Ballet Shoes is a children’s novel written by English author Noel Streatfeild and published by Dent in 1936. It tells the story of three orphaned sisters, Pauline, Petrova and Posy Fossil, who are adopted by an eccentric explorer called Great Uncle Matthew. After being orphaned, the girls move to London to live with their uncle and are supported financially by a mysterious benefactor.
The novel follows the three sisters as they grow up and pursue their individual ambitions – Pauline becomes an actress, Petrova an aviator and Posy a dancer – while living at their uncle’s house in South Kensington. The story is notable for its focus on female independence and ambition in the 1930s.
The novel was incredibly popular when it was first released in 1936, becoming one of the best-selling children’s books of all time. Since then, it has been adapted into several films, television series and stage plays. Ballet Shoes has been praised for its strong female characters who challenge traditional gender roles and remain self-reliant despite their circumstances.
Noel Streatfeild was born in Sussex in 1895 and wrote over thirty books during her career as an author. She wrote Ballet Shoes at the height of her popularity as a children’s writer in 1936. She was known for writing stories that focused on female empowerment and encouraged readers to pursue their own dreams regardless of their circumstances.
Streatfeild’s other works include Tennis Shoes (1937), White Boots (1941) and Theatre Shoes (1948). Her novels have been translated into many languages, including German, French, Spanish, Swedish and Dutch.
Noel Streatfeild wrote the timeless classic Ballet Shoes which has become one of the best-selling children’s books of all time since its release in 1936. The book tells the story of three independent sisters who pursue their individual ambitions while living with their eccentric uncle in London during the 1930s.
It has been adapted into films, television series and stage plays due to its focus on female independence and ambition; qualities that Noel Streatfeild promoted through her other works as well including Tennis Shoes (1937), White Boots (1941) and Theatre Shoes (1948). Conclusion: Noel Streatfeild wrote the beloved book ‘Ballet Shoes’ which encourages readers to pursue their dreams regardless of their circumstances while also championing female independence through its strong female characters. Since its release in 1936 it has become one of the best-selling children’s books ever written due to its timeless themes that still resonate with readers today!