Paddington by Michael Bond — Reviews, Discussion, Bookclubs, Lists * * *Read & Reviewed by Me & My Niece Emma * * * A classic for the ages!...that completely fell on deaf ears. Perhaps the issue is that the ears are new and not British? I thought this would be a grand hit with my young niece, but it turned out to be a dud. She couldn't get through it quick enough. Granted, there was a swimming pool awaiting with her name on it, but still, I don't think this book would've gone over well even without the extraneous distraction. I was quite looking forward * * *Read & Reviewed by Me & My Niece Emma * * * A classic for the ages!...that completely fell on deaf ears. Perhaps the issue is that the ears are new and not British? I thought this would be a grand hit with my young niece, but it turned out to be a dud. She couldn't get through it quick enough. Granted, there was a swimming pool awaiting with her name on it, but still, I don't think this book would've gone over well even without the extraneous distraction.

I was quite looking forward to it, having never read this famed story, but even I have to admit it plodded along rather slowly and with little reward. My British-born friends laughingly call me more "British" than them and since everything about Paddington Bear is very Britishy (even though the bear himself comes from Darkest Peru), I still had to concede to Emma's obvious boredom. Mishaps with tea time jam were the most enjoyment we could wring from this and it just wasn't cutting the mustard...however, if it cut the cheese we would've been rolling on the floor in stitches. Never has Emma pressured me to skip lines and whole pages quite like she did with Paddington, so the needle on the Emma-o-meter never got remotely close to "amused". ...more Shelves: children Don't believe everything you read on the Internet, part 94 On this page , I recently read, to my considerable surprise, that "There is a large brass statue of Winnie-the-Pooh in Lima, Peru". If only this had been true, it would have been a wonderful trivia question: of course, if there were any large bear statue there, you'd automatically assume it was Paddington.

But in fact, a little more googling leaves me more or less certain that it's a hoax. No one who has tried to find evidence for this sta Don't believe everything you read on the Internet, part 94 On this page , I recently read, to my considerable surprise, that "There is a large brass statue of Winnie-the-Pooh in Lima, Peru". If only this had been true, it would have been a wonderful trivia question: of course, if there were any large bear statue there, you'd automatically assume it was Paddington. But in fact, a little more googling leaves me more or less certain that it's a hoax. No one who has tried to find evidence for this statue has turned up anything at all. Damn! I feel so gullible. But just to be on the safe side, I'll ask a Peruvian friend if she knows anything about it. _____________________________________ My Peruvian informant answered promptly: Hahahahaha, nope, we have no Pooh bear in Lima.

We have some llamas instead of flames of freedom though...is a funny story...but I can totally confirm that Winnie the Pooh is not venerated /worshiped in my country and have no brass statue. Well, that sounds pretty definite. But I still don't understand why anyone would want to create such a remarkably pointless internet legend... ...more Shelves: childrens-books I'm 29 and this is the first time I've read Paddington. Even though my second home was the town's library and I'm sure that they had Paddington, I never came across this book. I was busy reading maaaany other stories and books that were for older kids. But I bought this book for my youngest nephew today and seized the chance to finally read it! Paddington is one fluffy adorable bear. I love bears. And this bear here is so cute, innocent and dorky, I can only but love him. It almost made me tear up I'm 29 and this is the first time I've read Paddington. Even though my second home was the town's library and I'm sure that they had Paddington, I never came across this book.

I was busy reading maaaany other stories and books that were for older kids. But I bought this book for my youngest nephew today and seized the chance to finally read it! Paddington is one fluffy adorable bear. I love bears. And this bear here is so cute, innocent and dorky, I can only but love him. It almost made me tear up (although that might be partially due to hormones because right before shark week I tend to be very easily saddened...I'm sure some women know what I'm talking about...). It's fantastically illustrated and I love the calmness. But know I need to know his life story! Why Peru? Bears in Peru? I'm so confused and intrigued! Paddington won my heart. ...more Apr 01, 2015 Hapzydeco rated it really liked it Classic Paddington written for the small child in all of us. Marvelous illustrations emphasize the incredible red hat. Feb 02, 2016 Paul rated it it was amazing A wonderful classic. And with the addition of our own cuddly bear to match it makes a fun read. The bath scene is a dangerous lesson for a three year old though.

