Bridget Vanderpuff and the Baked Escape - Martin Stewart

 

Bridget lives in the Orphanage for Errant Childs with her best friend Tom.  They don't live a happy life due to Miss Acrid, who runs the orphanage; however, they know that they will be fine as long as they have each other.  Bridget is brilliant at inventing things and prides herself on being able to pick any lock imaginable (which comes in handy when Miss Acrid repetedly locks her in the dungeons).  Once a year, the orphanage is opened up to families who come to choose a child.  Bridget is never aloud near the families and this is year is no exception.  But her world is turned upside down when she discovers she is the only child left in the orphanage; that is until Mr Vanderpuff arrives to whisk her away.  But will Miss Acrid allow her to go?  Will she and Mr Vanderpuff be a perfect match?  And will she ever see Tom again?

I began reading Bridget Vanderpuff and the Bakes Escape on Friday evening and as soon as I read the opening line, I knew I was going to enjoy the book.  And I have to say that the writing remained just as beautiful throughout the book.  It lulls you into the pages and makes you feel safe (even though Bridget initially isn't); there is a timeless quality to it that embraces you and makes you feel positive and loved (a bit like Mr Vanderpuff's cakes) and it's written in a way that I know will appeal to readers of all ages, now and for many years to come.

Bridget is the most wonderful character: a brave individual who isn't afraid to try new things, has amazing hair and is a brilliant inventor (please can I have my own paraskirt?).  It's clear that the life she is living in the orphanage is a horrible one with the worst bully in the world (Miss Acrid definitely gave me Trunchbull vibes but actually made Trunchbull look like a pussy cat!) but she seems to put a positive spin on things, especially with Tom around.  I was thrilled when Mr Vanderpuff turned up for her and delighted in the relationship that builds between them.  Mr Vanderpuff truly is the most patient man I have ever read about!  He is ever calm and always happy but, beneath the surface there is a sadness there; one Bridget is determined to help him with. 

I have to mention Mr Vanderfuff's cake shop: please, please let me know exactly how to get to it so I can just devour everything he makes!  The descriptions will leave your mouth watering and your stomach grumbling; and the idea of the way his creations make customers fell is something I think we all need.  

Bridget Vanderpuff and the Baked Escape is a delightful story of love, hope and never giving up that will whisk you away to a world of cakes, croissants and culinary creations (some of which may need a hazard warning!).  It will fold you in its embrace and leave you with a smile on your face and a warm glow in your heart ... as well as a desperate urge to eat cakes!  It's a book that will bake your day brighter and will leave you wanting more; it's a feast for the mind as well as the eyes (David Habben's illustrations are wonderful).  Love is beaten into every page and oozes out from the covers.  If you need a story that will put you in a good mood, then you have to buy Bridget Vanderpuff and the Baked Escape.