The first in a new madcap, hilarious series about Bridget Vanderpuff, whipsmart inventor and amateur sleuth with a taste for adventure. It's a recipe for fun with mystery, villainy, cake and sprinkles of silliness, heart and hope. Bridget Baxter is the very last orphan at the Orphanage for Errant Childs, left at the mercy of the awful Miss Acrid and her foul-smelling fish sandwiches. Miss Acrid's mission is to make Bridget's life a misery. But Bridget is more than a match for her. When kindly Mr Vanderpuff arrives at the Orphanage in search of a child to care for, Bridget thinks her luck has finally turned. Mr Vanderpuff is the village baker, and his shop is a world of wonders. But they soon discover that Bridget is absolutely terrible at baking. When Miss Acrid returns for the ultimate revenge, Bridget must open the Locked and Secret Door, navigate Miss Acrid's spiderweb of booby traps and use her unique baking skills to save herself - and Mr Vanderpuff - from certain disaster. Join Bridget as she dons her chef whites and gets the kwassongs at the ready... Baking isn't such a piece of cake.

A new series about Bridget Vanderpuff, self-styled Sherlock sleuth and inventor extraordinaire, and her benefactor Mr Vanderpuff, baker of wonders. Full of mystery, adventure, villains, inventions and lots of cake.

About the Author
Martin Stewart made his first book using Post-It notes aged eight. His work has been shortlisted for major awards and translated into multiple languages. A native of Glasgow and former secondary school English teacher, he now lives on the west coast of Scotland. Instagram: martin_j_stewart bridgetvanderpuff.com David Habben is an artist based in Utah, USA. Instagram: habben_illustration

Reviews
'A deliciously riotous adventure, packed with invention, mystery and glorious silliness, Bridget Vanderpuff is the perfect recipe for a modern-day Matilda.' -- David Owen, author of Alex Neptune, Dragon Thief
'Martin Stewart's new book is generously stuffed with irreverent imagination and warm-hearted jokes. Bridget is a deliciously flavoursome character and her adventures are sure to be gobbled up by eager readers in a single sitting. I'm sure I won't be the only one asking: "Please Sir, may I have some more?"' -- Keith Gray, author of The Climbers
Fun and frivolous, filled with lashings of love and exciting escapades... Five big fat stars from us * Mini Travellers *
This brilliant kids mystery novel is a recipe for fun with sprinkles of silliness, heart and hope. * Scots Magazine *
'Martin Stewart has created a lively character in Bridget, and one that young readers are going to want to meet again and again. Her ingenuity is admirable, her inventions imaginative - and the results of her baking attempts dramatic... Here is a character to grab the attention, the stories full of heart, humour and imagination and ideal for that KS2 audience whether as a read alone - or read aloud. One to watch.' * Books for Keeps *
'Undoubtedly one of my very favourite reads of 2023. Full of fun, as cosy as your favourite cardie and slippers, and with a heroine who I absolutely adored, this is the start of a new series featuring magic, ingenious inventions and the most amazing cakes and bakes ever created as sparky and loyal Bridget worms her way into your heart with her determination and big personality.' * Mrs Sydney's Famous World's Smallest Library *
'I loved the book because it was funny and adventurous' * Frank, aged 9 *
'I loved this book so much, it full of kindness, fun, and cosy vibes. The book is just a delight to dig into, as sweet as a chocolate cake - but you can revisit this one and I hope children and adults will too - and join Bridget on her next, upcoming adventure.' * Nora, Bookseller, Waterstones Trafalgar Square *



Book Information
ISBN 9781804549094
Author Martin Stewart
Format Paperback
Page Count 304
Imprint Zephyr
Publisher Bloomsbury Publishing PLC