Ballet Shoes for Anna

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.

“This book is a perfect, inspiring pick-me-up, especially to anyone with a dream. It is written with conviction and that classic old-time feel to take you to places you might never have known.” Sunday Express Praise for Noel Streatfeild: “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.” TLS“Noel Streatfeild is an author who is a true master of her craft.” Illustrated London News“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