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Hetty Feather #7
Hetty Feather's Christmas
Cosy up for Christmas with this brand-new festive story, starring everyone's favourite Victorian foundling, Hetty Feather!
An unexpected gift leads to trouble for Hetty on Christmas Day at the Foundling Hospital, and the dreaded Matron Bottomly is delighted to have an excuse to exclude Hetty from the festive celebrations. Poor Hetty is distraught – but just when it seems that all is lost, a dear friend arrives to whisk her away for a Christmas unlike any other . . .
Full of friendship, fun and festive cheer, this beautifully-packaged hardback is complete with stunning illustrations by Nick Sharratt and fabulous bonus material featuring fun facts about the Victorian Christmas. The perfect stocking-filler for every Jacqueline Wilson fan.
An unexpected gift leads to trouble for Hetty on Christmas Day at the Foundling Hospital, and the dreaded Matron Bottomly is delighted to have an excuse to exclude Hetty from the festive celebrations. Poor Hetty is distraught – but just when it seems that all is lost, a dear friend arrives to whisk her away for a Christmas unlike any other . . .
Full of friendship, fun and festive cheer, this beautifully-packaged hardback is complete with stunning illustrations by Nick Sharratt and fabulous bonus material featuring fun facts about the Victorian Christmas. The perfect stocking-filler for every Jacqueline Wilson fan.
240 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2017
52 people are currently reading
704 people want to read
About the author
Jacqueline Wilson
397 books5,768 followersJacqueline Wilson was born in Bath in 1945, but spent most of her childhood in Kingston-on-Thames. She always wanted to be a writer and wrote her first ‘novel’ when she was nine, filling in countless Woolworths’ exercise books as she grew up. As a teenager she started work for a magazine publishing company and then went on to work as a journalist on Jackie magazine (which she was told was named after her!) before turning to writing novels full-time.
One of Jacqueline’s most successful and enduring creations has been the famous Tracy Beaker, who first appeared in 1991 in The Story of Tracy Beaker. This was also the first of her books to be illustrated by Nick Sharratt. Since then Jacqueline has been on countless awards shortlists and has gone on to win many awards. The Illustrated Mum won the Guardian Children’s Fiction Award, the 1999 Children’s Book of the Year at the British Book Awards and was also shortlisted for the 1999 Whitbread Children’s Book Award.
Double Act won the prestigious Smarties Medal and the Children’s Book Award as well as being highly commended for the Carnegie Medal. The Story of Tracy Beaker won the 2002 Blue Peter People’s Choice Award.
Jacqueline is one of the nation’s favourite authors, and her books are loved and cherished by young readers not only in the UK but all over the world. She has sold millions of books and in the UK alone the total now stands at over 35 million!
In 2002 Jacqueline was awarded the OBE for services to literacy in schools and from 2005 to 2007 she was the Children’s Laureate. In 2008 she became Dame Jacqueline Wilson.
One of Jacqueline’s most successful and enduring creations has been the famous Tracy Beaker, who first appeared in 1991 in The Story of Tracy Beaker. This was also the first of her books to be illustrated by Nick Sharratt. Since then Jacqueline has been on countless awards shortlists and has gone on to win many awards. The Illustrated Mum won the Guardian Children’s Fiction Award, the 1999 Children’s Book of the Year at the British Book Awards and was also shortlisted for the 1999 Whitbread Children’s Book Award.
Double Act won the prestigious Smarties Medal and the Children’s Book Award as well as being highly commended for the Carnegie Medal. The Story of Tracy Beaker won the 2002 Blue Peter People’s Choice Award.
Jacqueline is one of the nation’s favourite authors, and her books are loved and cherished by young readers not only in the UK but all over the world. She has sold millions of books and in the UK alone the total now stands at over 35 million!
