A young French girl named Hélène lives with her father Emile on an estate in the French countryside near Paris. The year is 1930. Emile is the mechanic and chauffeur for the Count and Countess, who live in a large chateau on the estate.

 

The Count collects Bugattis and has two examples in his garage. Emile is an excellent mechanic, but the Count abuses his cars and blames Emile when they are not running right.

 

Hélène loves the little blue Bugatti, a Type 35, and she calls it "Blue Bug." She helps her father when Emile is working on it. Hélène polishes it and keeps Blue Bug clean.

 

There is a bond between Hélène and Blue Bug because of her kind attention. Hélène often dreams about owning Blue Bug when she is older, so that she can drive it and take care of Blue Bug forever.

 

One day, while in the nearby village, Hélène meets a woman named Helle Nice, a famous racer who drives a Type 35 for the Bugatti racing team. Helle admires Blue Bug and says that she hopes to see Hélène driving it one day.

 

Hélène's life changes after this encounter, and Emile is given Blue Bug as a gift for his service to the Count and Countess.

 

So, will Hélène someday own and drive her beloved Blue Bug? Read the book and find out for yourself!