 | Bridget Vanderpuff and the baked escape (Bridget Vanderpuff) Author: Stewart, Martin J. | |
| Price: $8.19 | ||
Summary:
Bridget Baxter is the very last orphan at the Orphanage for Errant Childs, left at the mercy of the awful Ms. Acrid and her foul-smelling fish sandwiches. When kindly Mr. Vanderpuff arrives at the Orphanage in search of a child to care for, Bridget thinks her luck has finally turned. Join Bridget as she dons her chef whites and gets the croissants at the ready.
| Illustrator: | Habbenink |
Reviews:
Kirkus Reviews (11/15/24)
School Library Journal (+) (05/01/25)
Booklist (01/01/25)
Full Text Reviews:
School Library Journal - 05/01/2025 Gr 3–7—An absurd, sincere, and whimsical series about a highly inventive orphan. Bridget Baxter has lived at Miss Acrid's Orphanage for Errant Childs for the past nine years and has always been shut away during the one time a year when Families visit the orphanage to adopt a child. However, when Bridget overhears Ernest Vanderpuff, Belle-on-Sea's famous baker, asking specifically for her, she takes it upon herself to escape Miss Acrid once and for all. In book one, Bridget finds a home in the bake shop with Mr. Vanderpuff and Pascal, the bakery's elf. In book two, Bridget uses her extraordinary inventions to solve the mystery of the town-destroying Ghost Train. Bridget is a delightful protagonist and her relationships with friends and new family members are sweet and supportive. Stewart does an excellent job of introducing extravagant vocabulary without intimidating new readers. The books also include silly footnotes that add to the series' fanciful nature. VERDICT A charming readalike for fans of Roald Dahl's Matilda. - Copyright 2025 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.
Booklist - 01/01/2025 The Orphanage for Errant Childs is a miserable place, and no one knows this better than Bridget Baxter, inventor extraordinaire. In her quest to protect the other orphans, Bridget often runs afoul of the menacing Miss Acrid, but when the kindly Mr. Vanderpuff comes specifically seeking Bridget, she’s delighted to be taken in by the benevolent baker, and she quickly starts learning the trade. But instead of sweet treats, she seems to whip up only disasters, and worries she’s ruining her chance at home and happiness. To make matters worse, a vengeful Miss Acrid abducts Mr. Vanderpuff, forcing Bridget to combine her ingenious inventions and terrible treats to set everything right and secure her bright future. It’s a charmer from start to finish, and the brisk pace, zany illustrations, mouthwatering baked goods, and companionable characters will appeal to a wide range of readers. The indomitable Bridget is a true delight, and readers will relate to her frustration as she attempts to tackle a new skill. A sweet treat of a story that emphasizes the power of kindness and shared joy. - Copyright 2025 Booklist.
