What do you think?
Rate this book
The Scarlet Stockings
As an infant, Daphne was abandoned on the doorstep of an all-girls school. Now, at thirteen, she longs to discover the truth about her past and to fulfill her lifelong dream of becoming a prima ballerina. When a book containing a tantalizing riddle and a magical pair of stockings arrive, her dreams of glory and fame are suddenly within her grasp. Daphne is poised to win an audition for the Ballet Splendide in Paris. But will the magic be enough to help her overcome her childhood demons of loneliness and insecurity? This irresistible story is brought to life with black-and-white interior illustrations and a beautiful jacket enhanced with foil.
367 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2007
2 people are currently reading
101 people want to read
About the author
Charlotte Kandel
3 books5 followersCharlotte Kandel is the author of the acclaimed magical realism trilogy, THE SCARLET STOCKINGS. Book One, The Enchanted Riddle, was published by Dutton Children's Books (a division of Penguin).
She is also the author of THE SUMMER GIRL: A MOVIE STAR LOVE STORY, a novel for young adults about an 18-year-old girl from the University of Minnesota summer-interning at a celebrity PR agency in Beverly Hills. It's a juicy mystery and a love story with a twist.
Before she left to write, for 15 years Charlotte was Warner Bros.’ top publicist. As Executive V.P. of Worldwide Publicity, she was responsible for the campaigns of blockbuster movies such as the BATMAN, LETHAL WEAPON and MATRIX series, and for guiding a number of movies to Oscar wins. She dealt on a daily basis with superstar acting and directing talent, such as Brad Pitt, Julia Roberts, George Clooney, Tom Hanks, Denzel Washington, Oliver Stone and Martin Scorsese.
Charlotte was born in England and grew up in London and Paris, before moving with her family to New York. There she worked as a publicity assistant for two top Broadway producers, before relocating to Minneapolis to take up a position as Publicity Director of the famed Guthrie Theater.
Moving to Los Angeles, she joined the publicity team at Warner Bros., working on all of Clint Eastwood’s movies, as well as on the groundbreaking SUPERMAN. Next, a personal relationship took her to Sydney, where, for six years she worked as Marketing Director for Australia’s biggest entertainment conglomerate, Village Roadshow.
On her return to the U.S., she rejoined Warner Bros., where she moved up quickly to the top job, a position especially created for her, supervising a large team of national and international publicists, and frequently traveling to the Cannes, Deauville and Venice film festivals.
Charlotte is a member of the Motion Picture Academy of Arts and Sciences. She lives with her husband in Los Angeles.
She is also the author of THE SUMMER GIRL: A MOVIE STAR LOVE STORY, a novel for young adults about an 18-year-old girl from the University of Minnesota summer-interning at a celebrity PR agency in Beverly Hills. It's a juicy mystery and a love story with a twist.
Before she left to write, for 15 years Charlotte was Warner Bros.’ top publicist. As Executive V.P. of Worldwide Publicity, she was responsible for the campaigns of blockbuster movies such as the BATMAN, LETHAL WEAPON and MATRIX series, and for guiding a number of movies to Oscar wins. She dealt on a daily basis with superstar acting and directing talent, such as Brad Pitt, Julia Roberts, George Clooney, Tom Hanks, Denzel Washington, Oliver Stone and Martin Scorsese.
Charlotte was born in England and grew up in London and Paris, before moving with her family to New York. There she worked as a publicity assistant for two top Broadway producers, before relocating to Minneapolis to take up a position as Publicity Director of the famed Guthrie Theater.
Moving to Los Angeles, she joined the publicity team at Warner Bros., working on all of Clint Eastwood’s movies, as well as on the groundbreaking SUPERMAN. Next, a personal relationship took her to Sydney, where, for six years she worked as Marketing Director for Australia’s biggest entertainment conglomerate, Village Roadshow.
On her return to the U.S., she rejoined Warner Bros., where she moved up quickly to the top job, a position especially created for her, supervising a large team of national and international publicists, and frequently traveling to the Cannes, Deauville and Venice film festivals.
Charlotte is a member of the Motion Picture Academy of Arts and Sciences. She lives with her husband in Los Angeles.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
October 4, 2008
This is not a princess/pretty ballerina book. This is one of the best books in the world. I actually cried when I read it!
