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Into the Spotlight
Inspired by the much-loved classic Ballet Shoes by Noel Streatfeild, Into the Spotlight is a magical new story from bestselling author and acclaimed performer Carrie Hope Fletcher. Brilliant Aunt Maude visits seasides the world over and has become quite the pebble collector. Pebbles of all shapes, sizes and colours and even one that looked a bit like Elvis Presley if you squinted a bit. Her favourite pebbles, however, are Marigold, Mabel and Morris. One by one, and by strange and unusual ways, each child arrives at the stage door of Brilliant Aunt Maude's theatre in the heart of London, home to an extraordinary cast of performers. There's Dante the miraculous magician, Petunia the storyteller and seventy-year-old contortionists - the Fortune Sisters! But ticket sales are dwindling and the curtains might have to close - for the final time. Until one day, as the Pebbles are exploring the many nooks and crannies of the theatre, they stumble upon something they were never meant to find . . . something that just might save the theatre after all . . .
256 pages, Paperback
First published September 17, 2020
25 people are currently reading
780 people want to read
About the author
Carrie Hope Fletcher
19 books5,709 followersCarrie Hope Fletcher is an English actress, author and singer-songwriter.
She played Eponine in the West End production of Les Miserables at the Queen's Theatre until February 13th 2016. She is the first actress to have played both young Eponine and older Eponine. In 2019, she returned to Les Miserables as Fantine.
Fletcher played Truly Scrumptious in the UK touring production of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, and Wednesday Addams in the UK touring production of The Addams Family. She then starred as Veronica Sawyer in the UK production of Heathers: The Musical.
Her debut book, All I Know Now: Wonderings and Reflections on Growing Up Gracefully was published in May 2015. Her first fiction novel, On the Other Side was published in July 2016.
Fletcher is well known for her YouTube channel where she shares videos about her life and her work as an actress and author.
She played Eponine in the West End production of Les Miserables at the Queen's Theatre until February 13th 2016. She is the first actress to have played both young Eponine and older Eponine. In 2019, she returned to Les Miserables as Fantine.
Fletcher played Truly Scrumptious in the UK touring production of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, and Wednesday Addams in the UK touring production of The Addams Family. She then starred as Veronica Sawyer in the UK production of Heathers: The Musical.
Her debut book, All I Know Now: Wonderings and Reflections on Growing Up Gracefully was published in May 2015. Her first fiction novel, On the Other Side was published in July 2016.
Fletcher is well known for her YouTube channel where she shares videos about her life and her work as an actress and author.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
October 23, 2020
For my full review, visit me at https://mrsbrownsbooks.wordpress.com/...
What a delightful story full of inspiring morals. I read this aloud to my five year-old daughter and, whilst she did not grasp all of the elements to this plot, I think this is an ambitious story that will inspire her over the years.
For my full review, visit me at https://mrsbrownsbooks.wordpress.com/...
What a delightful story full of inspiring morals. I read this aloud to my five year-old daughter and, whilst she did not grasp all of the elements to this plot, I think this is an ambitious story that will inspire her over the years.
For my full review, visit me at https://mrsbrownsbooks.wordpress.com/...
November 3, 2020
5 stars
Oh My Days.
This books is amazing, its beautifully written and captivates your attention from beginning to end.
Marigold, Mabel and Morris are such sweet and caring characters. You want them to succeed in everything.
SPOILERS BELOW!!!!!
I thought the way Carrie included the characters from Ballet shoes was very clever and it was so nice.
I liked how everyone was behind Marigold while she was writing the script.
I liked when Morris found out he was good at dancing.
I loved that talk between Marigold and Mabel when Marigold found out about Mabel struggling in Maths.
I loved all the side characters, it was nice finding out a bit about them.
I loved BAM I thought she was very funny and Lydia was so caring.
All in all, I thought it was a beautiful book, well written and so enjoyable.
Oh My Days.
This books is amazing, its beautifully written and captivates your attention from beginning to end.
Marigold, Mabel and Morris are such sweet and caring characters. You want them to succeed in everything.
SPOILERS BELOW!!!!!
I thought the way Carrie included the characters from Ballet shoes was very clever and it was so nice.
I liked how everyone was behind Marigold while she was writing the script.
I liked when Morris found out he was good at dancing.
I loved that talk between Marigold and Mabel when Marigold found out about Mabel struggling in Maths.
I loved all the side characters, it was nice finding out a bit about them.
I loved BAM I thought she was very funny and Lydia was so caring.
All in all, I thought it was a beautiful book, well written and so enjoyable.
February 21, 2021
Here are just some notes I made while reading this book, as you can tell from my rating, I didn't enjoy this book. My other ratings of Carrie's books show that I'm not a fan of Carrie's writing but I thought a children's book would be better for me, it wasn't. There may be mild spoilers so if you want to know nothing don't read more.
Why can't the children have fun? They (especially Marigold) are always stressed and nervous.
There are around 8 chapters of Marigold trying to write the play and being stressed that she can't - I don't know why she doesn't just read the book that they have which would give her more info on the Fossil sisters than going to the library or talking to this acting agent.
Rather than these chapters of stressed Marigold, Morris and Margot (was that really her name?) going to get cats which felt like a filler chapter, it would have been so fun if we saw the children exploring what actually goes into making a theatre production and gaining confidence in their skills through that. Mabel is bad at maths but wants to work for NASA, okay, let's have her improve her maths through measuring for the set etc. Morris wants to be a tap dancer and learns this through the tap-dancing sisters who seem to live at the theatre but Mabel’s maths seems to fall to the side once the acting starts?
The amount of pressure put on the children - especially Marigold to write the play - is too much. My reading buddy and I debated this point, in other children's stories the children have to save the world - but they seem to have the strength to do this - whereas the anxieties the children experience in this novel surrounding writing, staging and performing a play to save their theatre is overwhelming for them and it's unpleasant to read.
The issue we defined was that the adults, BAM and that other woman (Lydia?) encourage the children (Marigold mainly) to push through doubts and being uncomfortable and unhappy to save the theatre, it isn't the children's idea.
