Mary Noel Streatfeild was most famous for her children's books including Ballet Shoes. She was born in Sussex, England, the second of three daughters of a local vicar. Her life is described in three semi-autobiographical novels: A Vicarage Family, Away from the Vicarage, and Beyond the Vicarage. Noel was considered the 'plain' sister in her family, but she shone in performances with her sisters for charity. Upon reaching adulthood she sought a career in theatre, and gained ten years of experience as an actress, working for the Charles Doran and Arthur Bourchier companies. Her familiarity with the stage was the basis for many of her popular books for children, which are often about children struggling with careers in the arts.Ballet Shoes has a number of connections to other Noel Streatfeild books and short stories. What Happened to Pauline, Petrova and Posy is a short story in which we are told a little about the way things turne
'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
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