A Vicarage Family (A Puffin Book) - Softcover

Streatfeild, Noel

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0141368667 ISBN 13: 9780141368665

Publisher: Puffin, 2016

Synopsis

A Vicarage Family is the first part in a fictionalized autobiography in which Noel Streatfeild tells the story of her own childhood, painting a poignant and vivid picture of daily life in an impoverished, genteel family in the years leading up to the First World War.

In the story there are three little girls - Isobel, the eldest, is pretty, gentle and artistic; Louise the youngest, is sweet and talented - and then there is Vicky, 'the plain one', the awkward and rebellious child who doesn't fit in at school or at home. Growing up in a big family Vicky feels overlooked but gradually begins to realize that she might not be quite as untalented as she feels.
The Vicky of this story is, of course, the much-loved Noel Streatfeild who went on to write so many wonderful family stories, the most famous being Ballet Shoes.

About this title

Review:

“Noel Streatfeild’s position in the children’s book world is unique. She is endlessly inventive, full of verve and real understanding of the surfaces of childhood. Her stories are rich in documentary interest and entertainment, escapism of a most satisfying sort.”
TLS

“Noel Streatfeild is an author who is a true master of her craft.”
Illustrated London News

“Noel Streatfeild has that happy, skilful knack of turning her characters into real people – something which only really good novelists can do.”
BBC Children’s Hour

About the Author:

Noel Streatfeild (Author)
Noel Streatfeild was born in Sussex in 1895 and was one of three sisters. Although she was considered the plain one she ended up leading the most glamorous and exciting life! After working in munitions factories and canteens for the armed forces when WWI broke out, Noel followed her dream of being on stage and went to RADA where she became a professional actress.

She began writing children's books in 1931 and Ballet Shoes was published in 1936. She quickly became one of the most popular authors of her day. When she visited Puffin exhibitions, there were queues right out of the building and all the way down The Mall. She was one of the first winners of the Carnegie Medal and was awarded an OBE in 1983. Noel Streatfeild lived in London. She died in 1986.

About this edition

• Publisher: Puffin
• Publication date: 2016
• ISBN 10: 0141368667
• ISBN 13: 9780141368665
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 416
• Illustrator: N/a