The Painted Garden facts for kids
First hardback edition, 1949
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| Author | Noel Streatfeild |
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| Illustrator | Ley Kenyon |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Language | English |
| Genre | Children's novel |
| Publisher | Collins |
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Publication date
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1949 |
| Media type | |
| Pages | 320 |
| ISBN | 0-00-710020-5 (2000 edition) |
The Painted Garden is a popular children's book written by the British author Noel Streatfeild. It was first shared as a story in parts in 1948. Then, it became a full book in 1949. The book's subtitle was The Story of a Holiday in Hollywood. In the United States, a shorter version of the book was called Movie Shoes. This exciting story is about a family's adventures in Hollywood, especially one girl who becomes a movie star.
Contents
What the Story is About
The story follows a girl named Jane Winter. She is often grumpy and not very happy. Jane gets really upset when her family decides to spend the winter in California. She is sad because her dog has to stay in London. But her father, who is a writer, really needs a break. He has writer's block and cannot think of new ideas.
Jane's Big Chance
Once in California, something amazing happens to Jane. She meets a movie producer. This producer sees that Jane's grumpy personality is perfect for a special role. He wants her to play the character of Mary in a film version of The Secret Garden. The book shows readers what it is like to make a movie. It also shares the experience from the point of view of a child actor.
Family Adventures in Hollywood
Jane is not the only one with adventures. Her siblings also have their own exciting times in California. Her sister, Rachel, is a talented ballerina who loves to dance. Her brother, Tim, is a promising pianist who plays beautiful music. But even though her siblings are very gifted, it is Jane, who usually feels unnoticed, who becomes famous in the end.
How the Book Was Written
Noel Streatfeild, the author, actually visited America in 1947. She traveled a long way by sea to New York City. Then, she went across the land to California. This is just like how the Winter family travels in her book.
Real-Life Inspiration
While in California, Noel Streatfeild visited many film studios in Hollywood. She spent several weeks watching how the movie The Secret Garden was being made. She paid close attention to the child stars in the film. These young actors included Margaret O'Brien, Dean Stockwell, and Brian Roper. Her experiences watching them helped her write The Painted Garden.
