I liked it. It was cute, lighthearted and sweet

A lovely story about 3 interesting kids. Noel Streatfeild's book feature children dealing with difficult life events but they find themselves with understanding people around and they themselves are resourceful and advocate for themselves and their siblings.

Well, actually, it wasn’t awful. You would think a title like that is a little childish but it was actually ok for my age. Now the whole book just revolves around Anna wanting ballet and being a UNGRATEFUL SWINE. The children moves in with their Uncle Cecil due to their parents dying in an earthquake. (The dramatic death in the story.) This was somewhat compelling but I wish that Anna did something for her brothers who are working their butts of to please Anna. Anyway A COMPELLING BOOK!

A very charming children’s book about enterprising and determined young orphans.

This is the first real book I've ever read. I don't really remember much about it, I know it had a girl who loved to dance ballet, but I'm giving it a 5 because I trust my 8-year-old self who thought this was an amazing book (and because nostalgia washes over me every time I see it on the shelf)!

Heartwarming story. Easy to read. Gentle characters.

A favourite childhood book but I did not enjoy reading it as much recently. Perhaps as a child studying ballet I could relate well to Anna's obsession and struggles. It had a certain amount of charm but the ending I found far too abrupt.

A perfect holiday read. Can Anna and her brothers adapt to a new life in England where they are served boiled cabbage for dinner ? Will Anna be able to get dance lessons ? And finally we have the saga of Gussie and the garden gnomes. Classic children’s fiction at its best.

I'm giving marks for the start in which the children, three siblings, live in Turkey with their Bohemian-style parents. An earthquake kills their English artist father and Polish mother, so they are rescued by a kindly British diplomatic traveller and brought to England.

After this the tale becomes rather like an Enid Blyton with the difference of poor spoken English standards which the kids need to address. Anna has a talent for ballet and early training from her grandfather, so she is determined to keep going with lessons. But these will cost money and the kids don't have any, besides which their stingy, formal uncle doesn't approve of dancing. We're not told why he disapproves, because classical ballet would, like choir, be seen as an asset in his middle-class community. The plump, quiet aunt supports the children but is not used to standing up to her husband.

The children, while distinct personalities, are each quite one-sided. Anna is particularly annoying as she just demands money for lessons and gives no thought to the welfare of her brothers or to earning her fees. I could not make myself like her although I like her determination and wish to train rather than to show off her skills. The older brother takes his position seriously and becomes quite domineering while the younger gets up to escapades and is easily led when he thinks there is money in it for him.

I fond a lot of repetition particularly as the earthquake tragedy is retold, and in my copy there are several typos, as though it had been scanned. Overall it's an interesting story for under tens, with some lessons to be learned.

I absolutely adored this book as a child. Different perspective as an adult.

Wasn't the best book, but had a good time reading it.

Never give up on your dreams/passion