SAPLINGS

By Noel Streatfeild

Synopsis

The Wiltshires are an idyllic middle-class family living in the comforts of Regent's Park in London. But as WWII overtakes the country, the children are separated from their parents, sent off to the country to stay with their grandparents, and the eldest go off to boarding school. Then a tragedy strikes that upsets the whole balance of the family, and things slowly start to unravel.

Sample Player

Narrator	Ann Stutz
Length	10hrs
Catalogue No.	14084
Publisher	Persephone; 2000

Other audiobooks by Noel Streatfeild

THE APPLE BOUGH

The Forums are a musical family, and one child, Sebastian, shines out as a prodigy. He is a brilliant violinist and when his talent is recognised, he is wanted the world over. Myra, Wolfgang (named after Mozart) and Ettie thought it was wonderful at first, but after four years of touring the world with their brilliant brother they've changed their minds. Now, what they long for, is a home of their own, not a hotel in Vienna or Venice or Moscow. But to their mother and father, a life of travel is exciting - all any child could want. How can the children make the grown-ups see sense?

BALLET SHOES

Sisters Pauline, Petrova and Posy Fossil were adopted as babies by Great Uncle Matthew, an eccentric and rich explorer who then disappears leaving them in the care of his niece Sylvia. The girls grow up in comfort but when their money begins to run out they hit on an inspired idea: they will take to the stage. But it's not long before the Fossils learn that being a star isn't as easy as they first thought...

CIRCUS SHOES

Peter and Santa live a rather dull existence with their Aunt Rebecca, but when she dies they face the awful prospect of life in separate orphanages. In desperation they run away to find their only living relative, Uncle Gus, who works in a circus as a clown. Gus will only let them stay if they promise to work hard, and so the children plunge headlong into the circus world where they soon discover skills they never knew they had. But life is so different - will they ever truly belong?

DANCING SHOES

Rachel and Hilary are sent to live with their ambitious aunt who runs a stage school, training a troupe of dancing girls. It's heaven for Hilary who loves to perform, but quite the opposite for quiet Rachel. The last thing Rachel wants is to become one of her aunt's Little Wonders - particularly if it means behaving like their irritating show-off of a cousin . . .A mischievous, fun and moving story about young performers, from the acclaimed author of the classic Ballet Shoes.

NOEL STREATFEILD'S CHRISTMAS STORIES

In this captivating collection of festive stories, there are auditions on stage and antics on ice, trips to the pantomime, holiday adventures, and laughter shared with family and friends. Charming, heartwarming and funny, this exciting collection will bring joy to readers of all ages.

PARTY SHOES

There's great excitement when an unexpected parcel arrives for Selina. A beautiful long evening-dress and shiny satin party shoes - the best present a girl could ever wish for! She can hardly wait for a special occasion to wear them, but there's still a war on and all the grown-ups are far too busy to arrange a party. So Selina and her cousins decide to organize a pageant with acting, singing, dancing and dressing-up. Will Selina find the perfect role in which to put on her amazing new clothes?

TENNIS SHOES

The Heath children have tennis running through their blood - their father and grandfather were top players - and the twins are championship material. However, to everyone's surprise, it is their lazy and rebellious younger sister, Nicky, who has the most natural ability. Nicky begins to practise in secret, but, talented at tennis as she is, she has battles to win with herself - on and off the tennis court.

THEATRE SHOES

Every family has its secrets, but it was a huge surprise to the three young Forbeses, fresh from a country vicarage, to discover that their grandmother was a famous actress. Sent to live with her in bombed-out, wartime London, they soon discovered that they were expected to follow in the family footsteps.

A VICARAGE FAMILY

Based on the story of her own childhood, Noel Streatfield tells us the tale of three little girls: Isobel - pretty, gentle and artistic; Louise - sweet and talented; and then there is Vicky - the awkward and rebellious child who doesn't fit in at school or at home. Growing up in a big family Vicky feels overlooked but gradually begins to realize that she might not be quite as untalented as she feels.