April 24, 2015
The pages in this book were turning as fast as Daphne, the professional 14-year-old ballerina. Daphne is only mediocre, though without the help of the scarlet stockings. Although the help she receives might make it easy for her, she practices and works all day as she jetés away from here life a St. Jude's. I loved the mix of happy parts where there was nothing going wrong with parts where my own stomach flipped with suspense. That suspense was so hard to resist that I found myself finishing in one day, even though this book is not necessarily an easy read (384 pages). I promise that you'll love it if you liked Ballet Shoes, or even a book like Nancy Drew!
June 8, 2015
The story was clear, and well paced, but I found that the main character - Daphne - seemed to be out of sync with the rest of the cast sometimes. I liked the plot, but couldn't really get into Daphne's world, she didn't seem to be as real as other characters in the book where. My favourite character was Magda Magellan. Out of all the characters, she seemed to be the most believable, as well as entertaining.
July 24, 2012
So much potential, not quite met. This book needed a more brutal editor - so many plot points that could have been better developed, or should have been dropped. That said: ballet fiction is always my friend!
September 14, 2014
the plot is basically finds magic stockings! becomes the star of the show! tragic background! everything you can possibly predict happens
June 30, 2020
It was a bit tedious to get through the story of Daphne at the orphanage, using magical stockings to become a ballerina, becoming arrogant and getting injured, then finally learning about her birth mom and coming to accept her adoptive family and friends.
January 22, 2025
This book is so good and cozy! I love all of the detail, and I can never seem to put it down.
August 1, 2009
Daphne has been at St. Jude’s for thirteen long years. The only snippet of her story that she knows is that she was laid on the doorstep with a note attached with three simple words on it, “my name’s Daphne”. Daphne’s dream is to become a ballerina. Her dream seems farfetched until a package arrives in the mail with a book entitled “How to Teach Yourself Ballet” and a pair of scarlet stockings. On the inside cover of the book is a mysterious riddle that perplexes Daphne. She loves her gift and soon realizes that the stockings hold magical powers. She only wishes now that she had more time to dance.
Daphne doesn’t think her life could get much better, and then she finds out that she is to be adopted by the local vegetable stand owners. The Greens are just the nicest people around and are gracious to have Daphne in their home. As a surprise the Green’s take Daphne to see a production of Swan Lake with the amazing Ova Andova dancing the leading role. Daphne is star-struck and realizes that she has to be a ballerina. Another surprise awaits her as the Green’s inform her that she will soon be taking ballet lessons. Daphne is overjoyed, until the day she goes to lessons. Her teacher acts like a witch and deflates all of Daphne’s dreams of becoming a ballerina. She knows that she can’t be that bad and soon sets off to make her dream come true.
One day while scanning the newspaper she finds an ad that shocks her. The famous Magda Magellan is looking for a personal assistant. Daphne knows this is her ticket into fame and secretly goes to London to apply for the position. She is delighted when she lands the job, but doesn’t know how to break it to her new parents. When they agree to let her take the position she knows that she will soon become a great dancer. With the help of the scarlet stockings and a few of Magda’s contacts, Daphne hopes she will succeed. Will she become a famous ballerina?
Even though this book is geared for younger readers (9-12 year olds) I thoroughly enjoyed it. Charlotte Kandel did a great job creating her characters, especially Daphne. I felt like I wanted Daphne as my best friend. I loved how Mrs. Kandel made each character come to life. It felt like I was actually watching the book come to life. Each character’ accented voice could be heard through their conversations, making you feel like you were standing right there beside them. I found this very refreshing. The message in the book was great too. Encouraging people not to give up on their dreams is huge, because without dreams you wouldn’t be reading this review on a computer. There was also an essence of mystery, which I absolutely adore. All in all this was a great first novel and I am anxious to learn what becomes of Daphne next.
October 15, 2008
Abandoned at birth, Daphne was raised in the dreary Orphanage of St. Jude in Hoxton, England. This shy girl has only two aspirations: to find the truth about the family that didn’t want her and to become a prima ballerina. Then one day, as if by magic, Daphne receives a mysterious package containing a book on ballet, a pair of scarlet stockings, and a strange riddle. As if suddenly spurred by this present, Daphne’s life becomes a whirlwind of good fortune, from a kind and caring adoptive family all the way to dancing ballet on the French stage. But Daphne has to be careful, because although her new world is filled with unbelievable excitement and beauty, it also contains loneliness and dangerous rivalry. Daphne will have to find magic, both from the stockings and within herself, to overcome the challenges of the competitive ballet world and finally realize where she belongs.