Another point where this happens is BAM announcing that the children will play the Fossil sisters in the play and Morris is embarrassed because he would be playing a girl, I think this also would have been better if Morris lead this - he wants to be in the play but is embarrassed rather than being told he's going to be in the play in front of the whole theatre company.
I would have loved if the adults were much less involved in the story and the children decide to take on the task of saving the theatre by themselves, that removes a lot of the weird pressure in the story and allows for more fun with struggle but not weird pressure.
I found the resident company so weird, why does a failing theatre company keep around all of these people. Two sisters that dance (although are called contortionists at one point), an actor with stage fright and his magician husband (who's referred to as a musician at one point, but I do appreciate the casual implementation of a gay couple into a children's story so props for that), another actor who constantly forgets his lines midscene on stage and his wife (who's supposed to prompt him but leaves it absurdly late both times this happens) and a stunt man - not sure why he's there as we are told that that theatre has done 'The Dumb Waiter' three years in a row. In fact, why are the sisters there either. WHY ARE ANY OF THEM THERE? IT MAKES NO SENSE AND THEY AREN'T FUN CHARACTERS! There's also the stage door woman who is introduced after the theatre's cat - so that's nice for her.
Just going off of the book I wish I could have read, where the children put on the play as a surprise for BAM and it's fun and lovely and they try to do things themselves - it would have been fun to have crew around the theatre rather than these performers that aren't relevant to the performance and again then we could have seen the behind the scenes of the show. Still have some performers but some crew or designers to mix it up.
The younger siblings personalities are hard to pin down - Margot (I swear she was called Mabel) hides behind her hair all the time and has low confidence in some scenes and then in others is boisterous and loud and Morris in the opening chapter is a three-year-old who has a very high level of emotional intelligence...
The children never seem to notice the parallels between their lives and the Fossil sisters, like how they were all found by BAM in similar ways?
Trixabella (the villain) makes no sense as a villain - she's seen as the enemy because she wants to buy the theatre... that's for sale. So...? I know she wants to turn it into a house but you can't sell something and be defeatest about not being able to keep it (how BAM is) and then complain when someone else buys it and does something different with it. I sell books on eBay, I don't care if someone makes a house for a mouse with the book once they've bought it - it's there's???
Finally, there needs to be more proofreading "looking quiet terrified Trixabelle - who looked quite terrified" not a direct quote as I returned the book to the library and only have my notes but in the same sentence, the fact that Trixabelle looks terrified is said twice. There are a few moments like this but this was the worst!
I don't know if my library just happens to have an American edition but there are American spellings everywhere throughout the book with z instead of s. Plus, The Pebble Theatre is the name of the theatre, right? So why is it always called "the Pebble Theatre" shouldn't the "the" be capitalised?
Anyway, here are my notes - I promise I wanted to enjoy this book, I promise!!
Why can't the children have fun? They (especially Marigold) are always stressed and nervous.
There are around 8 chapters of Marigold trying to write the play and being stressed that she can't - I don't know why she doesn't just read the book that they have which would give her more info on the Fossil sisters than going to the library or talking to this acting agent.
Rather than these chapters of stressed Marigold, Morris and Margot (was that really her name?) going to get cats which felt like a filler chapter, it would have been so fun if we saw the children exploring what actually goes into making a theatre production and gaining confidence in their skills through that. Mabel is bad at maths but wants to work for NASA, okay, let's have her improve her maths through measuring for the set etc. Morris wants to be a tap dancer and learns this through the tap-dancing sisters who seem to live at the theatre but Mabel’s maths seems to fall to the side once the acting starts?
The amount of pressure put on the children - especially Marigold to write the play - is too much. My reading buddy and I debated this point, in other children's stories the children have to save the world - but they seem to have the strength to do this - whereas the anxieties the children experience in this novel surrounding writing, staging and performing a play to save their theatre is overwhelming for them and it's unpleasant to read.
The issue we defined was that the adults, BAM and that other woman (Lydia?) encourage the children (Marigold mainly) to push through doubts and being uncomfortable and unhappy to save the theatre, it isn't the children's idea.
Another point where this happens is BAM announcing that the children will play the Fossil sisters in the play and Morris is embarrassed because he would be playing a girl, I think this also would have been better if Morris lead this - he wants to be in the play but is embarrassed rather than being told he's going to be in the play in front of the whole theatre company.
I would have loved if the adults were much less involved in the story and the children decide to take on the task of saving the theatre by themselves, that removes a lot of the weird pressure in the story and allows for more fun with struggle but not weird pressure.
I found the resident company so weird, why does a failing theatre company keep around all of these people. Two sisters that dance (although are called contortionists at one point), an actor with stage fright and his magician husband (who's referred to as a musician at one point, but I do appreciate the casual implementation of a gay couple into a children's story so props for that), another actor who constantly forgets his lines midscene on stage and his wife (who's supposed to prompt him but leaves it absurdly late both times this happens) and a stunt man - not sure why he's there as we are told that that theatre has done 'The Dumb Waiter' three years in a row. In fact, why are the sisters there either. WHY ARE ANY OF THEM THERE? IT MAKES NO SENSE AND THEY AREN'T FUN CHARACTERS! There's also the stage door woman who is introduced after the theatre's cat - so that's nice for her.
Just going off of the book I wish I could have read, where the children put on the play as a surprise for BAM and it's fun and lovely and they try to do things themselves - it would have been fun to have crew around the theatre rather than these performers that aren't relevant to the performance and again then we could have seen the behind the scenes of the show. Still have some performers but some crew or designers to mix it up.
The younger siblings personalities are hard to pin down - Margot (I swear she was called Mabel) hides behind her hair all the time and has low confidence in some scenes and then in others is boisterous and loud and Morris in the opening chapter is a three-year-old who has a very high level of emotional intelligence...
The children never seem to notice the parallels between their lives and the Fossil sisters, like how they were all found by BAM in similar ways?
Trixabella (the villain) makes no sense as a villain - she's seen as the enemy because she wants to buy the theatre... that's for sale. So...? I know she wants to turn it into a house but you can't sell something and be defeatest about not being able to keep it (how BAM is) and then complain when someone else buys it and does something different with it. I sell books on eBay, I don't care if someone makes a house for a mouse with the book once they've bought it - it's there's???