In 2002 Jacqueline was awarded the OBE for services to literacy in schools and from 2005 to 2007 she was the Children’s Laureate. In 2008 she became Dame Jacqueline Wilson.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
January 1, 2023
Hetty Feather cannot stay out of trouble with Matron Bottom for more than 10 mins and this time it really wasn't her fault this time. The festive season is doomed or is it? I can't say any more. This book is easy to read and quickly draws you into the story. I couldn't stop reading, I have read a couple of other books in this series but enjoyed this one the best. I love the book cover, it is so festive and full of Christmas promise. I like history and found the facts of what a real Christmas would have been like for a child in Victoria times very interesting.
December 30, 2017
I have read all of Jacqueline Wilson's books so far and I won't let a little thing like growing up stop me continuing that ;) age is just a number after all
I was pleasantly surprised to find that the whole of this book actually takes place on Christmas day, normally books with a Christmassy title just include a small part that is actually Christmas but this whole book is December 25th from very early hours of the morning up to bedtime
It's nice to read a book that has a new story but with characters that you already know, it gives you more of an insight in to their lives and I always feel like I can settle in to familiar surroundings as I start the first page
I would say that this would be suitable for a slightly younger audience than some of the authors other books, even others in this series, but wouldn't put a limit to the age range as I feel older children (or adults, like me) would take things from it that the younger readers wouldn't pick up on. I would put it at 7 or 8 onwards and think that it would make a great festive read, I will be buying a few copies for gifts next Christmas
I had to give this book 5 stars because I finished it in one go and have already decided to put it away with the Christmas decorations so that it is brought out next Christmas to read again
I was pleasantly surprised to find that the whole of this book actually takes place on Christmas day, normally books with a Christmassy title just include a small part that is actually Christmas but this whole book is December 25th from very early hours of the morning up to bedtime
It's nice to read a book that has a new story but with characters that you already know, it gives you more of an insight in to their lives and I always feel like I can settle in to familiar surroundings as I start the first page
I would say that this would be suitable for a slightly younger audience than some of the authors other books, even others in this series, but wouldn't put a limit to the age range as I feel older children (or adults, like me) would take things from it that the younger readers wouldn't pick up on. I would put it at 7 or 8 onwards and think that it would make a great festive read, I will be buying a few copies for gifts next Christmas
I had to give this book 5 stars because I finished it in one go and have already decided to put it away with the Christmas decorations so that it is brought out next Christmas to read again
October 25, 2017
I was given the first Hetty Feather book for my 14th birthday. I'm now 22, and still excited for a new book in the series! This latest addition to Hetty's story is not very long, and covers just one day, Christmas Day, but it makes a lovely short read all the same. I love the fact that Wilson is continuing to fill us in on the gaps in Hetty's life between the original trilogy, as well as intertwining her other Victorian characters into the story. Wilson's easy-to-follow reading style makes this a brilliant book for younger readers, and is packed full of interesting 19th Century Christmas information and traditions. I expected this to be an enjoyable read, and it didn't disappoint. Finished in approximately 10 hours!
December 23, 2022
#BorrowBox
#audiobooks
A lovely children's book with a Christmas theme. It was very enjoyable. Hetty Feather is a great character.
I can see why Jacqueline Wilson is so popular with children.
#audiobooks
A lovely children's book with a Christmas theme. It was very enjoyable. Hetty Feather is a great character.
I can see why Jacqueline Wilson is so popular with children.
September 9, 2018
Cute, easy read from when Hetty was still at the Foundling Hospital. (And her life significantly more drama/love-triangle-free than the later Hetty Feather books!) I'm liking how the mental health rep is increasing in Wilson's novels.
December 15, 2020
2.5 stars.
December 25, 2023
Lovely! I always love reading this on christmas eve night :)
November 30, 2025
Hetty Feather has always been a childhood favourite of mine and I loved returning to this as an adult. And I have a special place in my heart for Christmas so a Hetty Feather festive special was a true gift!
She’s such a wildfire character with determination, personality and gumption in spades. And I love the setting of this in the time period, and with a Christmassy theme too.
After listening to this (the audiobook was fab!!), it’s reminded me that I need to go back and revisit the whole series again and soak up all the nostalgia.
She’s such a wildfire character with determination, personality and gumption in spades. And I love the setting of this in the time period, and with a Christmassy theme too.
