London, 1876. Hetty Feather is a tiny, fiery-haired baby when her mother leaves her on the steps of the Foundling Hospital. Sent to live with a foster family in the country until she is big enough to go to school, Hetty plays vivid imaginary games with her foster brothers.

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 when she must return to the Foundling Hospital to begin her education. The cruel matrons' strict regime is a terrible struggle for Hetty, and she desperately misses her beloved foster brother, Jem.

But now she has the chance to find her real mother. Could she really be Madame Adeline? Or will the truth be even more surprising? An original, compelling and utterly fascinating tale from one of the most beloved writers of our time, and now a major CBBC series.