Harriet must choose between her friend Lalla and her new-found love of ice-skating... "If you pass your inter-silver, I'll tell Aunt Claudia that I don't want to work with you any more." Harriet is told that she must take up ice-skating in order to improve her health. She isn't much good at it, until she meets Lalla Moore, a young skating star. Now Harriet is getting better and better on the ice, and Lalla doesn't like it. Does Harriet want to save their friendship more than she wants to skate?

Noel Streatfeild is best known as a writer for children, but had not thought of writing for them until persuaded to re-work her first novel as Ballet Shoes; this had sold ten million copies by the time of her death. Saplings (1945), her tenth book for adults, is also about children: a family with four of them, to whom we are first introduced in all their secure Englishness in the summer of 1939. 'Her purpose is to take a happy, successful, middle-class pre-war family - and then track in miserable detail the disintegration and devastation which war brought to tens of thousands of such families,' writes the psychiatrist Dr Jeremy Holmes in his Afterword. Her 'supreme gift was her ability to see the world from a child's perspective' and 'she shows that children can remain serene in the midst of terrible events as long as they are handled with love and openness.' She understood that 'the psychological consequences of separating children from their parents was glossed over in the rush to ensure their physical survival...It is fascinating to watch Streatfeild casually and intuitively anticipate many of the findings of developmental psychology over the past fifty years.' 'A study of the disintegration of a middle-class family during the turmoil of the Second World War, and quite shocking' wrote Sarah Waters in the Guardian. Saplings was a ten-part serial on BBC Radio 4 in 2004.

A special hardback gift edtion picture book by the author of Ballet Shoes, available again after almost 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? Rarely seen since its first publication in 1951, this charming time capsule of a book is sure to delight readers of any age. This hardcover edition features gold foil on the cover It also includes the book's original illustrations by artist Susanne Suba, known for her covers for The New Yorker magazine.

'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

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.

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.

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.

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 Wilson When 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.

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?

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.

Written by the author of BALLET SHOES, this picture book is available once again after nearly 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? This charming time capsule of a book is sure to delight readers of any age.

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.

A treasury of inspiration for every June baby... 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.,

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.

A treasury of inspiration for every July baby... 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Ballet Shoes is the much loved classic by Noel 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 . . .


Noel Streatfeild once said that Ballet Shoes was 'really a fairy story with its feet half-way on the ground' - a magical description for a magical book.

Noel 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.

A 1945 novel by the famous author of Ballet Shoes about what happens to a family during WWII. Preface by Jeremy Holmes.

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 Wilson When 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.

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.

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?

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.