From the very first page [of "Family Shoes," American title of "The Bell Family"] we are immediately in [the Bells' house, sharing their] tribulations…. There are wisdom and humor here and a delightfully sane family feeling. In her other "Shoes" books the author introduced us to real boys and girls; now she has created a highly diverting family, each member a definite personality.

Mary Welsh, "Vicar of London," in The New York Times Book Review, Part II (© 1954 by The New York Times Company; reprinted by permission), November 14, 1954, p. 32.