Bridget Vanderpuff And The Great Airship Robbery - Martin Stewart

 

Bridget is back and this time she's heading to Paris with Mr Vanderpuff so he can take part in the Grand Prix de la Profiterole; however, when his golden whisk is stolen everything changes.  Without it, Mr Vanderpuff cannot bake so Bridget determines to find it and return it to her dad.  With her new friend Stacy, Bridget begins searching the streets of Paris, but things aren't as simple as they first appear.  Who can they trust and can they find the whisk in time?

This is a series that has very quickly become a firm favourite with me as well as with my class at school.  The books are guaranteed to out a smile on your face ... and to make you crave pastries!  They are an escapism of the very best kind and it's a world you're never quite ready to leave when the book is finished.  

Bridget remains a very logical and independent character whose inventions, sense of determination and adventure are truly infectious.  Having the security of a home and a family in Mr Vanderpuff and Pascal (as well as her best friend Tom) has given her a new lease of life and she is absolutely making the most of it.  As the book opens, she is leading the charge in pursuit of Hungry Horace Harris, the world's most notorious cake thief, and her fearlessness is shining like a beacon.  Her sense of logic and being able to read situations is fascinating and I always love reading her deductions.  It was also lovely to see the relationship between Tom and Pascal evolving and that's something I'm looking forward to seeing more of in The Monster Mountain Mystery.

It's no secret that I have a serious weakness for book set in Paris, so the fact that Bridget and Mr Vanderpuff head there for this adventure was an even bigger treat.  I adored being able to picture Bridget and Stacy as they race through Montmartre, along the Seine and ... well, I won't give the game away but, safe to say, there are crêpes involved and a rather unusual train! (shout to to David Habben whose illustrations are, once again, the perfect accompaniment).

Bridget Vanderpuff And The Great Airship Robbery is a delicious adventure full of charm, hope, daring-do and culinary creations (be prepared to crave cakes and pastries; better still, have a selection at hand to eat whilst you read!).  The book is like a warm hug from an old friend that is guaranteed to put a smile on your face and leave a warm glow in your heart.  But the best thing about this book was the reaction I got from a child in my class when they saw it: eyes wide with wonder and jaw open in speechless expectation that reminded me of a kid on Christmas morning.  This series is bringing joy everybody and you need it to bring joy to you.