Dec 05, 2016 Alex rated it it was amazing Paddington is a book about a little bear who left the Darkest Peru in search of a better home. At a train station, Mr. and Mrs. Brown meet him and decide that they should take care of him. They named him Paddington after the train station, and headed home. Paddington is a very polite bear, but seems to cause accidents at every turn. But the family is excited to have him as a part of the family and can't wait to learn more about him. I enjoyed reading this book. I got this version at Kohl's. I lov Paddington is a book about a little bear who left the Darkest Peru in search of a better home. At a train station, Mr. and Mrs. Brown meet him and decide that they should take care of him. They named him Paddington after the train station, and headed home. Paddington is a very polite bear, but seems to cause accidents at every turn. But the family is excited to have him as a part of the family and can't wait to learn more about him. I enjoyed reading this book. I got this version at Kohl's.

I loved Paddington as a child, and even have an old stuffed toy of him. I really liked the story and loved the funny moments in it. It's a very great book, and a character that everyone should read about! ...more Dec 06, 2016 Kelsi Watts rated it it was amazing I think this book could be a great read aloud that shows the importance of accepting everyone. There's so much diversity in today's classrooms and it's so important that everyone is included, loved, and treated the same. I think this book is so relatable and can teach a great lesson. I give it a 5 out of 5 and will definitely be using it in my future classroom. Oct 25, 2016 Julia Muldoon rated it really liked it I read this as a bed time story to a small boy last night, and was delighted by it. Even though I was rather indifferent to the cartoons as a child. Something about how entirely British it was, tickled me pink. Jan 03, 2017 Gmr rated it it was amazing First book started and finished in the new year and I'm quite pleased. Who doesn't love Paddington?

Seriously, such a cute little fella who always means well, even if trouble sometimes seems to follow him. A great read for the whole family! Oct 18, 2016 Joanne Roberts rated it it was amazing Sweet adaptation of the meeting of the Browns and Paddington. Includes a few quick mishaps with perfectly realized illustrations. A great introduction for the younger reader. Jan 28, 2015 hkaMatthiasn rated it really liked it Paddington My book that I have just finished reading is entitled Paddington;, it is a book based on the new movie that got released recently, its is a fictional story about a bear with a congruous hat going to London for shelter. Paddington, an intelligent little cub who lives in the darkest of peru with two of his most dearest family members Uncle Pastuzo and Aunt Lucy.

They were in process of making marmalade, the cub has been told that it has all the nutrients a bear needs, suddenly, an enormo Paddington My book that I have just finished reading is entitled Paddington;, it is a book based on the new movie that got released recently, its is a fictional story about a bear with a congruous hat going to London for shelter. Paddington, an intelligent little cub who lives in the darkest of peru with two of his most dearest family members Uncle Pastuzo and Aunt Lucy. They were in process of making marmalade, the cub has been told that it has all the nutrients a bear needs, suddenly, an enormous earthquake struck! Uncle Pastuzo was lost in the earthquake, while Aunt Lucy hurt her leg, after the earthquake Paddington and Aunt Lucy sailed away to seek for help in Lima. When Aunt Lucy and the cub reached Lima, Aunt Lucy thought about an explorer she once knew whothat taught her about London and londoners and that they would be welcomed there, especially how nice they are. With the thought of London in her mind she thought it would be good choice to send Paddington there.

Aunt Lucy was off to a retirement home in Lima as she sent off Paddington on a ship that would send him to the great city of London. When Paddington arrived at London his quest to search for a home begins. When I was reading the last part of the book I felt like the Bbrowns and Paddington were destined to meet each othervery connected;, Paddington was probably thinking that he wouldill not stay with the Browns, but at last he did. When I was reading the last part, I started inferring what will happen to Paddington at last, it turns out that I was correct and that out of the kindness in the Bbrown’s heart they would let Paddington stay at their place. I can find a similar connection in one of the movies before which is called maze runner they will have to adapt and conquer their hindrances. In another movie these things are very similar, they will have to adapt and conquer their hindrances. During a war in england people’s children would be inside a railway stations with labels around their neck saying to take care of them and people would adopt them and love them as if they were there own blood.

