Hello again and welcome to a theatrical book club! This month is all about what the Big Folk call theatre. I think there's one in Bree-Town but that's a story for another day. What would it be like to live in a theatre? That is the subject of the perfect (and chosen) book of this month.
I am, of course, talking about Into The Spotlight, the debut childrens' book by Carrie Hope Fletcher. Into the Spotlight is a modern day version of Ballet Shoes by Noel Streatfeild. The Streatfeild Estate endorsed Carrie's book as well! She said on something the Muggles call YouTube that she adored Ballet Shoes. Into The Spotlight was inspired from her love of Noel's book.
The book follows the Pebble children, Marigold, Mabel, and Morris, who live with Lydia and their BAM (Brilliant Aunt Maude) in the, aptly named, Pebble Theatre. I can't begin to imagine what living in a theatre is like. It must be exciting, boring, and chaotic all at once. In some ways Into The Spotlight mirrors Ballet Shoes in that three orphans are found and brought together by their found guardian. I haven't read Ballet Shoes yet but I want to.
The Pebbles all want different things: Marigold wishes to be a writer, Mabel wants to work for NASA, and Morris wants to be a dancer. That is similar to Ballet Shoes as the Fossil sisters all wanted to be different things as well. Morris wants to be a dancer like Posy Fossil.
BAM found the children and raised them as her own in the Pebble Theatre. That is how the children decided on the Pebble name. I can't begin to imagine what that is like, as my sisters and I share the same parents. However, Marigold, Mabel, and Morris form a bond that is wonderful to see. I'm glad to know that I have a bond like that with my sisters too.
During the story, the theatre is threatened with closure. After discovering the Fossil Sisters' diary of letters to each other, followed by a research session at the local library, Marigold starts to write a play. BAM and Lydia see Marigold's play as a way to save the theatre because the play is a fresh new story that no one's seen before.
I will confess I haven't quite finished the book, but I will be finishing it because I have many questions that need to be answered. I really hope the Pebbles, BAM, Lydia, and everyone can save the theatre and their home. That would be such a happy ending! Cissarose should be back next month.
Lots of love,
Ellieanarose xx