The Enchanted Riddle is a sweet and heartwarming debut novel. Daphne is such an interesting main character, which made it so easy to get attached to her story. The “unloved orphan with big dreams” scenario is thankfully not overdone and really helps set the scene for many of Daphne’s later exploits. Daphne’s earnestness makes her so lovable as well as sympathy for many of her plights. Kandel did a great job of portraying the competitive entertainment industry of that day, ballet; it wasn’t too romanticized and felt very realistic. I truly loved reading Daphne’s story partly because of how well-sculpted her character was, but mostly because it was just so cute. Daphne’s story is kind of an “old-fashioned” version of those stories of people trying to make it big in the entertainment world in modern day, only with more morality and innocence. The ending felt a little rushed for my taste, but it wrapped up neatly.
The Enchanted Riddle is the perfect antidote for a dreary day. I think this novel was intended for the younger audience but readers older than the middle grade group will also enjoy this sweet story.
reposted from http://thebookmuncher.blogspot.com
The Enchanted Riddle is a sweet and heartwarming debut novel. Daphne is such an interesting main character, which made it so easy to get attached to her story. The “unloved orphan with big dreams” scenario is thankfully not overdone and really helps set the scene for many of Daphne’s later exploits. Daphne’s earnestness makes her so lovable as well as sympathy for many of her plights. Kandel did a great job of portraying the competitive entertainment industry of that day, ballet; it wasn’t too romanticized and felt very realistic. I truly loved reading Daphne’s story partly because of how well-sculpted her character was, but mostly because it was just so cute. Daphne’s story is kind of an “old-fashioned” version of those stories of people trying to make it big in the entertainment world in modern day, only with more morality and innocence. The ending felt a little rushed for my taste, but it wrapped up neatly.
The Enchanted Riddle is the perfect antidote for a dreary day. I think this novel was intended for the younger audience but readers older than the middle grade group will also enjoy this sweet story.
reposted from http://thebookmuncher.blogspot.com
December 13, 2009
As an infant, Daphne was abandoned on the doorstep of an all-girls school. Now, at thirteen, she longs to discover the truth about her past and to fulfill her lifelong dream of becoming a prima ballerina. When a book containing a tantalizing riddle and a magical pair of stockings arrive, her dreams of glory and fame are suddenly within her grasp. Daphne is poised to win an audition for the Ballet Splendide in Paris. But will the magic be enough to help her overcome her childhood demons of loneliness and insecurity?
This was another kids read, that caught my eye because of the ballet. Reading books from the 9-12 section is very hit-and-miss. On one end of the spectrum, you have books like Philip Pullman's His Dark Materials trilogy, with some very advanced themes, that could easily belong in the teen section, or almost even regular adult fiction. On the other end, you have books that are more simplistic in nature, with little or no emotional complexities to wade through, and that you might be more inclined to read with an 8-year-old. Unfortunately, this one was of the latter group.
I thought that the story concept was pretty good (thus why I picked it up at all), but I think the execution of it wasn't as good as it could have been, and I think part of the problem was too much lead up, and then when she gets to the ballet in Paris, her transformation into a cold, catty, self-centred bitch, is too fast. Maybe that's part of writing for kids, but I feel like a slightly slower, more subtle transition would have been more effective.
In any case, I'd probably still recommend it to younger kids, especially ones into dance, because it is something different. I probably won't bother with the second two books in the alleged trilogy whenever they get around to coming out, either, but it's good to know they'll be there.
This was another kids read, that caught my eye because of the ballet. Reading books from the 9-12 section is very hit-and-miss. On one end of the spectrum, you have books like Philip Pullman's His Dark Materials trilogy, with some very advanced themes, that could easily belong in the teen section, or almost even regular adult fiction. On the other end, you have books that are more simplistic in nature, with little or no emotional complexities to wade through, and that you might be more inclined to read with an 8-year-old. Unfortunately, this one was of the latter group.
I thought that the story concept was pretty good (thus why I picked it up at all), but I think the execution of it wasn't as good as it could have been, and I think part of the problem was too much lead up, and then when she gets to the ballet in Paris, her transformation into a cold, catty, self-centred bitch, is too fast. Maybe that's part of writing for kids, but I feel like a slightly slower, more subtle transition would have been more effective.
In any case, I'd probably still recommend it to younger kids, especially ones into dance, because it is something different. I probably won't bother with the second two books in the alleged trilogy whenever they get around to coming out, either, but it's good to know they'll be there.