Finally, there needs to be more proofreading "looking quiet terrified Trixabelle - who looked quite terrified" not a direct quote as I returned the book to the library and only have my notes but in the same sentence, the fact that Trixabelle looks terrified is said twice. There are a few moments like this but this was the worst!
I don't know if my library just happens to have an American edition but there are American spellings everywhere throughout the book with z instead of s. Plus, The Pebble Theatre is the name of the theatre, right? So why is it always called "the Pebble Theatre" shouldn't the "the" be capitalised?
Anyway, here are my notes - I promise I wanted to enjoy this book, I promise!!
July 15, 2025
This is a sweet middle-grade book. There is an illustration at the start of every chapter. The story is quite unrealistic, but the found family dynamics make up for it. (2.5 stars).
December 3, 2022
what utter rubbish.
I adore Ballet Shoes and tho I was sceptical I was willing to give it a go.
But the writing is embarrassingly bad, the description of Morris is racist, the grip on timeline is terrible (the Fossils split up well before the war) and the grip on history worse (Czechoslovakia is overrun by the Germans in 1938). And the final straw is all the descendants of the Fossils being called Fossil.
Stick to the Ao3 fan fic, it's much better.
I adore Ballet Shoes and tho I was sceptical I was willing to give it a go.
But the writing is embarrassingly bad, the description of Morris is racist, the grip on timeline is terrible (the Fossils split up well before the war) and the grip on history worse (Czechoslovakia is overrun by the Germans in 1938). And the final straw is all the descendants of the Fossils being called Fossil.
Stick to the Ao3 fan fic, it's much better.
September 18, 2020
As a 22 year old, I can without a doubt say that this was one of the most beautiful stories. I loved The Ballet Shoes when I was younger, both the book and the film. This story took me back to when I read it and made my heart warm and tears form in my eyes.
I do hope that when children read this I feel inspired and courageous just like the Pebble and Fossil children!
I do hope that when children read this I feel inspired and courageous just like the Pebble and Fossil children!
December 22, 2020
It took me quite some time to read this book, but that's got nothing to do with this book. That's all work related. But because of that it did take me a while to properly get into the story.
So a few days ago I just turned of my laptop and started reading. Page after page and chapter after chapter. And just like that I almost finished it in a night.
It's a really nice story. Heartwarming, loving and inventive. At some points maybe a bit childish, but let's not forget that this is a book for kids. So that's fully on me.
I think Carrie did a great job with this book.
So a few days ago I just turned of my laptop and started reading. Page after page and chapter after chapter. And just like that I almost finished it in a night.
It's a really nice story. Heartwarming, loving and inventive. At some points maybe a bit childish, but let's not forget that this is a book for kids. So that's fully on me.
I think Carrie did a great job with this book.
April 20, 2021
'Into the Spotlight' by Carrie Hope Fletcher is a lovely book about three siblings who are actually not really siblings, but that doesn't matter to them. They each have a unique personality and still enjoy the same things, especially the theatre they all live in. When Marigold, the eldest of the three, finds an old diary she doesn't know yet, that this will save their beloved theatre.
I really enjoyed the story about the three pebble sibling. I love how they each have a unique personality and that they find euqal unique characters in the old diary. The book teaches us a lot about ourselves and how we should always follow our dreams and do what we love most.
As an adult, some passages seem silly and not realistic enough to me, but I guess children won't be bothered by that.
All in all a lovely book I can really recommend to everybody, children and adults.
I really enjoyed the story about the three pebble sibling. I love how they each have a unique personality and that they find euqal unique characters in the old diary. The book teaches us a lot about ourselves and how we should always follow our dreams and do what we love most.
As an adult, some passages seem silly and not realistic enough to me, but I guess children won't be bothered by that.
All in all a lovely book I can really recommend to everybody, children and adults.
October 15, 2020
This was such a sweet read and I loved every page. Carrie's writing style fits so well for a children's book and the characters in it are as colourful and loveable as the world of theatre.
June 3, 2022
I read this children's book as a bit of a break from my usual read. I'm sure my granddaughter will love it when she is older.
August 24, 2023
This was a very sweet story.
November 29, 2024
listened to the audiobook 🎧
April 4, 2021
A beautifully uplifting and inspiring children's novel!
February 21, 2021
It was the best book I have ever read.
I love the fact that Moris dances even though he is a boy and how all the kids save the show. I also love how they are all adopted.
I love the fact that Moris dances even though he is a boy and how all the kids save the show. I also love how they are all adopted.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 10, 2020
This is a fantastic read. At first I thought it was a retelling or an homage, an up to date version of the story, but it's actually a sequel. The Pebbles discover that the Fossil children existed, and their search to find out more forms a large part of this novel.
I loved the characters. The husband and husband team of magician and actor, the huge, incredibly clumsy stunt coordinator, even Petunia the door keeper with her ever changing accessories. Everyone was wonderful and they all added something special to this magical tale. The few characters from Ballet Shoes we saw were great, too.
It's not necessary to have read Ballet Shoes...although you should read Ballet Shoes, really...to understand this story; it stands on its own with everything you need to know. You'll miss some of the fum little injokes, but nothing serious.
I wish I could visit the Pebble Theatre. I'd love to see a very special show there. But as is, I'll just read the book over and recommend it to as many people as possible.
I loved the characters. The husband and husband team of magician and actor, the huge, incredibly clumsy stunt coordinator, even Petunia the door keeper with her ever changing accessories. Everyone was wonderful and they all added something special to this magical tale. The few characters from Ballet Shoes we saw were great, too.
It's not necessary to have read Ballet Shoes...although you should read Ballet Shoes, really...to understand this story; it stands on its own with everything you need to know. You'll miss some of the fum little injokes, but nothing serious.
I wish I could visit the Pebble Theatre. I'd love to see a very special show there. But as is, I'll just read the book over and recommend it to as many people as possible.
September 2, 2020
As a long time fan of Carrie’s books, I was so excited to see how she adapted to children’s fiction, and I was not disappointed! I was lucky enough to receive an advance copy and devoured it within a few hours.
Into the Spotlight is one of those books that simply fills you with joy, something we all need at this time. The characters are so relatable that I found elements of myself in every one of them, and the story is full of hope and a love for the theatre. I highly recommend this, whether you have read Ballet Shoes or not. You will not be disappointed!
Into the Spotlight is one of those books that simply fills you with joy, something we all need at this time. The characters are so relatable that I found elements of myself in every one of them, and the story is full of hope and a love for the theatre. I highly recommend this, whether you have read Ballet Shoes or not. You will not be disappointed!
November 13, 2020
Gorgeous, full of warmth and quirky characters that you fall in love with from the first page. Inspiring and atmospheric story. 😍
March 12, 2022
A great short chapter childrens book. I really enjoyed this as an adult and think I would have found it even more thrilling when in junior school.
July 23, 2023
When it comes to this story, I think the first thing you need to remember when reading as an adult is that this story is for children and is meant to be read by children. This doesn't mean that adults cannot enjoy this story, but I feel that a lot of reviewers have forgotten this (especially on this website).
I have not read the book that this one is based on (Ballet Shoes), but I do plan on buying it for myself and comparing both of my reviews at a later date. One of the things I especially want to compare is the writing style.
In Carrie Hope Fletcher's story, there is a lot of telling and not showing. Though it adds to the simplistic and matter-of-fact writing style, it also takes away from the story a lot of the time. There were a lot of references to theatre terminology that had to be explained. Even though I do find that stuff fascinating, it also took me out of the story itself for that brief moment.
As there is a lower-scored review here that has a point that annoys me, I wanted to address it. 'Why can't the children have fun?' In my opinion, they clearly do enjoy what they have accomplished and what they have done for the theatre. Yes, Marigold is stressed, has low self-worth when it comes to her writing and is very on edge for much of the book. But she is twelve years old. Unfortunately, I remember being that age very well (even though it was a decade or so ago now) and I don't think there was a day that I didn't doubt myself at that age. In contrast, Mabel and Morris are a lot more easygoing and are honing their talents and interests. They're younger, so it makes more sense for them to be this way in comparison.
However, the main villain Trixabellina was slightly disappointing. I quite liked her as this obnoxious villain, but the twist at the end (though, I did find it endearing and loved the connection to the Fossil sisters) fell short for me. Maybe it is because I like intricate plot twists that give clues throughout the story. This one just didn't work for me.
There are some areas that fall to the side, such as Mabel's low grades in maths. The focus is primarily on the theatre and the performance. It would have been nice to find out more about how Mabel could possibly improve her grades with practice, but unfortunately, this wasn't explored. Morris is very much into his dancing. I like how we explore this passion and the conflict of allowing the opinions of school peers stop him. It gave us more to picture Morris' character. However, the star of the story is Marigold—an aspiring writer and lead narrator in the performance. She dominated the pages with her struggles and felt the most alive out of the three children. Because of this, I would have liked more from Mabel and Morris to even it out some more.
Within the writing itself, there are odd repetitive lines. However, they are few so can be forgiven.
Obviously, there are some unrealistic elements to the story, such as children writing a five-star play and having to save the theatre in five weeks. Despite this, I found it an enjoyable read. When I did sit down to read it, I was enthralled with the world and I imagined the theatre family like the characters from Coraline where I was drawing some similarities with their mismatched, theatre-esque personalities.
As with all children's stories that are read by adults, I believe this has a lesson within it that you can do anything you set your mind to if you only put aside your doubt. Otherwise, you will achieve nothing and get nothing done. This is a lesson I very much needed at this point in my life and I almost shed a tear at it because of this.
I do love Carrie Hope Fletcher's writing—I have read her books in the past and loved them. I also love this story too. It has its faults, as anything does, but I would certainly recommend it to my niece when she is of the age group that this is targeted at. It was a fun little read and enchanting to step into the world of theatre!
I have not read the book that this one is based on (Ballet Shoes), but I do plan on buying it for myself and comparing both of my reviews at a later date. One of the things I especially want to compare is the writing style.
In Carrie Hope Fletcher's story, there is a lot of telling and not showing. Though it adds to the simplistic and matter-of-fact writing style, it also takes away from the story a lot of the time. There were a lot of references to theatre terminology that had to be explained. Even though I do find that stuff fascinating, it also took me out of the story itself for that brief moment.
As there is a lower-scored review here that has a point that annoys me, I wanted to address it. 'Why can't the children have fun?' In my opinion, they clearly do enjoy what they have accomplished and what they have done for the theatre. Yes, Marigold is stressed, has low self-worth when it comes to her writing and is very on edge for much of the book. But she is twelve years old. Unfortunately, I remember being that age very well (even though it was a decade or so ago now) and I don't think there was a day that I didn't doubt myself at that age. In contrast, Mabel and Morris are a lot more easygoing and are honing their talents and interests. They're younger, so it makes more sense for them to be this way in comparison.
However, the main villain Trixabellina was slightly disappointing. I quite liked her as this obnoxious villain, but the twist at the end (though, I did find it endearing and loved the connection to the Fossil sisters) fell short for me. Maybe it is because I like intricate plot twists that give clues throughout the story. This one just didn't work for me.
There are some areas that fall to the side, such as Mabel's low grades in maths. The focus is primarily on the theatre and the performance. It would have been nice to find out more about how Mabel could possibly improve her grades with practice, but unfortunately, this wasn't explored. Morris is very much into his dancing. I like how we explore this passion and the conflict of allowing the opinions of school peers stop him. It gave us more to picture Morris' character. However, the star of the story is Marigold—an aspiring writer and lead narrator in the performance. She dominated the pages with her struggles and felt the most alive out of the three children. Because of this, I would have liked more from Mabel and Morris to even it out some more.
Within the writing itself, there are odd repetitive lines. However, they are few so can be forgiven.
Obviously, there are some unrealistic elements to the story, such as children writing a five-star play and having to save the theatre in five weeks. Despite this, I found it an enjoyable read. When I did sit down to read it, I was enthralled with the world and I imagined the theatre family like the characters from Coraline where I was drawing some similarities with their mismatched, theatre-esque personalities.
As with all children's stories that are read by adults, I believe this has a lesson within it that you can do anything you set your mind to if you only put aside your doubt. Otherwise, you will achieve nothing and get nothing done. This is a lesson I very much needed at this point in my life and I almost shed a tear at it because of this.
I do love Carrie Hope Fletcher's writing—I have read her books in the past and loved them. I also love this story too. It has its faults, as anything does, but I would certainly recommend it to my niece when she is of the age group that this is targeted at. It was a fun little read and enchanting to step into the world of theatre!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 13, 2020
OH MY WORD THIS BOOK IS AMAZING!!
Carrie Hope Fletcher tells the story of 3 orphaned children who found their way to their Brilliant Aunt Maude and her niece Lydia. Young Morris in a shoe box, Mabel from Maudes passing uncle and Marigold in a basket full of the flower all made Pebble theatre their new home. When the family theatre runs into financial issues and the threat of closure was only one bad show away, the children decide there was only one way the theatre could be saved. A show.
Marigold is a character I can relate to on so many levels. The girl is a talented young writer who Maude tasked her to write the play, she turns inspiration to an old journal of 3 sisters she found in the walls of the theatre. The writers block takes over and the girl almost lost hope. But she managed to pick herself up again with the help of her family and the theatre workers, a chapter I will read over again and turn to, to get out of my own block being a young writer myself.
Mabel is the signature middle sibling, always thinking outside the box and is very resourceful. Her dreams of working for NASA and sending people to space is amazing. She has alot of ambition and pride when it comes to her siblings and always helps them when they are in trouble. Especially when they need it most.
Morris, the littlest pebble you are too cute for this world!!! He is so protective for his sisters and family at the theatre, his sibling relationship with Marigold is to DIE FOR and the way Carrie captures his ambition for dance and the journey he goes with it from thinking that boys cant dance to getting accepted to a dance school at the end of the book eventhough it is very rare this would happen in real life, it still sets hope for young readers
Bam
Lydia, oh my god I FEEL YOU ON A SPIRITUAL LEVEL. I can relate to lydia alot as being a bit of a worrier I constantly worry about things changing, if things going to plan or not and lydia has the added stress of raising the kids making Lydia a character most parents/ adults can relate to. I can also relate to her in the fact that she loves the library!
Lady is the librarian at the local library where Lydia takes the kids and from the VERY START I knew it was a love story between them. Everytime they would see each other I got butterflies in my stomach and when reading this at the airport bus stop when I got on the wrong bus, I read this in the last chapter:
" 'Of course but... just so you know, that includes Lady...' Lydia said a little quietly.
'Lady?' bam blinked.
'Yes' Lydia reached across the kitchen table and took Ladys hand and stroked the back of it with her thumb. 'I dont think I've ever met someone quite as wonderful as Lady before. I knew right from the moment I met her.' - Then Lydia smiled in the way the children had noticed before and suddenly they realised why. She was in love "
I FREAKED OUT! This was the best way to reveal a relationship, let alone a LGBTQ+ relationship that included coming out aswell that I have ever read! I was so happy this happened and this was by far my favourite couple in the book.
Carrie Hope Fletcher tells the story of 3 orphaned children who found their way to their Brilliant Aunt Maude and her niece Lydia. Young Morris in a shoe box, Mabel from Maudes passing uncle and Marigold in a basket full of the flower all made Pebble theatre their new home. When the family theatre runs into financial issues and the threat of closure was only one bad show away, the children decide there was only one way the theatre could be saved. A show.
Marigold is a character I can relate to on so many levels. The girl is a talented young writer who Maude tasked her to write the play, she turns inspiration to an old journal of 3 sisters she found in the walls of the theatre. The writers block takes over and the girl almost lost hope. But she managed to pick herself up again with the help of her family and the theatre workers, a chapter I will read over again and turn to, to get out of my own block being a young writer myself.
Mabel is the signature middle sibling, always thinking outside the box and is very resourceful. Her dreams of working for NASA and sending people to space is amazing. She has alot of ambition and pride when it comes to her siblings and always helps them when they are in trouble. Especially when they need it most.
Morris, the littlest pebble you are too cute for this world!!! He is so protective for his sisters and family at the theatre, his sibling relationship with Marigold is to DIE FOR and the way Carrie captures his ambition for dance and the journey he goes with it from thinking that boys cant dance to getting accepted to a dance school at the end of the book eventhough it is very rare this would happen in real life, it still sets hope for young readers
Bam
Lydia, oh my god I FEEL YOU ON A SPIRITUAL LEVEL. I can relate to lydia alot as being a bit of a worrier I constantly worry about things changing, if things going to plan or not and lydia has the added stress of raising the kids making Lydia a character most parents/ adults can relate to. I can also relate to her in the fact that she loves the library!
Lady is the librarian at the local library where Lydia takes the kids and from the VERY START I knew it was a love story between them. Everytime they would see each other I got butterflies in my stomach and when reading this at the airport bus stop when I got on the wrong bus, I read this in the last chapter:
" 'Of course but... just so you know, that includes Lady...' Lydia said a little quietly.
'Lady?' bam blinked.
'Yes' Lydia reached across the kitchen table and took Ladys hand and stroked the back of it with her thumb. 'I dont think I've ever met someone quite as wonderful as Lady before. I knew right from the moment I met her.' - Then Lydia smiled in the way the children had noticed before and suddenly they realised why. She was in love "
I FREAKED OUT! This was the best way to reveal a relationship, let alone a LGBTQ+ relationship that included coming out aswell that I have ever read! I was so happy this happened and this was by far my favourite couple in the book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 25, 2021
I finished 'Ballet Shoes' for the first time this morning and this was a natural progression. This review also contains spoilers for 'Ballet Shoes'.
I love the theatre, and especially musicals. I've also read one of Carrie Hope Fletcher's novels before, and found it to radiate positivity and hope, a lovely fluff read. So I purchased this for the Library.
While no one could accuse 'Ballet Shoes' of being particularly realistic in terms of the children's financial woes (Why keep on multiple servants and have daily cake if you have no household incomings?!) there at least was a real sense of the children having to work hard to BECOME good at their passions. Yes, Posy had 'innate talent', which was nonsensically attributed to her birth family. (For a book about people 'making their own name', it certainly focused on the titular shoes being linked to Posy's 'destiny') But she also trained for years so that she knew what to do with it. Petrova and Pauline were shown to read books or watch performances about their interests to hone them, and several life lessons were given.
In 'Into the Spotlight' Morris, an eight-year-old boy who has never received dance training beyond watching YouTube, is given charge of the choreography of a play. He's never been trained by a choreographer either, but is left to his own devices. He, along with his sisters, is giving a role acting one of the three titular characters of a play. One of his sisters, Marigold, is also given the task of writing the entire play, again without training (she's never written a play) or assistance. The icing on the cake, though, is that they have five WEEKS to write the play, and THREE to cast, rehearse, block, choreograph, learn lines... Oh, did I mention that this play is the make-or-break performance for their theatre, filled with their found family, which is also their home?
Add to all of this that there is a 'villain' who deliberately sabotages the theatre 'to inspire them' and that a cat is adopted who hates loud noises and the theatre owner instantly acquieses to no more pyrotechnics ever... And I found this too unrealistic to enjoy. I could not suspend my disbelief far enough, and I mostly just skimmed the second half so I could be done with it. No life lessons (bar one morale-boosting speech from Dawson), all three children are somehow born actors (again, with no training or background) and the play is a hit. I could tell that too much was riding on it for it to NOT work, but Trixiebellini was an unpleasant surprise, making the whole plot even more saccharine. Who destroys a roof just to 'inspire' people?! I expect more consistency than this in Captain Underpants.
HOWEVER. It's certainly more relatable for today's children than the old-fashioned original. And, true to form, Carrie Hope Fletcher has once again written a positive, harmless piece of fluff. It might not be for me, but I'm sure some children would enjoy it.
I love the theatre, and especially musicals. I've also read one of Carrie Hope Fletcher's novels before, and found it to radiate positivity and hope, a lovely fluff read. So I purchased this for the Library.
While no one could accuse 'Ballet Shoes' of being particularly realistic in terms of the children's financial woes (Why keep on multiple servants and have daily cake if you have no household incomings?!) there at least was a real sense of the children having to work hard to BECOME good at their passions. Yes, Posy had 'innate talent', which was nonsensically attributed to her birth family. (For a book about people 'making their own name', it certainly focused on the titular shoes being linked to Posy's 'destiny') But she also trained for years so that she knew what to do with it. Petrova and Pauline were shown to read books or watch performances about their interests to hone them, and several life lessons were given.
In 'Into the Spotlight' Morris, an eight-year-old boy who has never received dance training beyond watching YouTube, is given charge of the choreography of a play. He's never been trained by a choreographer either, but is left to his own devices. He, along with his sisters, is giving a role acting one of the three titular characters of a play. One of his sisters, Marigold, is also given the task of writing the entire play, again without training (she's never written a play) or assistance. The icing on the cake, though, is that they have five WEEKS to write the play, and THREE to cast, rehearse, block, choreograph, learn lines... Oh, did I mention that this play is the make-or-break performance for their theatre, filled with their found family, which is also their home?
Add to all of this that there is a 'villain' who deliberately sabotages the theatre 'to inspire them' and that a cat is adopted who hates loud noises and the theatre owner instantly acquieses to no more pyrotechnics ever... And I found this too unrealistic to enjoy. I could not suspend my disbelief far enough, and I mostly just skimmed the second half so I could be done with it. No life lessons (bar one morale-boosting speech from Dawson), all three children are somehow born actors (again, with no training or background) and the play is a hit. I could tell that too much was riding on it for it to NOT work, but Trixiebellini was an unpleasant surprise, making the whole plot even more saccharine. Who destroys a roof just to 'inspire' people?! I expect more consistency than this in Captain Underpants.
HOWEVER. It's certainly more relatable for today's children than the old-fashioned original. And, true to form, Carrie Hope Fletcher has once again written a positive, harmless piece of fluff. It might not be for me, but I'm sure some children would enjoy it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 30, 2020
I’m not one to get emotional reading books but this made me smile and tear up at the end because it was just so lovely!
I’m not giving this 5 stars because it’s Carrie, I’m giving it five stars because I adored this book and as I just said, I teared up... that doesn’t happen often with me.😂
This book had so many powerful lessons in it that will teach children so much!
- You don’t need to be blood related to be family.
- You can do anything you set your mind to. If it sucks, keep working on it.
- Boys can dance. (Incredibly well)
- Books are incredible: you can be whoever and whatever you want to be when reading
- It’s not who you are, it’s what you do. (You don’t need to be famous to have made history)
- Never give up and choose the easy option. Fight and work to keep what you love.
Also I loved the inclusion of LGBTQIA+ with Dante and Dawson (I thought they were brothers or friends at first but they used sweetheart during conversation with each other so I think I’m right in taking that as they’re a couple). And the ending with Lady and Lydia made my heart happy.
Summary:
I loved the similarities to ballet shoes with how the children were found on BAM’s travels (apart from Morris who came to Maude in a shoe box).
The children live in Pebble Theatre with BAM and Lydia. One day Marigold found a book wrapped in newspaper hidden in the wall. When the children look at it, they discover it is a journal with the Fossil sisters ‘mantra’ at the start and then a collection of letters that the girls sent to each other when they were apart. The Pebble children start to read through the entries and realise they’re very similar to the Fossil family. The children start to research the Fossils to see if they made it into the history books. Turns out they did pretty well but aren’t well known. Then one night, the children hear BAM and Lydia talking about having to sell the theatre. The next morning Trixabellina von Hustle the Third argues with BAM about buying the theatre in order to make it into a mansion. This sparks determination in BAM and the theatre family to save Pebble Theatre. They decide they are going to write a new play to perform and Marigold has the perfect idea. After a rocky start trying to write the script, Marigold creates the perfect play that is sure to save the theatre. Lady helps them to advertise in order to spread awareness and sell more tickets.