After listening to this (the audiobook was fab!!), it’s reminded me that I need to go back and revisit the whole series again and soak up all the nostalgia.
December 16, 2018
A sweet Christmas story with a much loved Jacqueline Wilson character.
December 23, 2024
A lovely little Christmas story featuring our favourite Victorian Hetty Feather.
December 24, 2025
Listen I need to get up to 75 books 😭
January 18, 2026
I found this book really interesting I think it’s quite a good book but more Christmas themed than all year round.
Read
March 9, 2023I love hetty feather I love the books more because they explain what is is going on 👍🏻🐴🐴🐴
December 18, 2024
I loved this! I would actually give it 4.25 stars, but it doesn’t let you give fractions of stars. This is most definitely now one of my favourite Christmas books! I had read it before, and I thought it was good, but the second time round I just loved it! It could be that when I first read this, I hadn’t read Clover Moon, so couldn’t pick up on any of the references, but now I have read Clover Moon, I could pick up on them.
I think the best characters are Rose, Clover, Hetty or Mr Rivers. I know I’m being predictable and boring, but they are really good characters!
I think the best characters are Rose, Clover, Hetty or Mr Rivers. I know I’m being predictable and boring, but they are really good characters!
August 16, 2020
A nice short read. I always feel that Wilson's great strength in writing is the complexities and emotions of her characters - even in short books such as these you get such a feeling and strong picture of each character
January 9, 2018
I will continue to read Jaqueline Wilson’s new books and ones I have missed along the way.
They are so easy to read, and very interesting even as an adult!
They are so easy to read, and very interesting even as an adult!
August 5, 2018
It was ok but in my opinion not the authors best book. I think it would have been better if it had taken place over multiple days rather than just one.
January 1, 2019
Read to my 6 year old son over the Christmas period. He thoroughly enjoyed it- a story not just for girls it would seem.
October 8, 2021
A pleasant and quick stand alone Hetty Feather companion novel. Nothing especially notable, but it’s always comforting to step back into a childhood world.
April 21, 2021
Pro mě tahle knížka byla úplně úžasná. Protože já zbožňuju knížky o Hetty Featherové. Je to moje nejoblíbenější série ze všech knížek, které jsem doteď přečetla. Tenhle příběh jsem "hltala" od začátku až do konce. Hetty má neuvěřitelný charakter a už v takovém mladém věku si dokázala uvědomit, že to, jak s nimi zacházejí není vůbec lidské oproti téhle době, ve které si žijeme, dá se říct, všichni luxusně oproti 19. století. Ostatní nalezenci to, podle mě, brali jako samozřejmost, že je bijí kvůli každé prkotině. Ale Hetty si uvědomovala, že to tak není správné.
Hetty úplně zbožňuju a Jacqueline Wilson taky, takže jsem si tuhle knížku nemohla nechat ujít. Byla to úžasná knížka. Ač se může zdát jako obyčejná vánoční oddechovka, tak má v sobě hloubku. Protože tady jde úplně poznat, že Vánoce vážně nejsou o dárcích, ale o tom jak a s kým je prožijete. Hetty vypráví, jak jí je líto, že nemůže být se svou maminkou a to vás vážně chytá za srdce. V téhle době si vůbec neuvědomujeme, že nám rodiče můžou tak neuvěřitelně chybět, protože bereme jako samozřejmost, že je máme. Ale kdybyste tuhle knížku dali dítěti z dětského domova, tak by se v tomto příběhu vidělo a tahle kniha a ostatní o Hetty by byly jedny z jeho oblíbených věcí v jeho životě (podle mě), ale jenom u některých dětí, protože někteří by si to třeba neuvědomovali.
Moje oblíbená postava byla samozřejmě Hetty, ale moje další oblíbená postava byla slečna Smithová. Ta vlastně dala Hetty to celé Vánoční překvapení, takže jí patří ten velký dík. Potom byla moje oblíbená postava Clover, Rose a Beth. Beth ne až tak moc jako Clover a Rose, ale taky byla miloučká a litovala jsem jí, že má tu poruchu. Clover je moc hodná holka a, stejně jako Hetty, je jí škoda na služku. Už se moc těším, až si přečtu tu knížku o ní - Čtyřlístek pro štěstí. A to stejné u Rose. Rose byla skvělá postava a taky všechno pochopila už předčasně, ne jako její lakomá matka nebo chůvy, které to nepochopily ani po 40-50 letech svého života. A její táta byl taky fajn. A taky se moc těším na knížku o ní, která má vyjít v příštím roce.
Bottomlyová - o té i nerada mluvím (píšu), protože nenávidím její chování a nechápu, jak s tím může žít.
A ta vánoční příloha byla skvělá. Ty baňky určitě využiju a ty návody taky.
Prostě všechny knížky o Hetty, z 19. století od Jacqueline Wilsonové pro mě byly velkým čtenářským zážitkem a nedám na ně dopustit. Myslím si, že si je určitě ještě několikrát přečtu, protože jsou neskutečně krásné. Myslím, že i Čtyřlístek pro štěstí, Sladké časy a kniha o Rose Riversové budou stejně skvělé jako série o Hetty, i když, ta nasadila laťku hodně vysoko.
Hetty úplně zbožňuju a Jacqueline Wilson taky, takže jsem si tuhle knížku nemohla nechat ujít. Byla to úžasná knížka. Ač se může zdát jako obyčejná vánoční oddechovka, tak má v sobě hloubku. Protože tady jde úplně poznat, že Vánoce vážně nejsou o dárcích, ale o tom jak a s kým je prožijete. Hetty vypráví, jak jí je líto, že nemůže být se svou maminkou a to vás vážně chytá za srdce. V téhle době si vůbec neuvědomujeme, že nám rodiče můžou tak neuvěřitelně chybět, protože bereme jako samozřejmost, že je máme. Ale kdybyste tuhle knížku dali dítěti z dětského domova, tak by se v tomto příběhu vidělo a tahle kniha a ostatní o Hetty by byly jedny z jeho oblíbených věcí v jeho životě (podle mě), ale jenom u některých dětí, protože někteří by si to třeba neuvědomovali.
Moje oblíbená postava byla samozřejmě Hetty, ale moje další oblíbená postava byla slečna Smithová. Ta vlastně dala Hetty to celé Vánoční překvapení, takže jí patří ten velký dík. Potom byla moje oblíbená postava Clover, Rose a Beth. Beth ne až tak moc jako Clover a Rose, ale taky byla miloučká a litovala jsem jí, že má tu poruchu. Clover je moc hodná holka a, stejně jako Hetty, je jí škoda na služku. Už se moc těším, až si přečtu tu knížku o ní - Čtyřlístek pro štěstí. A to stejné u Rose. Rose byla skvělá postava a taky všechno pochopila už předčasně, ne jako její lakomá matka nebo chůvy, které to nepochopily ani po 40-50 letech svého života. A její táta byl taky fajn. A taky se moc těším na knížku o ní, která má vyjít v příštím roce.
Bottomlyová - o té i nerada mluvím (píšu), protože nenávidím její chování a nechápu, jak s tím může žít.
A ta vánoční příloha byla skvělá. Ty baňky určitě využiju a ty návody taky.
Prostě všechny knížky o Hetty, z 19. století od Jacqueline Wilsonové pro mě byly velkým čtenářským zážitkem a nedám na ně dopustit. Myslím si, že si je určitě ještě několikrát přečtu, protože jsou neskutečně krásné. Myslím, že i Čtyřlístek pro štěstí, Sladké časy a kniha o Rose Riversové budou stejně skvělé jako série o Hetty, i když, ta nasadila laťku hodně vysoko.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 22, 2026
A Heart‑Stealing Christmas Tale That Britain Needs Right Now
Hetty Feather’s Christmas is exactly the sort of story that makes you put the kettle on, curl up under a blanket, and remember what Christmas is actually meant to feel like. Jacqueline Wilson has a gift for capturing the innocence, grit, and hope of Victorian childhood, and Hetty shines brighter than any shop‑bought bauble.
