Discover Christmas gifts we know they'll love

Hetty Feather

by 5 books in this series
Hetty Feather was left at a foundling hospital when she was a tiny baby. Having grown up in a loving foster family until she was five, and then finding herself returned to the hospital, she begins to question who her actual family are, and is determined to stop at nothing to find out where she came from. Jacqueline Wilson’s acclaimed series follows Hetty and her friend Diamond as they work their way up from their lowly backgrounds to become stars, overcoming loss, unkind bosses and flirtatious boys.
#1 - Hetty Feather
#1 - Hetty Feather
The mega-bestselling tale of fiery, spirited Victorian foundling, Hetty Feather.

London, 1876. Hetty Feather is just a tiny baby when her mother leaves her at the Foundling Hospital. The Hospital cares for abandoned children - but Hetty must first live with a foster family until she is big enough to go to school.

Life in the countryside is sometimes hard, but with her foster brothers, Jem and Gideon, Hetty helps in the fields and plays vivid imaginary games. Together they sneak off to visit the travelling circus, and Hetty is mesmerised by the show - especially the stunning Madame Adeline and her performing horses.

But Hetty's happiness is threatened once more when she must return to the Foundling Hospital to begin her education. The new life of awful uniforms and terrible food is a struggle for her, and she desperately misses her beloved Jem. But now she has the chance to find her real mother. Could she really be the wonderful Madame Adeline? Or will Hetty find the truth is even more surprising?

Jacqueline Wilson will surprise and delight old fans and new with this utterly original historical novel.

The first book featuring feisty Victorian heroine, Hetty Feather, this is a compelling, moving, funny and totally fascinating tale that will thrill and captivate readers.
#2 - Sapphire Battersea
#2 - Sapphire Battersea
My name is Sapphire Battersea. Doesn't that sound beautiful?

When Hetty Feather, a foundling, is finally reunited with her mother, she hopes that her beautiful new name, Sapphire Battersea, will also mean a new life! But things don't always go as planned...

The twists and turns of Hetty's adventure are endless - she goes to work as a maid for a wealthy man, and she even finds a new sweetheart!

But Hetty's life may also take a darker path. Can she cope with the trials ahead?

As wise, warm and deliciously readable as ever
- Daily Express

Enter the amazing world of Hetty Feather and follow her adventures throughout the series:
1. Hetty Feather
2. Sapphire Battersea
3. Emerald Star
4. Diamond
#3 - Emerald Star
#3 - Emerald Star
'I am Emerald . . . Star,' I announced, giving birth to my new self right that moment.

Brave, feisty Hetty Feather is back on another fantastic adventure!

Since leaving the Foundling Hospital, Hetty has seen her fair share of drama, excitement, tragedy and loss. After the death of her beloved mama, she sets off to find a real home at last - starting with the search for her father.

But Hetty is no longer a simple country girl, and begins to fear she'll never truly belong anywhere. And even when she is reunited with her beloved childhood sweetheart Jem, Hetty still longs for adventure - especially when an enchanting figure from her past makes an unexpected reappearance. Could a more exciting future lie ahead for Hetty?

A brilliant end-of-series novel, the sort with just the right amount of tragedy, love, adventure and excitement.
- The Guardian

Enter the amazing world of Hetty Feather and follow her adventures throughout the series:
1. Hetty Feather
2. Sapphire Battersea
3. Emerald Star
4. Diamond
#4 - Diamond
#4 - Diamond
Diamond wasn't always a star. Born to penniless parents who longed for a strong, healthy son, she was a dainty, delicate daughter - and a bitter disappointment.

Discovering an extraordinary gift for acrobatics, Diamond uses her talent to earn a few pennies, but brings shame on her family. When a mysterious, cruel-eyed stranger spots her performing, Diamond is sold - and is taken to become an acrobat at Tanglefield's Travelling Circus.

The crowds adore Diamond, but life behind the velvet curtains is far from glamorous. Her wicked master forces Diamond to attempt ever more daring tricks, until she is terrified to step into the ring. But there are true friends to be found, too: the gentle Mister Marvel; the kindly Madame Adeline; and the glorious Emerald Star, Tanglefield's brand-new ringmaster, and Diamond's heroine.

When life at the circus becomes too dangerous to bear any longer, what will the future hold for Diamond? And will her beloved Emerald be a part of it?

Enter the amazing world of Hetty Feather and follow her adventures throughout the series:
1. Hetty Feather
2. Sapphire Battersea
3. Emerald Star
4. Diamond
#5 - Little Stars
#5 - Little Stars
Hetty Feather has begun a new chapter in her life story. Escaping from Tanglefield’s Travelling Circus with her dearest friend Diamond, Hetty is determined to find them positions as glamorous music hall artistes.

Hetty and Diamond quickly become the Little Stars of Mrs Ruby’s show, alongside many colourful acts – including an old friend from Hetty’s past, Flirty Bertie. But the Cavalcade proves a dangerous place, and Hetty must fight to protect her darling Diamond, who longs for a normal childhood. Meanwhile, Hetty struggles to understand her feelings for Bertie – and for Jem, whom she has never forgotten.

Hetty dreams of a glittering future for herself and Diamond. The bright lights of the London theatre world beckon – will Hetty become a true star?

Starring a cast of wonderful characters, both old favourites and new, this is the fifth fabulous Hetty Feather story.

Sign up to the Penguin Newsletter

For the latest books, recommendations, author interviews and more