Thursday's Children

Doone Penny is a child with passion, and a gift - he is a born dancer, a ballet genius in the making. But though others may recognise the flame that burns in Doone, there is little encouragement from his family. His mother agonises over his pretty sister Crystal, also a dancer and full of self-regard. His father can't countenance his son dancing for a living, and his brothers dismiss him as a cissy. But Doone has ambition, tenacity and endurance beyond his years, and there is a fairytale ending in store - earned the hard way. Rumer Godden's classic for younger readers is a thrilling insight into the harsh, often brutal but ultimately joyful world of the ballet.

Rumer Godden (1907-98) was the acclaimed author of over sixty works of fiction and non-fiction for adults and children. Born in England, she and her siblings grew up in Narayanganj, India, and she later spent many years living in Calcutta and Kashmir. Several of her novels were made into films, including BLACK NARCISSUS, The Greengage Summer and The River, which was filmed by Jean Renoir. She was appointed OBE in 1993.

Doone Penny is a child with a gift - he was born to dance. But though others recognise his talent, there is little encouragement from his family. His mother preens over his pretty sister, Crystal, also a dancer, but fiercely competitive and vain. Doone's father would never allow a son of his to have ballet lessons, and his brothers think he's a sissy. But Doone has passion and ambition beyond his years, and knows he can succeed, if only he is given the chance. If he can make it into Queen's Chase, Her Majesty's Junior Ballet School, he'll show them all . . .

Doone Penny is a child with passion, and a gift - he is a born dancer, a ballet genius in the making. But though others may recognise the flame that burns in Doone, there is little encouragement from his family. His mother agonises over his pretty sister Crystal, also a dancer and full of self-regard. His father can't countenance his son dancing for a living, and his brothers dismiss him as a cissy. But Doone has ambition, tenacity and endurance beyond his years, and there is a fairytale ending in store - earned the hard way. Rumer Godden's classic for younger readers is a thrilling insight into the harsh, often brutal but ultimately joyful world of the ballet.

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