What struck me most is how gently — and cleverly — the book reminds us of the true meaning of Christmas. Not the frantic shopping, not the endless sales, not the pressure to buy bigger, better, flashier things. It’s a real shame how commercialised the season has become, and how many people today seem to have forgotten that Christmas is supposed to be about kindness, generosity, and looking out for one another. Hetty’s world may be set in the past, but the message lands squarely in the present.
The writing is warm, funny, and full of heart. The illustrations add a sprinkle of magic. And Hetty herself is as spirited and lovable as ever — a little beacon of courage reminding us that compassion costs nothing and means everything.
♥️✨️🎄
Hetty Feather’s Christmas is exactly the sort of story that makes you put the kettle on, curl up under a blanket, and remember what Christmas is actually meant to feel like. Jacqueline Wilson has a gift for capturing the innocence, grit, and hope of Victorian childhood, and Hetty shines brighter than any shop‑bought bauble.
What struck me most is how gently — and cleverly — the book reminds us of the true meaning of Christmas. Not the frantic shopping, not the endless sales, not the pressure to buy bigger, better, flashier things. It’s a real shame how commercialised the season has become, and how many people today seem to have forgotten that Christmas is supposed to be about kindness, generosity, and looking out for one another. Hetty’s world may be set in the past, but the message lands squarely in the present.
The writing is warm, funny, and full of heart. The illustrations add a sprinkle of magic. And Hetty herself is as spirited and lovable as ever — a little beacon of courage reminding us that compassion costs nothing and means everything.
♥️✨️🎄
April 12, 2018
Hetty is still in the foundling hospital, her mother still fired from there though she gets her Christmas present until her enemy Sheila and the horrid matron destroys it and punishes Hetty locking her away in disgrace.
Her little sister Eliza however brightens her time locked away with a slab of toffee as a present.
Then kindly Miss Smith rescues her and Hetty gets a mini Christmas adventure out of the founding hospital!
Seeing old friends, meeting new children and seeing their antics as well as getting a lovely dinner for once, it's a Christmas to remember.
This was a sad then happier book for sure, highlighting what life for founding children would've been like for real and had kind government's looking out for them. Jacqueline has written a sweet story which shows friendship can be born between friends despite their situations.
Her little sister Eliza however brightens her time locked away with a slab of toffee as a present.
Then kindly Miss Smith rescues her and Hetty gets a mini Christmas adventure out of the founding hospital!
Seeing old friends, meeting new children and seeing their antics as well as getting a lovely dinner for once, it's a Christmas to remember.
This was a sad then happier book for sure, highlighting what life for founding children would've been like for real and had kind government's looking out for them. Jacqueline has written a sweet story which shows friendship can be born between friends despite their situations.
November 23, 2024
Since we are starting the festive season, I got cosy and decided to read a festive story starring the character Hetty Feather.
An unexpected gift will lead Hetty Feather to trouble on Christmas Day at the Foundling Hospital and Matron Bottomly who is delighted to have an excuse to exclude Hetty from all of the festive celebrations. Hetty Feather is distraught and just when she seems that all hope is lost for her. All of a sudden, a dear friend of Hetty Feather arrives to take her away for the day on Christmas.
This novella is full of friendship, fun and festive cheer that has stunning images by Nick Sharratt with bonus material for younger readers which features list of fun facts about what Christmas was like in the Victorian era.
An unexpected gift will lead Hetty Feather to trouble on Christmas Day at the Foundling Hospital and Matron Bottomly who is delighted to have an excuse to exclude Hetty from all of the festive celebrations. Hetty Feather is distraught and just when she seems that all hope is lost for her. All of a sudden, a dear friend of Hetty Feather arrives to take her away for the day on Christmas.
This novella is full of friendship, fun and festive cheer that has stunning images by Nick Sharratt with bonus material for younger readers which features list of fun facts about what Christmas was like in the Victorian era.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 15, 2020
Just a wonderful little Christmas novella featuring our 3 splendid victorian heroines: Hetty Feather, Clover Moon and Rose Rivers. I must say, Wilson does have a love of unique names, as do I.