August 11, 2008
13-year-old Daphne has always dreamed of becoming a ballerina, but in the Orphanage of St Jude where she was lived her whole life, such dreams are not realistic. Daphne certainly has some natural talent, but has never had a lesson in her life and all she knows of ballet comes from books. Then one day she receives a mysterious package with no return address in the mail, containing a pair of scarlet stockings, a book called Teach Yourself Ballet, and a riddle. When Daphne puts them on, her natural talent is exaggerated. The stockings must be magic, because soon she has been adopted by a loving family and then she lands a job as the personal assisgtant to England’s most famous movie star. It is here that her talent is discovered and before long Daphne has become the rising star of Paris’ Ballet Splendide. She is living her dream, but there are many conflicts in her new life, most of all the jealousy of the aging prima ballerina who sees Daphne as a threat. Will the magic of the stockings be enough to protect Daphne and also ensure her career success?
Filled with lots of dance action and adventure, plus a mystery, a terrible accident, and plenty of family angst, this first novel will be a hit with those readers who enjoy a good old fashioned story along the lines of Noel Streatfield or Frances Hodgson Burnett.
Filled with lots of dance action and adventure, plus a mystery, a terrible accident, and plenty of family angst, this first novel will be a hit with those readers who enjoy a good old fashioned story along the lines of Noel Streatfield or Frances Hodgson Burnett.
November 13, 2012
Reviewed by The Compulsive Reader for TeensReadToo.com
Daphne was left in the care of an orphanage when she was just a baby, and has lived there for thirteen years. She dreams of becoming a prima ballerina, but without lessons or money, her dreams are far off.
But then one day she receives a book containing a mysterious riddle and all the information she'd ever want to know about ballet. As she hones her skills and enters the seemingly magical world of dance, she'll find that she's up against more than she bargained for -- bitter competition and hatred from the other dancers.
Daphne's insecurities begin to overwhelm her, but she has something that no one else has: the magic of her book and stockings.
This book is a delightful read that anyone of any age can enjoy. Combining the best of historical fiction and magic, Kandel has created an engaging and suspenseful read. Though Daphne can sometimes act surprisingly mean, she is a lovable character and her story is one that will mesmerize. There's never a dull moment in this first installment, and it will certainly leave you wanting more.
Overall, the author has crafted a good, wholesome read.
Daphne was left in the care of an orphanage when she was just a baby, and has lived there for thirteen years. She dreams of becoming a prima ballerina, but without lessons or money, her dreams are far off.
But then one day she receives a book containing a mysterious riddle and all the information she'd ever want to know about ballet. As she hones her skills and enters the seemingly magical world of dance, she'll find that she's up against more than she bargained for -- bitter competition and hatred from the other dancers.
Daphne's insecurities begin to overwhelm her, but she has something that no one else has: the magic of her book and stockings.
This book is a delightful read that anyone of any age can enjoy. Combining the best of historical fiction and magic, Kandel has created an engaging and suspenseful read. Though Daphne can sometimes act surprisingly mean, she is a lovable character and her story is one that will mesmerize. There's never a dull moment in this first installment, and it will certainly leave you wanting more.
Overall, the author has crafted a good, wholesome read.
August 7, 2008
The plot has promise. Daphne, an orphan girl loves to dance, though she's not that good. While at the orphanage, a mysterious package is sent to her, with a pair of scarlet stockings and a riddle in it. Whenever she puts the stockings on, she becomes more confident and an amazing dancer. She is adopted by a family, and has the opportunity to audition for a place in a dance academy. With her stockings on, she wows the teachers and moves to Paris to study full time. But the stockings start to have a different effect on her. She becomes snotty and full of herself. Daphne's life is just like the riddle that came with the stockings and self-destruction is on the way. It's only when a near-fatal accident occurs, that Daphne remembers who she truly is. Poorly written, but fun for girls who love to dance.
February 17, 2012
Pg.39- "Among the applause and the laughter there came a berserk screeching noise like a warthog having a nervous breakdown. Sister Pauline Emmanual charged up the steps. "YOU WICKED, WICKED GIRl!" she screamed." Wow...this lady must have some serious issues. Come on lady, give the girl a break.
Pg. 150- I can't believe Madame Magda agreed to let Daphne work for her!!! I wonder whats going to happen next...
Pg. 241- "Miss Tripp was having a very busy day..." Haha! Isn't it funny her name is Miss Tripp! :)
This book is one of my favorite books ever!!! It's a really good and I would recomend it to anyone who loves a good book
Pg. 150- I can't believe Madame Magda agreed to let Daphne work for her!!! I wonder whats going to happen next...
