Charming! Orphans, a mean aunt, a snobbish cousin, a kindly uncle–Dancing Shoes has all those good old-fashioned elements that make for timeless children books.  Author Noel Streatfeild does a fabulous job in creating distinct characters–both adult and child.  There is plenty of girl drama in the all-girl dance school in which the novel is set.  There are also some positive themes about sisterly love, loyalty, and making your own choices, but the author is wise enough to keep a light touch in this department.

Dancing Shoes is part of a series written in the late 1950’s.  Each book in the series is independent from the other, but is set in different performing art venues.  The classic feel of the novel stands up well to the test of time and should delight young girls who enjoy dancing and the arts.  A perfect series to discover or re-discover.

Note:  The audio version of this book is quite delightful!

Content Analysis:

Profanity/Language:  None

Violence/Gore:  A child slaps another child; report of deaths by accident and natural causes.

Sex/Nudity:  None

Mature Subject Matter:

Death of a parent

Alcohol / Drug Use:

None