I hope that if/when I have children of my own, I can give them this book (or read it together) and inspire them to do what they love.
I’m not giving this 5 stars because it’s Carrie, I’m giving it five stars because I adored this book and as I just said, I teared up... that doesn’t happen often with me.😂
This book had so many powerful lessons in it that will teach children so much!
- You don’t need to be blood related to be family.
- You can do anything you set your mind to. If it sucks, keep working on it.
- Boys can dance. (Incredibly well)
- Books are incredible: you can be whoever and whatever you want to be when reading
- It’s not who you are, it’s what you do. (You don’t need to be famous to have made history)
- Never give up and choose the easy option. Fight and work to keep what you love.
Also I loved the inclusion of LGBTQIA+ with Dante and Dawson (I thought they were brothers or friends at first but they used sweetheart during conversation with each other so I think I’m right in taking that as they’re a couple). And the ending with Lady and Lydia made my heart happy.
Summary:
I loved the similarities to ballet shoes with how the children were found on BAM’s travels (apart from Morris who came to Maude in a shoe box).
The children live in Pebble Theatre with BAM and Lydia. One day Marigold found a book wrapped in newspaper hidden in the wall. When the children look at it, they discover it is a journal with the Fossil sisters ‘mantra’ at the start and then a collection of letters that the girls sent to each other when they were apart. The Pebble children start to read through the entries and realise they’re very similar to the Fossil family. The children start to research the Fossils to see if they made it into the history books. Turns out they did pretty well but aren’t well known. Then one night, the children hear BAM and Lydia talking about having to sell the theatre. The next morning Trixabellina von Hustle the Third argues with BAM about buying the theatre in order to make it into a mansion. This sparks determination in BAM and the theatre family to save Pebble Theatre. They decide they are going to write a new play to perform and Marigold has the perfect idea. After a rocky start trying to write the script, Marigold creates the perfect play that is sure to save the theatre. Lady helps them to advertise in order to spread awareness and sell more tickets.
I hope that if/when I have children of my own, I can give them this book (or read it together) and inspire them to do what they love.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 28, 2020
Into the Spotlight by Carrie Hope Fletcher is a really nice children's book. Inspired by Ballet Shoes, the three Pebble siblings, Marigold, Mabel and Morris, live an extraordinary life in the Pebble Theatre. When the theatre is in danger, they need to come up with a plan to save it. Their plan is to use their strengths and put on the most amazing show London has ever seen.
I really do like Fletcher's story ideas. However, usually I am a bit taken aback by the magical realism she uses. But this book was different! First of all, it is a children's book. And a cute one. I remember watching the film Ballet Shoes when I was little, but I do not remember much. But I can see how Fletcher wove the story of the Fossil sisters into the story of the Pebble sisters. And also, no magical realism was used in this book.
The story was cute. It took me awhile to get into it, but as soon as the Pebbles found the hidden journal, the plot picked up and I enjoyed it more and more. All three children are so unique, and they make you believe that you can do anything you want to do when you believe in yourself. I am sure kids will love this book. All the characters in the book bring the story alive. And the cover is beautiful as well!
All in all, I enjoyed the read. It is a nice children's book that makes everyone believe in themselves.
I really do like Fletcher's story ideas. However, usually I am a bit taken aback by the magical realism she uses. But this book was different! First of all, it is a children's book. And a cute one. I remember watching the film Ballet Shoes when I was little, but I do not remember much. But I can see how Fletcher wove the story of the Fossil sisters into the story of the Pebble sisters. And also, no magical realism was used in this book.
The story was cute. It took me awhile to get into it, but as soon as the Pebbles found the hidden journal, the plot picked up and I enjoyed it more and more. All three children are so unique, and they make you believe that you can do anything you want to do when you believe in yourself. I am sure kids will love this book. All the characters in the book bring the story alive. And the cover is beautiful as well!
All in all, I enjoyed the read. It is a nice children's book that makes everyone believe in themselves.
June 30, 2022
This is my personal book review on: Into the Spotlight by Author @carriehopefletcher @prattleandpages
I choose this book because miss going to theatre so much, like everyone of the lasted year. To see so much live shows, plays, musicals.
I this book as been journey with to work, Been reading few chapters to. I have continued to ready in my own time and re-read aging.
Beautiful written book for young people, also add great read for all ages to go on journey with the Pebble family live theatre which their auntie owns within heart of London, Then With secret book, a pair own ballet shoes 🩰, & all with remarkable family to.
With out give to much away it been such a delight, beautiful, Inspiring, Novel, I just can't honestly express how much I have enjoy ready this person and within my job to.
If I had to rate: Into the Spotlight it be
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Fabulous book all around,
Thank you such a beautiful book/novel copy’s in hardback & Ebook,
Which I have both.
I ready chapter a time to my students due the 2nd lock they loved it link to are topic performances stand on stage learing peom they was written or in Brilla. Love to them blooms after ready this book to them. Great Read for all ages
I choose this book because miss going to theatre so much, like everyone of the lasted year. To see so much live shows, plays, musicals.
I this book as been journey with to work, Been reading few chapters to. I have continued to ready in my own time and re-read aging.
Beautiful written book for young people, also add great read for all ages to go on journey with the Pebble family live theatre which their auntie owns within heart of London, Then With secret book, a pair own ballet shoes 🩰, & all with remarkable family to.
With out give to much away it been such a delight, beautiful, Inspiring, Novel, I just can't honestly express how much I have enjoy ready this person and within my job to.
If I had to rate: Into the Spotlight it be
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Fabulous book all around,
Thank you such a beautiful book/novel copy’s in hardback & Ebook,
Which I have both.
I ready chapter a time to my students due the 2nd lock they loved it link to are topic performances stand on stage learing peom they was written or in Brilla. Love to them blooms after ready this book to them. Great Read for all ages
June 8, 2021
As someone who grew up loving and relating to the story of Ballet Shoes by Noel Streatfield, this book ticked all the right boxes for me!
Inspired by the original story and the characters of the Fossil sisters, Into the Spotlight was very much in keeping with the theatrical, inspirational and aspirational themes of the original book.
Marigold, Mabel and Morris Pebble are family by chance, all of them orphaned and rescued by their Brilliant Aunt Maude, also known as BAM.
But this is more than just a modernised retelling as I had first anticipated. When Marigold finds a secret book written by the Fossil sisters - Pauline, Petrova and Posy - behind a broken bit of wall in the a theatre dressing room, the Pebble children become fascinated with what became of the Fossil sisters. Did they fulfil their vow? Did they managed to get their names in the history books, or not?
This was a story within a story and a brilliant continuation to Ballet Shoes if anyone is so inclined to live a little longer in their story. This was a brilliant middle grade fiction, and one I'll certainly be recommending to adults and children alike.
Inspired by the original story and the characters of the Fossil sisters, Into the Spotlight was very much in keeping with the theatrical, inspirational and aspirational themes of the original book.
Marigold, Mabel and Morris Pebble are family by chance, all of them orphaned and rescued by their Brilliant Aunt Maude, also known as BAM.
But this is more than just a modernised retelling as I had first anticipated. When Marigold finds a secret book written by the Fossil sisters - Pauline, Petrova and Posy - behind a broken bit of wall in the a theatre dressing room, the Pebble children become fascinated with what became of the Fossil sisters. Did they fulfil their vow? Did they managed to get their names in the history books, or not?
This was a story within a story and a brilliant continuation to Ballet Shoes if anyone is so inclined to live a little longer in their story. This was a brilliant middle grade fiction, and one I'll certainly be recommending to adults and children alike.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 11, 2021
A really lovely light hearted read.
I have already read her last theatre based book ‘When The Curtain Falls’ and I had to read this one because I have a huge love for theatre, even if this one was technically for children.
I hope this book will stay in the hearts of many children, just like books such as Harry Potter did for me when I was a child.
Theatre and reading are two things that I wish to bring my future children up with, so I’ll definitely be reading this to them one day.
I was especially pleased to see that there was a mixture of different cultures in this book as well as LGBT moments! These made my heart swell because it is important to teach children that everyone is special from all walks of life and no matter how ‘different’ you are, you’re just as brilliant.
It was a very inclusive novel which I’m sure many adults could learn from, not just kids.
I have already read her last theatre based book ‘When The Curtain Falls’ and I had to read this one because I have a huge love for theatre, even if this one was technically for children.
I hope this book will stay in the hearts of many children, just like books such as Harry Potter did for me when I was a child.
Theatre and reading are two things that I wish to bring my future children up with, so I’ll definitely be reading this to them one day.
I was especially pleased to see that there was a mixture of different cultures in this book as well as LGBT moments! These made my heart swell because it is important to teach children that everyone is special from all walks of life and no matter how ‘different’ you are, you’re just as brilliant.
It was a very inclusive novel which I’m sure many adults could learn from, not just kids.
June 1, 2021
4/5 🌟 Into the Spotlight by Carrie Hope Fletcher
The book was actually a quick and easy ready and I thoroughly enjoyed the storyline. Based around three young orphans that are being raised in a theatre have to use their knowledge and skills to keep the theatre going.
Will the theatre be sold? Will they be able to make enough money to save their home? Who is this new lady trying to buy the theatre to turn it into a mansion!? What would you do to save your home??
I loved how the story linked to a past tale about the Fossil sisters and how the Pebbles and Fossils saved the Pebble Theatre.
The only issue I had with the book was the ending felt a bit rushed. I wanted there to be more suspense and a bit more of a reveal for the orphans. Apart from that I thoroughly enjoyed it!
The book was actually a quick and easy ready and I thoroughly enjoyed the storyline. Based around three young orphans that are being raised in a theatre have to use their knowledge and skills to keep the theatre going.
Will the theatre be sold? Will they be able to make enough money to save their home? Who is this new lady trying to buy the theatre to turn it into a mansion!? What would you do to save your home??
I loved how the story linked to a past tale about the Fossil sisters and how the Pebbles and Fossils saved the Pebble Theatre.
The only issue I had with the book was the ending felt a bit rushed. I wanted there to be more suspense and a bit more of a reveal for the orphans. Apart from that I thoroughly enjoyed it!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 21, 2021
I loved Into The Spotlight. It follows The Pebble Children, their Aunt Maude and niece Lydia as they try to save their theatre from being sold.
I loved every single moment reading this. I deeply connected with Marigold. She lacks confidence, doubts herself and has low self-esteem all which I am struggling with myself. My favourite bit was seeing her but her fears aside and finally saying that she "can do it" rather than "can't" all because her family supported and believed in her. It lost its pace in some areas hence why I felt it was dragging at times and some chapters probably weren't needed but other than that it was really good. I have read two of Carries books. This one has to be my favourite.
I loved every single moment reading this. I deeply connected with Marigold. She lacks confidence, doubts herself and has low self-esteem all which I am struggling with myself. My favourite bit was seeing her but her fears aside and finally saying that she "can do it" rather than "can't" all because her family supported and believed in her. It lost its pace in some areas hence why I felt it was dragging at times and some chapters probably weren't needed but other than that it was really good. I have read two of Carries books. This one has to be my favourite.
June 2, 2021
A decent read but not comparable with Ballet Shoes
It was a nice enough story, but a bit far fetched. If you are going to honour 'Ballet Shoes' you should keep it believable, like the original story was. The way Winifred's character was written was totally out of character - anyone who had read all of Noel Streatfeild's stories, and heard of how how the Fossil sisters and Winifred grew up and their career developed would be disappointed in his their characters were used. I love that they are being 'kept alive' but feel that the author didn't really know them that well. Fun, but unrealistic in terms of the dancing etc.
It was a nice enough story, but a bit far fetched. If you are going to honour 'Ballet Shoes' you should keep it believable, like the original story was. The way Winifred's character was written was totally out of character - anyone who had read all of Noel Streatfeild's stories, and heard of how how the Fossil sisters and Winifred grew up and their career developed would be disappointed in his their characters were used. I love that they are being 'kept alive' but feel that the author didn't really know them that well. Fun, but unrealistic in terms of the dancing etc.
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