Thursday's Children - A Virago Modern Classic

''Her prose is pure, delicate, and gently witty'' NEW YORK TIMES

''[Many] relish the delicacy of her writing for children'' IRISH TIMES

''A sensitive exploration of a boy''s triumph over the objections of his parents to his becoming a ballet dancer'' PUBLISHERS WEEKLY

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. He 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 . . .