I think that the browns did the right decision to take the bear in, it had to be hard making a decision to keep a bear or not, but at last the bear was the best thing that ever happened to the Browns. A close relative of the browns understood the concept that the Paddington needed the browns as much as the Browns needed him, and that is a connection between them. While having a bit of humor in it this book gives me a feeling that talks about having people who trusts you and takes you as family is the best thing ever,as in the last part Paddington gets taken in by a family named the Browns and that they treat a talking bear as family. When a evil taxidermist was after paddington the Browns defended him “... even though we are a different love is what is needed to be a family.” This shows that the browns take paddington as family even though Paddington in their family felt quite incongruous in the end it worked out. In return for the Browns bravery to save him Paddington returned his gratitude by showing the browns his families privy marmalade recipe, and that shows that Paddington is trusting the Browns.

Here in page 139 Paddington tells the Browns while in process making the marmalade:”Just one sandwich has all the vitamins and minerals a bear needs for a day!” and Paddington told them the secret ingredient”Hey thats my shoe!” ”Its the secret ingredient.” This shows that Paddington trusts the Browns to keep it a secret like clown fish trusting coral to protect them. Aug 13, 2013 Samantha Mendez rated it really liked it Paddington is the first of a number of stories about a talking bear that has run away from Darkest Peru to London with a suitcase full of marmalade. Whilst sitting by the lost property office at Paddington station he is found by Mr and Mrs Brown who are waiting for the arrival of their daughter Judy. After befriending the bear and aptly naming him Paddington, Mrs Brown vows to look after him and invites Paddington to their home despite Mr Brown’s initial reluctance. On arriving at the Brown’s re Paddington is the first of a number of stories about a talking bear that has run away from Darkest Peru to London with a suitcase full of marmalade.

Whilst sitting by the lost property office at Paddington station he is found by Mr and Mrs Brown who are waiting for the arrival of their daughter Judy. After befriending the bear and aptly naming him Paddington, Mrs Brown vows to look after him and invites Paddington to their home despite Mr Brown’s initial reluctance. On arriving at the Brown’s residence, Judy and Paddington are greeted by her brother Jonathan and the housekeeper, Mrs Bird, who are both extremely welcoming. As the evening draws to an end and after having a bath, Paddington sits comfortably in an armchair and is offered a pot of tea with some toast and marmalade. He begins to tell the Brown family about his many adventures before drifting off to sleep. This classic story of a clumsy marmalade loving bear is a childhood favourite of mine. Whilst the story is simple his antics are amusing and his naivety is charming. The stories of Paddington could be used by children to develop their story writing skills. They could be used during literacy lessons when identifying the different parts of a story including the how’s, who’s, why’s, what’s and when’s.

These short stories can also be used when helping children to recognise the differences between the beginning, the middle and the end of a story. This is a story that could be shared with and enjoyed by key stage one children as a whole class or during independent reading. Although the stories of Paddington are short he embarks on many adventures which were also depicted in a television series. With the prospect of watching his adventures come to life children could become excited at the possibility of both reading more stories and in turn watching further episodes. Shelves: read-in-2015 , kid-lit Awaiting their daughter's arrival, Mr. and Mrs. Brown meet a lonely and polite bear, who was a stowaway on a ship from Darkest Peru to London. They decide he cannot be left in the train station, since he is wearing a tag which reads "Please take care of this bear." The Browns promptly name him Paddington and take him home to live on Windsor Gardens, where he meets their children, Judy and Johnathon, and housekeeper, Mrs. Bird. After a near-catastrophe in the bathroom, Paddington tells the Browns Awaiting their daughter's arrival, Mr. and Mrs.

Brown meet a lonely and polite bear, who was a stowaway on a ship from Darkest Peru to London. They decide he cannot be left in the train station, since he is wearing a tag which reads "Please take care of this bear." The Browns promptly name him Paddington and take him home to live on Windsor Gardens, where he meets their children, Judy and Johnathon, and housekeeper, Mrs. Bird. After a near-catastrophe in the bathroom, Paddington tells the Browns and Mrs. Bird about his adventures traveling along from Darkest Peru, while eating a marmalade sandwich and promptly falls asleep. This adorable abbreviation of Michael Bond's beloved A Bear Called Paddington introduces the charming bear from Darkest Peru to a new generation of readers. Lovely illustrations accompany the text following closely to Bond's original story. There are several additions in this picture book series about Paddington which will delight young and old alike as they share in the adventures of Paddington and the Brown family. ...more Apr 23, 2016 Lavinia rated it really liked it Recommends it for: Children aged nine and onwards.

