Thursday’s Child

Noel Streatfeild, the plain middle child between two talented and pretty sisters, trained at RADA and acted for nine years before writing Ballet Shoes, an instant bestseller, in 1936. As vicarage daughter, factory girl, actress, model, social worker, writer, and crusader for good books, Noel touched many aspects of life. Her experiences enriched her stories, which were so popular that, by her eightieth birthday, she had earned herself the title of ‘a national monument’. She died in 1986.

‘Noel Streatfeild’s position in the children’s book world is unique. She is endlessly inventive, full of verve and real understanding of the surfaces of childhood. Her stories are rich in documentary interest and entertainment, escapism of a most satisfying sort.’ – The Times Literary Supplement‘Noel Streatfeild has that happy, skilful knack of turning her characters into real people – something which only really good novelists can do.’ – BBC Children’s Hour‘Noel Streatfeild is an author who is a true master of her craft.’ – Illustrated London News‘Written for unalloyed enjoyment … Children will love it.’ – Daily Telegraph