My name is Rosa and I am addicted to children's books

there was I believe one for every month - ie the December baby etc
they intrigue me as I don't know what they ARE - some kind of hokey astrology thing, I think (well possibly I hope )

this site has about the most exhaustive list of her books I have found - I haven't got 2/3 of that list by the way! But about 2/3 of her children's titles. I think - about 50, anyway - must do some gloating cataloguing

The April Baby - that one isn't even on my list! Nerd, that I am I keep lists of my 'target authors' output and cross titles off as I acquire them. I probably shouldn't admit that. I HAVE got The Bell Family and New Town though.

I have a few of her adult novels - do you have any of hers writing as Susan Scarlet? they sound hilarious

I am hankering after The Children's Matinee
I am also intrigued by the series called "The April Baby" etc which I have only very rarely seen offered. I had a chance to buy that one once (had a windfall and ds was an April Baby) but in the absence of any information about what they were like, decided not to (it would have been the most expensive book I've bought, IIRC)

What haven't you got?

No I haven't got them, but am working on it. Mind you some are better than other - Tennis Shoes - yawn, Apple Bough - fab for instance.

you haven't GOT the entire works of Noel Streatfeild, have you? I have about 2/3 and working on the rest, but I have run out of money I think. I would love to grill you about certain rare ones that I haven't got, if so.

I am re-reading my way through the whole Antonia Forest Marlow series. I am loving every minute of it (actually that is not true, as I am on Peter's Room now which is probably my least favourite)

I have had a few books from the States but as they didn't cost more than whatever the tax threshold was, I didn't have to pay any duty. You need the sender to put the value of the item on the outside of the package.

Yes, thanks Rosa, I had a look and was shocked at how much it costs in the UK.

Have you had stuff shipped from the US? I had a package (not books) Fed Ex'd recently and was nastily surprised to find they send you a tax invoice on top of the shipping. The tax alone was about £35 - but it was an expensive item and I think it's based on the value of the item.

Have you had anything shipped for a reasonable cost?

Chocolare Girl - Don't have Bannermere, but have a look at this Abebook listing if you want a copy, the cheapest way is clearly to have it posted from the US.

There are 67 Chalet School books that are written by E Brent-Dyer AFAIK but there are other 'infill' books that have been written by others to supply 'missing' parts of the story.

Just out of interest how many Chalet School books are there? I probably have several hundred children's books (mine that is) but my genre is fantasy. I do an annual cull of books, but very few of the children's books fail the "would I read this again" test

You haven't got a duplicate of No Boats on Bannermere, have you? I remember doing this in my first year in secondary school... I'm almost tempted to write to my school (even though I left more than twenty years ago!) and see if there's a copy gathering dust in the back of cupboard somewhere!

I do know what you mean about enjoying looking for bargains in 2nd hand book shops but I'm afraid living in Germany means these chances are few and far between. Some of these books go for shocking prices on the internet -i got carried away and spent £40 on 'Changes for the Chalet School' and decided I would far rather support Girls Gone By who try to keep prices fair and are doing a really good job at bringing all these old books to a new audience.
But if i ever see any tatty old paperbacks i buy them too! Love Noel Streatfield -have most of hers and am trying to collect 'Drina' series -about a young ballet dancer-at the moment.

Gay from China is currently being sold by Girls Gone By -original text etc £11 inc post! I have a paperback copy but original is so much better- can't wait for Christmas!

I love Angela Brazil - The School at the Turrets was one of my fave books as a child. Am at your complete set of Noel Streatfield as well - was thiking of trying to find all the Gemma books which I loved as well...

Ah, but do you have Gay from China at the Chalet School? I've only once ever seen a copy.

if you have a duplicate of that, SOLD

I got that off Abebooks
I'd love to see a duplicate list, we have very few dupes at home and much of our stuff is yellowing crumbly 60s and 70s Puffins alas

Ha, but do you have The Gentle Falcon by Hilda Lewis, Rosa? One of my favourites

Lol, have you thought of becoming an Usborne Organiser!!

you would have a whole catalogue of childrens books with over 1000 books to look at lol

I think all that sounds marvellous. If I had the room ... and all your energy, I'd do the same. Not boarding school books, though. Hmm what would I do? Illustration, probably. Illustration, but only with adequately well-written (from me that's a really rigorous standard) text.

Always good to find another children's fiction fan! I try to convince myself mine is as good as a pension but mine are a bit dog-eared,bent and loved! Have you discovered Girls Gone By? Am just ordering 10 new books for Christmas! Will try to persuade DS to read them -but he is only 2 and a half!