["Ballet Shoes"] gradually shapes itself into an interpretation of the nature of a dramatic artist's talents as well as a detailed description of her training…. [Most] interesting of all is the account of the flowering of Posy's unself-conscious genius.

The children's efforts to help tide the household through lean days is a gallant and touching story, but the mass of detail in the latter half of the book disappointingly obscures the original and humorous mood in which the tale was conceived, and reduces the proper development of the girls' personalities into sketchy outlines. The story will, however, be read with interest … for its graphic portrayal of the children's stage world in London.

Ellen Lewis Buell, "The New Books for Boys and Girls: 'Ballet Shoes'," in The New York Times Book Review (© 1937 by The New York Times Company; reprinted by permission), August 15, 1937, p. 10.