Dancing Shoes

Kliatt, July, 2005 by Mary Purucker

DANCING SHOES. Noel Streatfield. 1957/2004. Read by Elizabeth Sastre. 4 tapes. 5.5 hrs. Listening Library. 1-4000-9885-8. $35.00. Vinyl; plot, author, reader notes. J*

Sastre is always worth listening to no matter what she reads and this is a delightful narration of a classic Shoes book. Rachel and Hillary (her adopted sister) have been orphaned and sent to live with Aunt Cora and Uncle Tom. Aunt Cora is the proprietor of Mrs. Wintle's Little Wonders, where girls are taught dancing and acrobatics so they can perform professionally. The star pupil is the talented but obnoxious Dulcie Wintle. Rachel's mother made her promise that she would see to it that Hillary would study with the Royal Ballet. But Aunt Cora sees too much potential in the flamboyant Hillary to let her get away. All the ups and downs of life with the Little Wonders resolve themselves neatly. Though the girls are 10 when the story starts they are 12 before it ends. Sastre's lively timing, inflection, accents and her cheerful tone are a distinct pleasure that anyone would enjoy, but especially all those who loved Ballet Shoes, Theater Shoes, Circus Shoes, and all the rest. Mary Purucker, Beverly Hills PL, Beverly Hills, CA

J--Recommended for junior high school students. The contents are of particular interest to young adolescents and their teachers.

*--The asterisk highlights exceptional books.