Pamela Brown (1) (1924–1989)

I'm not entirely sure how to review this book -- I found it delightful, but I have no idea if most modern kid audiences will. I love that it was written by a teenager in 1941. It basically reads as theatrical fantasy, by which I mean that it's a theater kid's fantasy of becoming successful in the theater as a young person. I was this kind of young person, and I really enjoy gentle British stories, so I found it deeply satisfying, if a little slow moving. I think it will appeal to fans of Noel Streatfeild's Ballet Shoes (and series), possibly the Penderwicks, maybe Anne of Green Gables or Swallows and Amazons.

All about kids with agency creating the thing that they love over the mild objections of their parents. I particularly enjoyed how the 7 different kids gradually figure out what their professional ideal might be, and grow into their ambitions. I'm quite delighted to discover this author as an adult, I'm just not entirely sure what audience to suggest it to.

advanced reader's copy provided by edelweiss.… (meer)

At the moment I needed something totally different: something charming, cuddly and heartwarming. With relief, I turned to the second book in Pamela Brown’s Blue Door series (the first was The Swish of the Curtain, which I reviewed some time ago), telling the story of a band of ambitious children who set up a theatre company in their small town of Fenchester. In this sequel, the older children have achieved their dreams and are now studying at stage school in London, but poor Maddy, the youngest, is only twelve years old and has been told she needs to stick with ordinary school for the time being. Pushed to her limits by the thought of all the fun the others are having, Maddy begins acting up; but soon she discovers a marvellous opportunity right on her doorstep, which will change her life once and for all...

For the full review, please see my blog:
https://theidlewoman.net/2019/08/09/maddy-alone-pamela-brown/… (meer)