Pg. 241- "Miss Tripp was having a very busy day..." Haha! Isn't it funny her name is Miss Tripp! :)
This book is one of my favorite books ever!!! It's a really good and I would recomend it to anyone who loves a good book
September 7, 2008
Young dance fans will enjoy this magical realism novel about an enchanted pair of silk stockings, the thirteen year old girl who wants more than anything to be a professional ballerina, and the honest, loving family of greengrocers who adopt her. Set in and around Paris and England in the 1920s, The Scarlet Stockings brings the world of early dance to life, though dialogue, plot and character are forced and predictable at times.
February 27, 2013
Set in 1920s London, follows 13 year old Daphne who desperately wants to be a ballerina. One day, she recieves a mysterious package containing a ballet book and scarlet stockings. The stockings turn out to be magical and the book includes a riddle that will help Daphne learn about her past.
This story reminded me a little bit of 'Little Princess' except that Daphne could be cold and stuck up at times.
Recommended for readers interested in ballet
This story reminded me a little bit of 'Little Princess' except that Daphne could be cold and stuck up at times.
Recommended for readers interested in ballet
March 25, 2015
Set in 1920s London, follows 13 year old Daphne an orphan who desperately wants to be a ballerina. One day, she receives a mysterious package containing a ballet book and scarlet stockings. The stockings turn out to be magical and the book includes a riddle that will help Daphne learn about her past.
This story reminded me a little bit of 'Little Princess' except that Daphne could be cold and stuck up at times.
Recommended for readers interested in ballet
This story reminded me a little bit of 'Little Princess' except that Daphne could be cold and stuck up at times.
Recommended for readers interested in ballet
October 12, 2015
I know u are probably like it took 3 years to finish this book! But I technically didn't finish it! I read the last page and that's it! I HATED this book with all my heart it was awful and the story was boring and I have never hated a book so much in my life!! I got it as a gift so I decided to read it! But that I regret! I'll admit in the beginning it was pretty good, but it got more boring and boring and things that weren't necessary to happen, HAPPENED!!!! I hate this book and I always will!
May 8, 2013
except for a few curse words near the end of the book , I highly reccomend this book for any dancer or ballet enthusiasts. this is not you happily ever after ballet story , but something much deeper . This book will take you back stage from the " pretty ballet world " you see and give you a glimpe into the life of a professional dance .This books is A most excellent read .
November 1, 2015
Just finished reading this book for the second time and I still love it! This is the first book I threw across the room in a rage and first book I cried over. (the only book if you don't count tearing up over a book) I recommend this to anyone. You feel the pain with the character and you fall in love with her. I could barely put it down!
August 1, 2008
This book was fabulous. Even though it was over 360 pages, it was worth the time. I would reccomend this book to anyone interested in dance, specifically ballet, since that is the main characer, Daphne, big dream. I loved trying to solve the riddle. It was a great book.
December 29, 2008
Kind of silly. Might appeal to girls who dream of becoming a famous ballerina (or ice skater or whatever else) without the years of work.
And besides, who lets a 14-year-old move to Paris and rent her own apartment so she can be in the ballet? Come on! :P
And besides, who lets a 14-year-old move to Paris and rent her own apartment so she can be in the ballet? Come on! :P
December 26, 2008
This story had an interesting premise and I loved the setting - 1920s England and Paris! However, some of the characters and situations seemed to be a bit too predictable and contrived. Overall, I still enjoyed the book.
January 18, 2009
Recommended by a student -- this is an unusual story of Daphne an orphan who receives a package containing a pair of magical scarlet stockings which give her the ability to become a famous ballet dancer.
April 28, 2009
Wow! I am not a fan of ballet, but this book was amazing!It gets a bit boring in the middle, but if you keep going, it pays off in the end. You get so caught up in the story that it is hard to do anyhting but read this book. You must read it for true happiness.
Read
July 29, 2011The children's book had 5 parts to it, each part part of riddle. The first 2 parts had a lot of depth to them and the rest were OK. A young orphan receives a book and a pair of magical stockings, and begins to live her dream of having a family and of dancing in the ballet.
September 7, 2007
Lovely cover, but poor writing and trite story.
May 5, 2008
I don't think that this book should even have one star!!
May 30, 2008
This book started off very promising but the writing became more lackluster as the book went on. It was okay but could have been a lot better.
September 4, 2008
This is a very interesting story. The author has a way of writing so that you feel like you are in the story. A good read!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews