What age for Noel Streatfeild and Swallows et al?

[Aethel]

I didnt read anything by Noel Streatfeild as a child but they have been recommended by a friend, as have Swallows and Amazons.

What age group would you recommend them for?

[ethelina]

I would say age 8

[cazzybabs]

My dd is 8 and we have just read swallows

[Takver]

I would say it would very much depend on the child. If you're reading it to them - from say age 6 I guess (certainly dd enjoyed the S&A series being read to her at that age). She reads them to herself now age 8. They are relatively long books but the language is quite straightforward and the content is fine for quite a young child, so IMO they're very good for early fluent readers who like something longer. I guess they would appeal up to maybe 11? (DD too young to tell, so trying to remember from my childhood.)

Noel Streatfield - from about 7 or so upwards to about 11 I would say, although her books vary - Ballet Shoes & White Boots at the lower end (though an older child would still enjoy it), the Gemma books for example maybe more like 9 or so. (Content rather than reading difficulty.)

[hannahsaunt]

Ds1 is 9.5 and has just romped through the first two Swallows books. Absolutely loved them. Ds2 is a fluent reader at 7.5 but found the length off-putting.

[NoahAndTheWhale]

I was reading Noel Streatfeild at either 7 or 8 (definitely by 8).

[Aethel]

Thank you all very much DD is six and I am planning my escape from Kirsty and Rachel...

[Takver]

You have my sympathy.

The only thing to be said in their favour is that they are very good at encouraging small girls to read (Just practice saying with conviction "No, I'm not reading any more bloody Rainbow Fairies, if you want them you can read them yourself")

[UniS]

IIRC I was reading Ballet shoes at 7 / 8 ish while Swallows and Ammazons I discovered at 11. By 12 I had almost taught myself to sail from them so often had I read them.

I'll be giving my neice the first 3 S&A books for her 11th birthday. Content wise I think its about right for her, a very able reader but a bit young for age in some ways.

[5ofus]

OOOooo brings back memories - I loved Ballet Shoes and Swallows and Amazons.

I have a ferociously keen reading 5 year old DD who's loving Kirsty and Rachel so far but reports tell me they get a bit samey after the first 40

Thanks for reminding me of my own childhood favourites.

[Takver]

5ofus, your 5 y/o might like these books. Reminded of them as I just recommended them on another thread - they're about the same reading level as K & R, but a bit more varied & lovely pictures (though there only 3 of them in the series).

[amidaiwish]

DD1 is 6.8 and is reading harry potter atm, she is a very good reader (reading at 3) BUT i bought her swallows & amazons earlier this year and she hasn't read it. it doesn't look interesting to her, or is too long, i don't know what has put her off. It's the only book i've ever seen her literally turn her back on. obviously i left it, will re-try next year.

[thaliablogs]

Very glad I don't yet know who kirsty and rachel are...

[BuntyPenfold]

I think the illustrations in the S & A series are off-putting. I didn't like them ( the drawings) as a child and was persuaded by a kind librarian to try the books, as she had run out of suggestions for me.