Backlisted Ballet Shoes by Noel Streatfeild - rerun
Dec 9, 2025
This rerun features Una McCormack, a celebrated novelist and science fiction writer, alongside Tanya Kirk, Lead Curator at the British Library. They delve into the enchanting world of 'Ballet Shoes' by Noel Streatfeild, exploring its enduring charm and cultural significance. Topics include the character dynamics of the Fossil sisters, the book's wish-fulfillment themes for children, and its rich history of adaptations. Listeners are treated to archival clips of Streatfeild herself and even a festive quiz for holiday cheer!
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Enduring Classic And A Publishing Phenomenon
- Ballet Shoes became an immediate bestseller and never went out of print, marking it a durable children's classic.
- Its success launched a long series of 'Shoes' titles and many screen/audio adaptations.
Personal Lifelong Attachment
- Nicky Birch calls Ballet Shoes her favourite book ever and replayed a revelation from Una that changed her view.
- She promised listeners they'd get the same jaw-dropping detail in this episode.
The Fossils' Origin Scene
- Nicky Birch reads a scene where Pauline explains the Fossils' origins and their naming choice.
- The extract highlights domestic warmth, boarders' personalities, and the sisters' resolve to make the name 'Fossil' important.