Noel Streatfeild était une auteure britannique surtout connue et appréciée pour ses livres pour enfants, qui exploraient souvent les thèmes de l'ambition, de la famille et de la recherche de sa place dans le monde. Son style se caractérisait par des portraits de personnages vivants et, à travers ses récits, elle abordait souvent les réalités de la vie théâtrale et artistique. Streatfeild capturait la résilience et l'indépendance de l'enfance, situant ses histoires à Londres et dans d'autres décors captivants. Son œuvre phare, qui est devenue un modèle pour de nombreuses histoires de ballet ultérieures, fut révolutionnaire par sa représentation réaliste de jeunes interprètes et de leurs défis.
The narrative hints at a domestic setting where a character plans to inspect Miss Kay's rooms, suggesting themes of responsibility and oversight. The mention of involving either a companion or the housekeeper indicates a relationship dynamic and the importance of collaboration in maintaining the household. This glimpse into daily life hints at underlying tensions or secrets that may be revealed through the exploration of Miss Kay's spaces.
Clara's life takes a vibrant and dramatic turn in this enchanting family novel from Noel Streatfeild, the author of Ballet Shoes.
"This is our new governess," said Meggie. "She's a nice sort of governess. She called us little horrors." "And toads," David chimed in. Betsy stood on one leg and held the other. "And she said we were smug and detestable little beasts." Beverley Shaw, raised in an orphanage and trained to be a governess, gets her long-awaited first job working for Margot Cardew, a brilliant stage actress (and narcissistic diva), whose three precocious children are sadly used to being little more than their mother's props. With advice from her friend Sarah, Beverley navigates between Margot's exhausted secretary Winkle, her sleazy maid Marcelle, and the handsome Peter Crewdson, whom Margot loves but who is soon taking an interest in "Joan of Arc", the spirited young governess he first meets giving the children a piece of her mind. Ten Way Street is the fourth of twelve charming, page-turning romances published under the pseudonym "Susan Scarlett" by none other than beloved children's author and novelist Noel Streatfeild. Out of print for decades, they were rediscovered by Greyladies Books in the early 2010s, and Dean Street Press and Furrowed Middlebrow are delighted now to make all twelve available to a wider audience. "A writer who shows a rich experience in her writing and a charm" Nottingham Journal
Set against the backdrop of war, the story follows Judy as she observes the slow progress of a train from her window. Her reflections reveal a sense of frustration and impatience amidst the chaos of conflict, highlighting the contrast between her personal experience and the larger events unfolding around her. The narrative captures her thoughts and emotions, offering a glimpse into the impact of war on everyday life and the longing for movement and change.
"Do you live permanently in yellow evening frocks and court gowns, or have you anything else?" Annabel laughed shakily. "Of course. My own clothes." "Then go and put them on. Lovely ladies who fall over their trains need cocktails to restore them. And that's just what I'm going to take you to have." Annabel Brown has taken a job in the sewing room at Bertna's, a high-end dressmaker, to help her family's finances. When one of the "mannequins" employed downstairs quits unexpectedly, Tania Petoff, the shop's owner, decides to try lovely Annabel in her place, to the chagrin of her catty fellow models. Annabel's improved status leads to tension in her close-knit family, then (following a wardrobe malfunction) she catches the eye of wealthy Lord David de Bett-and the ire of the dreadful Honourable Octavia Glaye. How things work themselves out is as delicious a bit of frothy fun as one could well imagine. Clothes-Pegs is the first of twelve charming, page-turning romances published under the pseudonym "Susan Scarlett" by none other than beloved children's author and novelist Noel Streatfeild. Out of print for decades, they were rediscovered by Greyladies Books in the early 2010s, and Dean Street Press and Furrowed Middlebrow are delighted now to make all twelve available to a wider audience. "A writer who shows a rich experience in her writing and a charm" Nottingham Journal
A heart-warming story of music, family and finding a home by Noel Streatfeild, the author of Ballet Shoes,
Struggling with the feeling of being the plain twin, Pauline finds solace in parables about mustard seeds that transform into something magnificent. This exploration of self-worth and identity highlights her journey of growth and the desire to stand out in a family where she feels overshadowed. Through the wisdom of these stories, she seeks to embrace her uniqueness and discover her own potential.
Penguin Readers is an ELT graded reader series for learners of English as a foreign language. With carefully adapted text, new illustrations and language learning exercises, the print edition also includes instructions to access supporting material online.Titles include popular classics, exciting contemporary fiction, and thought-provoking non-fiction, introducing language learners to bestselling authors and compelling content.The eight levels of Penguin Readers follow the Common European Framework of Reference for language learning (CEFR). Exercises at the back of each Reader help language learners to practise grammar, vocabulary, and key exam skills. Before, during and after-reading questions test readers' story comprehension and develop vocabulary.Ballet Shoes, a Level 2 Reader, is A1+ in the CEFR framework. Sentences contain a maximum of two clauses, introducing the future tenses will and going to, present continuous for future meaning, and comparatives and superlatives. It is well supported by illustrations, which appear on most pages.Sisters Pauline, Petrova and Posy Fossil do not have parents, but they have a very kind uncle. The sisters learn to dance, act and sing at a dancing school. But soon they have no money. What will happen to them?Visit the Penguin Readers websiteExclusively with the print edition, readers can unlock online resources including a digital book, audio edition, lesson plans and answer keys.
The beloved Noel Streatfeild classic back in print! It's a stroke of great luck when Harriet Johnson’s doctor prescribes skating after an illness that has left her feeling frail and listless. For on her very first day at the rink, Harriet meets orphaned Lalla Moore, who is being brought up by her wealthy aunt Claudia to be a skating champion. Although they have little in common, the girls form a fast friendship. Harriet is energized by talented, funny Lalla, and Lalla in turn blossoms under the affection of openhearted Harriet. The girls skate together more and more. But just as Lalla’s interest in skating starts to fade, Harriet’s natural talent begins to emerge. Suddenly Lalla and Harriet seem headed in two very different directions. Can their friendship survive?
