Zephyr wolfs down Stewart's 'joyous' bakery series

Head of Zeus imprint Zephyr has snapped up Bridget Vanderpuff, the first of Martin Stewart’s debut illustrated series exploring "cake, mystery and villainy".

Lauren Atherton, editor, acquired world all-language rights (excluding France) in the book and three other titles, from Molly Ker Hawn at The Bent Agency. Bridget Vanderpuff launches in June 2023 in paperback, e-book and audiobook, and will be followed by Bridget Vanderpuff and the Ghost Train in October 2023, with two more titles to follow in 2024.

To sweeten the deal, Zephyr has commissioned Harte of Troon, the author’s local independent bakery, to make cakes inspired by Mr Vanderpuff’s creations, including the Vanderpuff Deelite, the Butterunctious Crunch, the Fabananana Swirl and the Splendiferous Pastrycase.

Aimed at readers aged eight and over, it’s "a recipe for fun with cake, mystery, villainy and sprinkles of silliness, heart and hope," the synopsis reads. 

"Bridget Vanderpuff is the very last orphan at the Orphanage for Errant Childs, left at the mercy of the awful Miss Acrid," it continues. "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".

Atherton 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 and to welcome Martin and Bridget to Zephyr."

Stewart added: "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."

Ker Hawn commented: "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."