Her first children's book was Ballet Shoes, published by J. 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. 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. Noel was considered the 'plain' sister in her family, but she shone in performances with her sisters for charity. Her elder sister Ruth Gervis illustrated Ballet Shoes. Her life is described in three semi-autobiographical novels: A Vicarage Family, Away from the Vicarage and Beyond the Vicarage. Noel Streatfeild was born in Sussex, the second of five surviving children of William Champion Streatfeild, later the Bishop of Lewes, and Janet Venn. Several of her novels have been adapted for film or television.

She was a member of the historic Streatfeild family. She won the third annual Carnegie Medal for Circus Shoes.

publisher of the 1936 novel Ballet Shoes (1936), published some of Streatfeild's subsequent children's books using the word 'Shoes' in their titles, to capitalize on the popularity of Ballet Shoes thus Circus Shoes (originally called The Circus Is Coming), Party Shoes (originally called Party Frock), Skating Shoes (originally called White Boots) and many more. Posy loves it too she is born to be a dancer and the school is the perfect place for her.Mary Noel Streatfeild OBE / ˈ n oʊ ə l ˈ s t r ɛ t f iː l d/ (24 December 1895 –11 September 1986) was an English author, best known for children's books including the 'Shoes' books, which were not a series (though some books made references to others). Petrova hates it, all she wants to do is learn about cars and planes and engines. Pauline adores the school, as she dreams of becoming an actress. This way they will be able to earn some money before they grow up.

First she is forced to take in some boarders an engaging and eclectic mix of characters but then she decides that the girls should go to acting school. But when Gum fails to return after five years, Sylvia’s money begins to run out. At first they lead privileged and sheltered lives. When the three little girls are old enough, they choose the surname Fossil for themselves and vow to make the name famous. Then off he goes to continue his exploring, saying that he’ll be back in five years’ time. He adopts them, takes them to his London home and leaves them in the care of his niece Sylvia and the family Nurse. Pauline, Petrova and Posy are found as orphaned babies in different parts of the world by eccentric fossil collector and explorer Gum.

Ballet shoes by noel streatfeild