posted on 01 May 2023

Bidge and Bodge by Geraint Thomas

The memorable eponymous characters are two adventure-loving bears who live in the tallest tree in the biggest forest in the land. Every day brings new opportunities for fun so that even a strong wind blowing means that they can enjoy crunching leaves to make ‘crunchy big red snowballs’ and playing together with their friend Mincy the cat who lives in a nearby bush.

Despite a warning from the bears’ mother to be careful, the intrepid trio soon drift away from their homes into the dark forest and begin to feel a little bit scared. They are confronted by a mean-looking weasel and his huge clan (why are they always the story book villains I wonder…). They  challenge them for trespassing on their territory and demand payment. Fortunately, they are saved by a friendly old badger who takes them back to his sett for a traditional meal of tea and iced buns. He offers firm but wise advice to return home which they follow obediently.

The next adventure involves Bidge and Bodge banding together with all of the other woodland creatures (apart from the bad weasels) working together to rescue Mincy who is stuck in the tall tree. Once she is safe, they can relax and eat delicious snacks for the rest of the day. 

The pattern of small jeopardy followed by eventual safety and the security and comfort of food follows in subsequent chapters. The three friends are inspired to continue their fight with the weasel bullies to help Logsly, a beautiful fairy to rescue the unfortunate Mincy again. With the help of a pack of friendly dogs they race to ask Eagle for a ride to enjoy the stunning view from his nest. Once they are flying high above the clouds, they see Gargantuan the Gentle Giant who has ‘a huge, kind smile and his beard was full of snacks.’ The next chapter takes them to visit a Treasure Island where Eagle promises to introduce them to someone very special. I won’t reveal what happens other than it involves a Giant Green Turtle, nasty pirates and a Sand Man!

The last chapter ends fittingly with a seasonal Christmas story where Eagle takes them on an exciting, middle-of-the-night magical ride to a cabin on a snowy hill. There they gorge on a veritable feast:

‘There were muffins, huge bowls of jelly, mince pies, bowls of melty chocolate, trifle, chicken nuggets, jam tarts, jam sandwiches, pork pies ….’

The list goes on and I can imagine children adding to it as they read. 

This chapter book published by Candy Jar Books is peppered with small black and white illustrations by Patrick Coombes and has rather an old- fashioned atmosphere. It includes plenty of reassurance throughout about the need for routine, friendship, loving parents who give wise guidance. Most importantly, there are regular tasty meals described throughout to fuel their adventures. I suspect that the author enjoys his food.

 

Karen Argent

May 2023