about how an influx of cheery young cousins at Christmas warms the heart of a haughty grandmother and lights up her chilly home. This very special Yuletide story is accompanied by several Streatfeild Christmas extracts from her many children's novels, including an (almost) never-before-seen sequel chapter to her bestseller Ballet Shoes. There are also recollections of the author's own childhood Christmases (taken from the Noel Streatfeild Christmas Holiday Book).

The author of children’s classic ‘Ballet Shoes’ delights with a best-loved story of ice skating rivalry...

Near the end of the Second World War, Selina receives a parcel from America that contains a beautiful party dress and shoes. But her excitement turns to sorrow when she realizes she'll never have a chance to wear the beautiful dress, until she and her cousins decide to organize a pageant.

As her cousins find success singing and dancing on the stage, Gemma wins a coveted acting role in a local theatre production but may have to give it up when her mother makes a startling announcement.

Gemma and her cousins put together a show business act using all their talents, and quickly become a sensation, but when one has an accident, it could mean the end of the group.

Adolescence.

Tired of being world citizens, traveling with their brother on his tours as a violin prodigy, three children plot to find a home of their own and discover careers of their own in films and ballet.

SUMMARY: A dance teacher explains ballet techniques to her young pupils and includes in the lessons the history of ballet, stories of the great dancers, and discussions of famous ballets.

A collection of short stories and poems.

SUMMARY: Anna and her two brothers, orphaned by an earthquake in Turkey, find life difficult with their stern uncle with whom they are sent to live in England. The uncle opposes Anna's ambition to become a dancer, but her brothers are determined that she shall continue her lessons, and set out to earn money to pay for them.