She wrote over 80 books in her lifetime and lived in London till her death. When World War II broke out, she worked in canteens for the armed forces and for those injured by bombs. Her best-loved novel, BALLET SHOES, was published in 1936. Then in 1931 she published her first children's book. Noel Streatfeild started by writing books for adults. Tres niñas huérfanas, Pauline, Petrova y Posy Fossil, son adoptadas por un excéntrico explorador, el profesor Gum. While growing up, she and her sisters put on plays for parish causes and, after making munitions during World War I, she trained as an actress. She was a mischievous child, often in trouble at home. Her father was Bishop of Lewes and her great-grandmother was the prison reformer, Elizabeth Fry. I love the detailed back story, the changes in the characters’ abilities and personalities as they come in and out of the spotlight, the sisters’ devotion to one another, and their yearly vows, and the mostly realistic portrayal of poverty, and what a family must do to. This is another book that is practically perfect in every way. Noel Streatfeild (1895-1986) was born in Amberley, Sussex. 78 Ballet Shoes by Noel Streatfeild (1936) 25 points. The much-loved children's classic, beautifully reissued. Posy loves it too - she is born to be a dancer and the school is the perfect place for her. Petrova hates it, all she wants to do is learn about cars and planes and engines. Pauline adores the school, as she dreams of becoming an actress.

This way they will be able to earn some money before they grow up. First she is forced to take in some boarders - an engaging and eclectic mix of characters - but then she decides that the girls should go to acting school. But when Gum fails to return after five years, Sylvia's money begins to run out. When the three little girls are old enough, they choose the surname Fossil for themselves and vow to make the name famous.Īt first they lead privileged and sheltered lives.

Then off he goes to continue his exploring, saying that he'll be back in five years' time. He adopts them, takes them to his London home and leaves them in the care of his niece Sylvia and the family Nurse. Pauline, Petrova and Posy are found as orphaned babies in different parts of the world by eccentric fossil collector and explorer Gum.

Ballet shoes novel