Apple Bough

by Noel Streatfeild

Published 26 April 1973
Myra is used to traipsing round the world after her brother, but it doesn't stop her being fed up! So your brother's a world-famous violinist?That's great! Or is it? Myra, Wolfgang (named after Mozart!) and Ettie thought it was at first, but after four years' touring with their brilliant brother Sebastian, they've changed their minds. What they long for now is a home of their own, not a hotel in Vienna, or Venice or Moscow. But how can they convince their parents of that when their parents believe that "becoming world citizens" is all any child could ever want?

Tennis Shoes

by Noel Streatfeild

Published December 1937

Tennis Shoes is one of the wonderful 'Shoes' collection of adventures for children by Noel Streatfeild.
There is no doubt about it - the Heath children have tennis in their blood. Their grandfather and father before them had been top players, and the twins are champion material. Then Nicky - cheeky, rebellious Nicky - starts to practise in secret, but talented at tennis as she is, the ambitious Nicky first has battles to win with herself - on and off the tennis court.

Reissued in 'A Puffin Book' series of Puffin modern classics, this is a sharp and funny story that follows in the footsteps of Ballet Shoes, Theatre Shoes and Circus Shoes by the popular children's author Noel Streatfeild.


Caldicott Place

by Noel Streatfeild

Published October 1967

When their father is injured in an accident, life changes for the Johnstone family. Unable to afford their home, they have to move to a small London flat. Carol can no longer go to ballet school and Tim is heartbroken as he must leave his beloved dog, Jelly, behind.

Then, it seems, their wishes are granted: in an extraordinary twist of fate, Tim inherits a dilapidated country house, Caldicott Place, where the family - including Jelly - can live together. But the house is badly in need of repair and they have no money, so a solution is found - the family start to look after wealthy children in the school holidays. Although they dread the prospect of sharing their newly found home with rich spoiled children, perhaps friendships can be found in the unlikeliest places.


If you love Noel Streatfeild's Ballet Shoes,you'll adore The Bell Family.

'Well, little people, what's the news?'

Meet the big, happy Bell family who live in the vicarage at St Marks. Father is a reverend, Mother is as kind as kind can be. Then there's all the children - practical Paul, dancing Jane, mischievous Ginnie, and finally the baby of the family, Angus, whose ambition is to own a private zoo (he has already begun with his six boxes of caterpillars). And not forgetting Esau, a surefire competitor for the most beautiful dog in Britain.

Follow their eventful lives from tense auditions to birthday treats; from troubled times to hilarious escapades.

Includes exclusive material: In the Backstory you can find out which one of the Bell children you most resemble!

Vintage Children's Classics is a twenty-first century classics list aimed at 8-12 year olds and the adults in their lives. Discover timeless favourites from Peter Pan and Alice's Adventures in Wonderland to modern classics such as The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas and The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time.