In today’s blog post, I’m taking a look at two of my favorite childhood books that I still return to again and again—and have a hard time putting down. Both are British novels published about half a century ago by one of my favorite authors, Noel Streatfeild. Both books feature unusual family dynamics, large houses, and a bit of ballet. Thematically, the stories vary quite a bit, but their unquenchable heart and verve are identical.

I have read most of Noel Streatfeild’s books for children, and most of them have become treasured favorites. (Check out my post here for a review of her lovely Bell Family series from the 1950s). As a Shakespearean actress, Streatfeild had a deep interest in theater and dancing, both of which play enchanting roles in the majority of her novels. In fact, I can only think of a handful of her books that don’t feature the performing arts—even her idyllic summer adventure novel The Magic Summer is peppered with poetry!

Obviously, I could talk all day long about how much I enjoy her books, and I will definitely have to write more blog posts about these stories in the future. But today I am going to focus two of her novels that were my *very favorites* around the age of 10-11 and which are still wonderful to reread.

The first is Dancing Shoes, which was published in 1957 (originally titled Wintle’s Wonders in Great Britain). The main character, Rachel, is a shy girl who slowly blossoms to confidence through her acting ability during the two years of heartache following her mother’s death. Although Rachel can be ineffectual when it comes to her own dreams, she is strong-willed about the future of her younger sister Hilary. Rachel is certain that Hilary will become a ballerina at the Royal Ballet School—just as their late mother intended—but Rachel’s plans fall apart when the two girls are sent to live with ambitious Aunt Cora, who runs a stage school where her spoiled daughter is the indisputable star. Of course, both Rachel and Hilary upstage Dulcie in the end, which makes a satisfying and humorous (if unrealistic) conclusion. 🙂

The Family at Caldicott Place was first published ten years later in 1967, under the original British title of Caldicott Place. (I also mentioned this book in my Best Books of Winter blog post.) This heartrending yet uplifting story takes place at a neglected old estate in the countryside, where an emotionally-strained family goes to stay after their father’s car accident. Three children from difficult backgrounds also become a part of the family, despite initial tension that stems from inevitable personality clashes. A cast of delightful, multi-dimensional characters and a truly beautiful ending make this novel one of Streatfeild’s very best.

While I have a great fondness for lyrical writing and detailed descriptions, I love Streatfeild’s books for their simplistic brevity, breezy dialogue, and ease of reading. As a child, I was a slow reader, and it typically took me a long time to finish books, but I could whiz through Streatfield’s wonderful novels quickly—and that’s just one of the reasons why they became my favorites. Both Dancing Shoes and Caldicott Place are short—I estimate that they’re around 40,000 words each—but they pack a poignant punch that make them definitely worthwhile.

If you haven’t yet checked out these sweet, timeless stories, I absolutely insist that you give them a try! 🙂

Recently Read: Louisiana’s Way Home by Kate DiCamillo, Beany and the Beckoning Road by Lenora Mattingly Weber, Cherry Ames: Staff Nurse by Helen Wells

Currently Reading: Rilla of Ingleside by L.M. Montgomery, The Lifegiving Home by Sally and Sarah Clarkson

In this third post in my seasonal series, I’m highlighting the middle grade and YA books that are most suited to winter! They are especially perfect for those long afternoons by the glow of the Christmas tree, watching tufts of cotton snow fall outside the window as you indulge in the peacefulness of the season.

Maggie Rose: Her Birthday Christmas by Ruth Sawyer
A forgotten gem from a renowned author of the mid-20th century, this marvelous novel could really be considered a summer story more than winter one, as much of the book takes place in summer. But the final chapters come to a climactic crescendo at Christmastime, when a little girl’s dream of hosting an enormous “birthday Christmas” celebration finally comes to fruition. The elegant prose, captivating descriptions of the coast of Maine, and magnificent ending make this one of my very favorite books. It’s out of print now, but available to read for free on Open Library!

Louisa May Alcott’s Christmas Treasury
This collection of lovely Christmas tales by Louisa May Alcott is an absolute joy. My grandmother gave me this book two Christmases ago, and I read each story with delight, savoring Alcott’s sympathetic characters and happy endings.

Patty Fairfield by Carolyn Wells
Originally published in 1902, the first volume in the Patty Fairfield series follows 14-year-old Patty as she lives with each of her aunts in one unforgettable (and highly amusing!) year of picnics, parties, and adventures.

Friendly Gables by Hilda van Stockum
In this post, I detailed all the reasons why I love Hilda van Stockum’s Mitchell family trilogy, and this final book in the series is definitely the best of the three! Taking place in March and April in post-World War II Montreal, this sweet family story includes brand-new twin babies in the house, a secret meeting place, and an unpleasant housekeeper (who just might have a heart of gold). This novel has the feeling of a Christmas tale to me, but perhaps that’s because I read it for the first time as an 8-year-old right before Christmas! 🙂

The Family at Caldicott Place by Noel Streatfeild
One of my all-time favorite novels, this is a warm, uplifting depiction of a family struggling to cope with enormous loss. When a city family in reduced circumstances unexpectedly inherits a vast estate in the British countryside, their lives—and the lives of three unusual children who become their boarders—are changed forever.

Christmas with Anne and Other Holiday Stories by L.M. Montgomery
Much like Louisa May Alcott’s collection of Christmas tales, this is another unforgettable compilation of stories filled with hope, goodwill, and the importance of family. Chapters of Anne of Green Gables and Anne of Windy Poplars are included in this book, along with many stories about other characters.

Jack and Jill by Louisa May Alcott
I read this book last Christmas, and I fell in love with the large cast of warmhearted characters—most importantly conscientious Jack and impetuous Jill, whose sledding accident at the start of the novel is the catalyst for a series of heartwarming events in their close-knit village.

Betsy in Spite of Herself by Maud Hart Lovelace
The sixth installment in the Betsy-Tacy series, this book follows Betsy Ray through her sophomore year of high school in 1907, as she attempts to transform her typical vivacious self into a “dramatic and mysterious” personality. She also visits her friend Tib in Milwaukee for a splendid Christmas celebration (which is very fun to read)!

From Anna by Jean Little
I cannot recommend this novel enough. In fact, I should really dedicate an entire blog post to this achingly beautiful middle grade by popular Canadian children’s author Jean Little. The moving story of a nine-year-old girl who is uprooted from Germany in the 1930s and forced to come to terms with her limited eyesight, is one of the finest Christmas stories I’ve ever read. The rhythmic writing, realistic characters, and timeless message continue to amaze me every time I pick up this book.