It is Christmas, and Hetty has received a splendid gift from her mother Ida. However, after a little tussle Madam Bottomly discovers the scene and Hetty is sent packing up to the attic, where she is discovered by her dear writer friend Mrs Smith. She whisks Hetty away to a Christmas gathering at the Rivers household, full of food, fun and games. Sweet and jolly, this is an effortlessly festive read starring my favourite Jacqueline Wilson character.
It is Christmas, and Hetty has received a splendid gift from her mother Ida. However, after a little tussle Madam Bottomly discovers the scene and Hetty is sent packing up to the attic, where she is discovered by her dear writer friend Mrs Smith. She whisks Hetty away to a Christmas gathering at the Rivers household, full of food, fun and games. Sweet and jolly, this is an effortlessly festive read starring my favourite Jacqueline Wilson character.
January 30, 2023
Hetty Feather is an orphan living in a children's home. She's a clever but fiery little thing who frequently runs afoul of Matron, who calls her a child of Satan. Hetty's mother was destitute and couldn't keep her, so got a job at the home to be near Hetty. Sadly, Matron discovered their connection and sent the mother away.
In this story she's received a tiny gift from her mother, a gift that leads to a flareup between her and another girl, and then with Matron. Thankfully Hetty has a younger friend in the home and a friend in one of the trustees. This kind lady visits that afternoon and manages to take Hetty out of the punishment cupboard and to a Christmas supper she'll never forget.
In this story she's received a tiny gift from her mother, a gift that leads to a flareup between her and another girl, and then with Matron. Thankfully Hetty has a younger friend in the home and a friend in one of the trustees. This kind lady visits that afternoon and manages to take Hetty out of the punishment cupboard and to a Christmas supper she'll never forget.
December 21, 2023
I was a HUGE fan of the Hetty Feather series when I was about eleven years old and I read Hetty Feather, Sapphire Battersea, Emerald Star and Diamond about 50 times. I adored this universe and so even though I’m now twenty years old I had to read this Christmas instalment! I absolutely loved it and it was so great to look back at a series I loved. I loved the overlap with Rose Rivers and Clover Moon (two books I’ll have to read at some point!) and I loved how it was all set on Christmas Day, with all the action taking place over one day. I’ll definitely return to this one next year, me thinks! I really enjoyed it :)
December 9, 2025
THESE COVERS ARE SO EMBARRASSING TO LOG JESUS CHRIST
A bit of a pointless story, clearly just marketing for Clover Moon and Rose Rivers. This sort of bridges the gap left between Ida's absence and Hetty leaving for service, but you realise why that was left out when you read this.
So much of this was just recounting the first book too. It seems a waste. A cash-in.
A bit of a pointless story, clearly just marketing for Clover Moon and Rose Rivers. This sort of bridges the gap left between Ida's absence and Hetty leaving for service, but you realise why that was left out when you read this.
So much of this was just recounting the first book too. It seems a waste. A cash-in.
September 28, 2020
I love the Hetty Feather series and to be able to have a look into what the lives of Foundling children at Christmas was like. I know it's probably a bit early to read Christmas books, but as I love Christmas I didn't think so! This was a great and moving story of what Hetty Feather and the Foundling children back then had missed out on Christmas. I really enjoyed seeing how Hetty would react to what her dear friend would have in store for her. 5 stars!
February 19, 2021
I love this book. Now I know that it’s a Christmas book, but I still think it is absolutely AMAZING. I definitely recommend Jacqueline Wilson to anyone!! I have already said it, but I’ll say it again. This. Book. Is. Awesome!!! Thank you for reading, and for more book reviews for kids, check out my YouTube channel: Keira’s Kids Book Reviews. I appreciate you reading this!
Keira
Keira
December 9, 2025
Very simple and heart-touching tale of the titular foundling girl who gets to experience true Christmas with the help of kindly Miss Smith who brought her to a very rich Rivers family to gain and spread Christmas cheer.....creative illustrations and simple words......the author is also kind enough to insert interesting facts about Christmas during Victorian era.....
Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews