Little Stars (Hetty Feather)

Product Information

When Mona Smith, Mr Benjamin, Marcella, Roland, Esmeralda, Bruno and Ambrose go to the Empire Exhibition at Wembley, after all the rides Ambrose complains that they need to go somewhere more peaceful, so the group visits the Pear's Palace of Beauty, where several models played historical figures.

Meanwhile, Hetty struggles to understand her feelings for Bertie – and for Jem, whom she has never forgotten.Hetty tries to fit in but doesn't thrive, and jumps at the opportunity to go back to her hometown when her foster father dies. One thing I would change is how the fact that Jem's wedding is only about 5 pages long, I was really expecting it to be a key event in the story however, I also like that it wasn't more than 5 pages because it really showed Hetty growing up and becoming more independent without needing Jem.

Although, as aforementioned, a tad abrupt, the ending to this book and Hetty's story is definitely a satisfying one. Now, seeking life as music hall artistes, our beloved characters are well-off with a place to stay where Hetty earns their keep sewing gowns for Miss Gibson from Gibson's Gowns, and performing a child novelty act in the Cavalcade music hall for Mrs Ruby. The people the girls meet, the friends they make, the dangers they encounter, and the glamorous music hall entertainers they accompany, all make fascinating reading.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. 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.