Zephyr acquired World All Languages (excluding France) in Bridget Vanderpuff and the Baked Escape, and three other titles, from Molly Ker Hawn at the Bent Agency.
To sweeten the deal, Zephyr commissioned Harte of Troon, the author’s local independent bakery, to make cakes inspired by Mr Vanderpuff’s masterful creations: the Vanderpuff Deelite, the Butterunctious Crunch, the Fabananana Swirl and the Splendiferous Pastrycase.
Bridget Vanderpuff and the Baked Escape launches in June 2023 in PBO, ebook and audiobook, followed by Bridget Vanderpuff and the Ghost Train in October 2023, with two more titles to follow in 2024.
Bridget Vanderpuff is the very last orphan at the Orphanage for Errant Childs, left at the mercy of the awful Miss Acrid. Bridget’s luck turns when Mr Vanderpuff arrives in search of a child to love. He is the village baker, and his shop is a world of wonders. But Bridget is absolutely terrible at baking and to resist Miss Acrid’s powers of revenge, she will need to whisk everything…
Martin Stewart said: ‘I’m absolutely delighted that Bridget has found a home with Zephyr — I was so moved by their passion for her story, and I’m so excited about developing the series with their fantastic team.’
Molly Ker Hawn said: “The team at Zephyr have been passionate about this project since the day I sent it to them, and I can’t wait to see what Martin cooks up with them as the series progresses.”
Lauren Atherton, Editor, said: ‘Bridget Vanderpuff is simply the most joyous series. Martin’s writing is as delicious and as perfectly-formed as a Vanderpuff bake. We couldn’t be more thrilled to be working with Molly Ker Hawn and to welcome Martin and Bridget to Zephyr.’
