Several of her books were adapted for feature or television films.

She described her early life in three semi-autobiographical novels: A Vicarage Family (1963), Away from the Vicarage (1965) and Beyond the Vicarage (1972). During the 1950s, she also worked in radio. She also wrote fiction and nonfiction for adults, sometimes using the pen name Susan Scarlett, including biographies. She won the third annual Carnegie Medal for Best Children's Book of the Year for The Circus Is Coming (1938) also known as Circus Shoes. Her familiarity with the stage provided authentic background for many of her popular books for children, including the 'Shoes' books, beginning with the 1936 novel Ballet Shoes. She spent 10 years acting with the Charles Doran and Arthur Bourchier companies before becoming a full-time writer.

After World War I, she moved to London to attend the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art. Leonard's College and Laleham School in Eastbourne. She was educated by governesses and attended St. She often rebelled against the strict rules and expectations of her parents.

William Champion Streatfeild, later Bishop of Lewes, and his wife Janet Nancy Venn. She died in 1986.Noel Streatfeild, née Mary Noel, was born in Amberley, Sussex, England, one of six children of Rev. She was one of the first winners of the Carnegie Medal and was awarded an OBE in 1983. When she visited Puffin exhibitions, there were queues right out of the building and all the way down The Mall. She quickly became one of the most popular authors of her day. She began writing children's books in 1931 and Ballet Shoes was published in 1936. 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. Noel Streatfeild was born in Sussex in 1895 and was one of three sisters. But Gus will keep the children only if they make themselves useful - and they have to fight hard to become a genuine part of the circus. It was filmed in Bantry at many of the locations Noel had envisaged when writing the book. Interestingly a six part television series was produced by London Weekend Television in 1969. In CIRCUS SHOES by Noel Streatfeild Gus the clown is Peter and Santa's only living relative and escape to the circus seems a better idea to them than an orphanage. This title is published as The Magic Summer in the U.S.A. Popular Crime & Action Series Expand submenu.

The Magic Summer by Noel Streatfeild