Search results for ""Author Noel Streatfeild""

A treasury of inspiration for every February baby...Find out why you might give your February baby a name to do with water, what is meant by a gift of cinquefoil, violets, and primroses, and who your baby shares their birthday with - could it be Charles Darwin, Abraham Lincoln, or Renoir?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.

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A treasury of inspiration for every July baby...Find out why you might give your July baby a name to do with meadows, what is meant by a gift of a bunch of white lilies, marigolds and yellow jasmine, and who your baby shares their birthday with - could it be Julius Caesar, Emmeline Pankhurst or Rembrandt?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.

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A treasury of inspiration for every September baby...Find out why you might give your September baby a name to do with hunting or home, what is meant by a gift of a bunch of agrimony and mallow, and who your baby shares their birthday with - could it be Elizabeth I, George Gershwin or Euripides? 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.

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A treasury of inspiration for every December baby...Find out why you might give your December baby a name to do with light, what is meant by a gift of a Christmassy garland of holly and mistletoe, and who your baby shares their birthday with - could it be Walt Disney, Jane Austen or Nostradamus? 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.

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A treasury of inspiration for every August baby...Find out why you might give your August baby a name to do with peace, what is meant by a gift of a nosegay of ferns, balsam, snapdragons, sage and bitter-sweet nightshade, and who your baby shares their birthday with - could it be Alfred Hitchcock, Mary Shelley or Napoleon? 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.

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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.

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A treasury of inspiration for every June baby...Find out why you might give your June baby a name to do with the heavens, what is meant by a gift of a bunch of roses and honeysuckle, and who your baby shares their birthday with - could it be Socrates, Judy Garland or Henry VIII?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.

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A treasury of inspiration for every November baby...Find out why you might give your November baby a name to do with champions, what is meant by a gift of a bunch of laurel, and who your baby shares their birthday with - could it be Monet, William Blake or Winston Churchill? 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.

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A treasury of inspiration for every May baby...Find out why you might give your May baby a name to do with messengers, what is meant by a gift of a posy of blue violets, daisies and apple blossom, and who your baby shares their birthday with - could it be Fred Astaire, Florence Nightingale or Queen Victoria?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.

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A treasury of inspiration for every January baby...Find out why you might give your January baby a name to do with wolves, what is meant by a gift of snowdrops wrapped in moss, and who your baby shares their birthday with - could it be Richard II, A. A. Milne, or Mozart?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.

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A treasury of inspiration for every March baby...Find out why you might give your March baby a name to do with war, what is meant by a gift of a nosegay of crown imperials and a bunch of violets, and who your baby shares their birthday with - could it be Albert Einstein, Robert the Bruce, or Michelangelo?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.

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A treasury of inspiration for every October baby...Find out why you might give your October baby a name to do with wine; what is meant by the gift of a bunch of marigolds, persicaria and meadow saffron; and who your baby shares their birthday with - could it be Mahatma Gandhi, Christopher Wren or Picasso?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.

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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 Osbert and The Theatre Cat are 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 Yorker magazine. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Noel Streatfeild was born in Sussex in 1895 and began writing children's books in 1931. Ballet Shoes was 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.

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Written by the author of the beloved classsic, Ballet Shoes (1936), this wonderful picture book about a family poodle is available once again after 70 years! Aunt Cathy's wedding is tomorrow, but Father insists on keeping Osbert the family dog away from the festivities. Father says he's too unsightly! Can the heartbroken children work a miracle in time? Collectible hardback with foil on the cover makes this a lovely gift for anyone's library Rarely seen for 50 years, this heartfelt and nostalgic read is the perfect gift for dog lovers of all ages Osbert and The Theatre Cat are 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 Yorker magazine. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Noel Streatfeild was born in Sussex in 1895 and began writing children's books in 1931. Ballet Shoes was 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.

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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.

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A thrilling and moving adventure story about evacuees in World War Two, perfect for readers of Goodnight Mister Tom'A compelling heart-warming story about three children in the Second World War - I loved it.' Jacqueline WilsonWhen war breaks out in September 1939, Laura, Andy and Tim Clark are evacuated to the countryside. The Colonel's comfortable home in Dorset is a huge contrast to their cramped terraced house in London, where their loving parents struggle to put the next meal on the table. Though unused to having children around, the Colonel proves to be a kind and generous, if gruff, guardian until a terrible turn of events means the kids must move on. When they discover they are to live with Miss Justworthy, who is rumoured to feed her evacuees on cat food, Andy insists they can't risk staying. He persuades his sensible older sister and their little brother that they must run away, back to London and their mum. The children are shocked to see London now pitted with craters and ruined buildings. And no sooner have they stepped off the train than the skies are lit by searchlights and filled with the crack of bombs and the glow of fires. How will they be able to find their mum in the middle of an air raid?A brilliantly page-turning read from the author of Ballet Shoes, based on her own real-life experience in the Second World War. Perfect for any child interested in wartime and classic adventure stories.

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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…

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A gripping mystery thriller - set in wartime Cornwall - in which four children uncover a plot to depose a king and install a dictator in a small (fictional) country. Action and adventure abound!

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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?

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Having lost their parents in an earthquake, Anna and her siblings live with their prim uncle and feeble aunt. Anna lives only to dance – but her uncle forbids her to have anything to do with ballet. How will she survive? For Anna, everything takes second place to her burning desire to dance. Even the earthquake that destroyed her Turkish home has not made her think differently, only now she's stuck in a prim suburban household with an uncle who "doesn't approve" of dancing. What can Anna do? Not only is there no one to give her lessons, but there's no money for them either, and, anyway, dancing's forbidden. Will she ever become the ballerina she longs to be?

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A wonderful story of music and family and finding home, from the beloved author of Ballet Shoes.The Forums are a musical family, and one child, Sebastian, shines out as a prodigy. He is a brilliant violinist and when his talent is recognised, he is wanted the world over. Myra, Wolfgang (named after Mozart) and Ettie thought it was wonderful at first, but after four years of touring the world with their brilliant brother they've changed their minds. Now, what they long for, is a home of their own, not a hotel in Vienna or Venice or Moscow. But to their mother and father, a life of travel is exciting - all any child could want. How can the children make the grown-ups see sense?Myra makes a plan - 'Operation Home' - and is determined to make it succeed.

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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).

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High kicks and low blows all round in this fantastic story about life at stage school, by the author of Ballet Shoes - perfect for young fans of TV shows like The Next Step and Stage SchoolIt's 1957 and Rachel and Hilary are sent to live with their ambitious aunt who runs a stage school, training a troupe of dancing girls. It's heaven for Hilary who loves to perform, but quite the opposite for quiet Rachel. The last thing Rachel wants is to become one of her aunt's Little Wonders - particularly if it means behaving like their irritating show-off of a cousin . . . A mischievous, fun and moving story about young performers, from the acclaimed author of the classic Ballet Shoes.

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A beautiful hardback edition of the beloved children's classic BALLET SHOES, with a vibrant new cover - the perfect gift for all children's book or dance enthusiasts.BALLET SHOES is the story of Pauline, Petrova and Posy Fossil, three very different girls, each adopted as an orphaned baby by the eccentric explorer, Gum. All three girls are left in the care of Gum's niece Sylvia in London.At first, the girls lead privileged and sheltered lives. But after five years go by and Gum fails to return, Sylvia's money starts to run out. The multi-talented Fossil girls hit on an inspired idea: they will take to the stage. Posy, daughter of a ballerina, couldn't be happier than she is in dance classes or on stage. Pauline also loves to tread the boards as an actress, but Petrova would rather be dismantling engines in a garage. It's not long before all the Fossils learn that there's more to being a star than they thought. Originally published in 1936, Noel Streatfeild's BALLET SHOES is a beautiful story about growing up and loving the family you choose. It has stood the test of time and is adored by generations.

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Penguin Readers is an ELT graded reader series for learners of English as a foreign language. With carefully adapted text, new illustrations and language learning exercises, the print edition also includes instructions to access supporting material online.Titles include popular classics, exciting contemporary fiction, and thought-provoking non-fiction, introducing language learners to bestselling authors and compelling content.The eight levels of Penguin Readers follow the Common European Framework of Reference for language learning (CEFR). Exercises at the back of each Reader help language learners to practise grammar, vocabulary, and key exam skills. Before, during and after-reading questions test readers' story comprehension and develop vocabulary.Ballet Shoes, a Level 2 Reader, is A1+ in the CEFR framework. Sentences contain a maximum of two clauses, introducing the future tenses will and going to, present continuous for future meaning, and comparatives and superlatives. It is well supported by illustrations, which appear on most pages.Sisters Pauline, Petrova and Posy Fossil do not have parents, but they have a very kind uncle. The sisters learn to dance, act and sing at a dancing school. But soon they have no money. What will happen to them?Visit the Penguin Readers websiteExclusively with the print edition, readers can unlock online resources including a digital book, audio edition, lesson plans and answer keys.

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Puffin Classics: the definitive collection of timeless stories, for every child. We three Fossils vow to try to put our name into history books, because it's our very own, and nobody can say it's because of our grandfathers.Pauline, Petrova and Posy Fossil are sisters - with a difference. All three were adopted as babies by Great Uncle Matthew, an eccentric and rich explorer who then disappeared, leaving them in the care of his niece Sylvia. When Sylvia starts to run out of money they hit on an inspired idea: Pauline, Petrova and Posy will attend Madame Fidolia's Children's Academy of Dance and Stage Training - and take to the stage. But it's not long before the Fossils learn that being a star isn't as easy as they first thought...Ballet Shoes is the magical, warm-hearted and much loved classic tale of three very different girls who work hard to master their talents.

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A thrilling and moving adventure story about evacuees in World War Two, perfect for readers of Goodnight Mister Tom'A compelling heart-warming story about three children in the Second World War - I loved it.' Jacqueline WilsonWhen war breaks out in September 1939, Laura, Andy and Tim Clark are evacuated to the countryside. The Colonel's comfortable home in Dorset is a huge contrast to their cramped terraced house in London, where their loving parents struggle to put the next meal on the table. Though unused to having children around, the Colonel proves to be a kind and generous, if gruff, guardian until a terrible turn of events means the kids must move on. When they discover they are to live with Miss Justworthy, who is rumoured to feed her evacuees on cat food, Andy insists they can't risk staying. He persuades his sensible older sister and their little brother that they must run away, back to London and their mum. The children are shocked to see London now pitted with craters and ruined buildings. And no sooner have they stepped off the train than the skies are lit by searchlights and filled with the crack of bombs and the glow of fires. How will they be able to find their mum in the middle of an air raid?A brilliantly page-turning read from the author of Ballet Shoes, based on her own real-life experience in the Second World War. Perfect for any child interested in wartime and classic adventure stories.

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Three orphan girls. A pair of pink slippers. A lifetime in the spotlight. Read the classic that has captivated generations! Pauline, Petrova, and Posy love their quiet life together. They are orphans who have been raised as sisters, and when their new family needs money, the girls want to help. They decide to join the Children's Academy of Dancing and Stage Training to earn their keep. Each girl works hard following her dream. Pauline is destined for the movies. Posy is a born dancer. And Petrova? She finds she'd rather be a pilot than perform a pirouette.This beautiful children's classic is perfect for girls who love to dream about ballet, friendship, and finding their own special talents. Adult readers may remember them as the "Shoes" books from You've Got Mail!

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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.

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A perfect companion to Ballet Shoes, Circus Shoes, Theatre Shoes and Tennis Shoes, this family war-time story was first published in 1946, reissued now in A Puffin Book.There's great excitement when an unexpected parcel arrives for Selina. A beautiful long evening-dress and shiny satin party shoes - the best present a girl could ever wish for! She can hardly wait for a special occasion to wear them, but there's still a war on and all the grown-ups are far too busy to arrange a party. So Selina and her cousins decide to organize a pageant with acting, singing, dancing and dressing-up. Will Selina find the perfect role in which to put on her amazing new clothes?

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Published in the 'A Puffin Book' series of best-loved classics, along with BALLET SHOES, THEATRE SHOES, TENNIS SHOES and PARTY SHOES.In CIRCUS SHOES by Noel Streatfeild Gus the clown is Peter and Santa's only living relative and escape to the circus seems a better idea to them than an orphanage. But Gus will keep the children only if they make themselves useful - and they have to fight hard to become a genuine part of the circus.Noel Streatfeild was born in Sussex in 1895 and was one of three sisters. Although she was considered the plain one she ended up leading the most glamorous and exciting life! After working in munitions factories and canteens for the armed forces when WWI broke out, Noel followed her dream of being on stage and went to RADA where she became a professional actress. She began writing children's books in 1931 and Ballet Shoes was published in 1936. She quickly became one of the most popular authors of her day. When she visited Puffin exhibitions, there were queues right out of the building and all the way down The Mall. She was one of the first winners of the Carnegie Medal and was awarded an OBE in 1983. Noel Streatfeild lived in London. She died in 1986.

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Reissued in 'A Puffin Book' series of best-loved children's classics, this is a sharp and funny story that follows in the footsteps of Ballet Shoes, Theatre Shoes, Circus Shoes and Party Shoes by Noel Streatfeild.In TENNIS SHOES the Heath children area found to have tennis in their blood. Their grandfather and father before them had been top players, and the twins are champion material. Then Nicky - cheeky, rebellious Nicky - starts to practise in secret, but talented at tennis as she is, the ambitious Nicky first has battles to win with herself - on and off the tennis court.

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If you love Noel Streatfeild’s Ballet Shoes, you’ll adore The Bell Family.'Well, little people, what's the news?’Meet the big, happy Bell family who live in the vicarage at St Marks.Father is a reverend; Mother is as kind as kind can be. Then there's all the children – practical Paul, dancing Jane, mischievous Ginnie, and finally the baby of the family, Angus, whose ambition is to own a private zoo (he has already begun with his six boxes of caterpillars). And not forgetting Esau, a surefire competitor for the most beautiful dog in Britain.Follow their eventful lives from tense auditions to birthday treats; from troubled times to hilarious escapades. The perfect Christmas gift for ballet-loving children.Includes exclusive material: In the Backstory you can find out which one of the Bell children you most resemble!

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BY THE AUTHOR OF BALLET SHOESwith beautiful illustrations by Edward Ardizzone'A joyous, sunlight book. For me, the best Noel Streatfeild of all' HILARY MCKAY'"You have a whole wing of the house to yourselves. The glorious world outside to play in. All that the earth brings forth to feed you, and you stand there asking foolish questions until my head reels. Help yourselves, children, help yourselves." Then, flapping her cloak as if to shoo off a clutter of chickens, Great Aunt Dymphna was gone.' Summer will be different for the Gareth children this year. Their father, an epidemiologist, is ill abroad, and their mother must go to help him. So Alex, Penny, Naomi and Robin are sent to Ireland to stay with an eccentric distant relative.Great Aunt Dymphna is like nobody they've ever met. She lives in a ramshackle house, quotes swathes of poetry and flits about like a great bat. And, to the children's consternation, she expects them to fend for themselves. Despite tears and many mishaps, they learn something new every day, and living with Great Aunt Dymphna becomes an adventure.

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A Vicarage Family is the first part in a fictionalized autobiography in which Noel Streatfeild tells the story of her own childhood, painting a poignant and vivid picture of daily life in an impoverished, genteel family in the years leading up to the First World War.In the story there are three little girls - Isobel, the eldest, is pretty, gentle and artistic; Louise the youngest, is sweet and talented - and then there is Vicky, 'the plain one', the awkward and rebellious child who doesn't fit in at school or at home. Growing up in a big family Vicky feels overlooked but gradually begins to realize that she might not be quite as untalented as she feels.The Vicky of this story is, of course, the much-loved Noel Streatfeild who went on to write so many wonderful family stories, the most famous being Ballet Shoes.

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Penguin presents the audio CD edition of Ballet Shoes by Noel Streatfeild, read by Janet Streatfeild. 'I wonder . . . if other girls had to be one of us, which of us they'd choose to be?'Pauline longs to be an actress.Petrova is happiest playing with cars and engines.And if she could . . . Posy would dance all day!But when their benefactor Great-Uncle Matthew disappears, the Fossil girls share a future of a dazzling life on stage, where their dreams and fears will soon come true . . .

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*'Classic Noel Streatfeild at her warm-hearted best. I absolutely loved it' Hilary McKay, author of THE SKYLARKS' WAR*'Such rewarding reading' Daily TelegraphThere 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 BAILEYStories 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 SilkOriginally written for annuals and magazines from the 1930s-70s, these newly discovered stories make captivating reading for Noel Streatfeild fans of all ages.

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'Classic Noel Streatfeild at her warm-hearted best. I absolutely loved it' Hilary McKay, author of THE SKYLARKS' WAR'Such rewarding reading' Daily TelegraphIn this captivating new collection, there are stories for every reader to enjoy: unforgettable holidays and unlikely friendships, crime-solving adventures and dancers in the spotlight for the very first time. Originally written for annuals and magazines, these newly discovered stories are collected here for the first time and will be treasured by Noel Streatfeild fans of all ages.Featuring beautiful illustrations by PETER BAILEYStories include: The Plain One Devon MettleChicken for SupperFlag's CircusThe SecretCoralieOrdinary Me Cows Eat FlowersAndrew's TroutThe Old FoolLet's Go CoachingHowardThe Quiet HolidayRobertaGreen Silk

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When Sylvia and her old nurse Nana agree to keep house for Gum, they know they will be looking after his fossil collection while his away on his travels. But imagine their surprise when one day he brings them something else - three baby girls whose names all being with 'P'! Pauline, Petrova and Posy Fossil are not really sisters - even their surname is invented. The girls decide to 'put our name in the history books because it's our very own', and enrol at the Children's Academy of Dancing and Stage Training. Each Fossil uses her individual talents to achieve their joint aim in this captivating story, now a modern children's classic.2 CDs. 2 hrs.

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