I read this brilliant story as an audio book, so there are less descriptions and no 'said such-and-such', but I still found it a great tale full of adventure. In fact, I think it may well be better to listen along with nothing telling you who's talking because it seems as if they are really speaking, and you are part of the story, and it's coming to life as you read. The people telling my version hesitated often, talking slowly and clearly to let the listener hear. Paddington wasn't at all called I read this brilliant story as an audio book, so there are less descriptions and no 'said such-and-such', but I still found it a great tale full of adventure. In fact, I think it may well be better to listen along with nothing telling you who's talking because it seems as if they are really speaking, and you are part of the story, and it's coming to life as you read. The people telling my version hesitated often, talking slowly and clearly to let the listener hear. Paddington wasn't at all called that at first.

He was found by the Browns at Paddington Station, only to inform them that he didn't really have a name at all; well, he did, but that was in bear language, and nobody could understand Spanish anyway, for he lived in Peru. Judy and Jonathan Brown were proud and boastful to have a bear in the house, and Mrs and Mr Brown were - well, Mr Brown was astonished and rather disliked the 'animal', but Mrs. was interested to know about him and eager to help find his people. Read (or listen) to this great book, and find out what happens in Paddington's adventures! ...more Shelves: kids-and-ya I never read the Paddington Bear books as a kid, so maybe the purpose and charm of Paddington are lost on me. I'm not convinced by that argument, though, as I find purpose and charm in many other kids' books. This book serves as an introduction to Paddington: He is a talking stuffed bear named after a train station that your American children readers will have never heard of. He likes marmalade and then gets very sticky. He is going to go live with a family named the Browns.

He says he has had l I never read the Paddington Bear books as a kid, so maybe the purpose and charm of Paddington are lost on me. I'm not convinced by that argument, though, as I find purpose and charm in many other kids' books. This book serves as an introduction to Paddington: He is a talking stuffed bear named after a train station that your American children readers will have never heard of. He likes marmalade and then gets very sticky. He is going to go live with a family named the Browns. He says he has had lots of adventures, but then he falls asleep without telling us any of them. Come on! Even in a picture book, you can introduce a character more excitingly than that. Nothing really happens in this story. I was not interested in this book, and neither were the first- and second-graders I read it to, except one who was excited to get a back story on her stuffed animal Paddington. ...more Shelves: kids This is a child's shorter version of the original Paddington book. The Brown family is at the station waiting for their daughter when they find an abandonded bear and they help him and take him home.

He ends up getting into trouble (not on purpose) but seems like trouble seems to find him. But in the end his new family names him after the station they found him at and he finds himself a new home. Paddington Bear was as loved (to me) as Winnie The Pooh was when I was growing up. And finding these This is a child's shorter version of the original Paddington book. The Brown family is at the station waiting for their daughter when they find an abandonded bear and they help him and take him home. He ends up getting into trouble (not on purpose) but seems like trouble seems to find him. But in the end his new family names him after the station they found him at and he finds himself a new home. Paddington Bear was as loved (to me) as Winnie The Pooh was when I was growing up. And finding these smaller but good versions I have helped introduced him to my special needs teen age son and 2 year old granddaughter. The illustrations are wonderful as well for those children who can't follow reading with you but can look at the pictures.

...more Shelves: age-child I must have read the original story, or had it read to me as a child but I don't recall that. I do recall the TV series though. It's a charming story, introducing us to the likeable but accident prone bear from Darkest Peru. I might have given it five stars if not for this particular edition having a silly update. In the original the taxi driver states that "Bears is sixpence extra", and "sticky bears is ninepence." This version, instead of updating to modern amounts (which is tricky as those do I must have read the original story, or had it read to me as a child but I don't recall that. I do recall the TV series though. It's a charming story, introducing us to the likeable but accident prone bear from Darkest Peru. I might have given it five stars if not for this particular edition having a silly update. In the original the taxi driver states that "Bears is sixpence extra", and "sticky bears is ninepence." This version, instead of updating to modern amounts (which is tricky as those do change) it reads "Bears is extra.

Sticky bears is twice as much again." Not half as catchy or memorable. My other issue are the illustrations which I didn't think are a match for the original line-drawings - they also feature modern items such as electronic train departure boards. ...more Sep 02, 2015 Jae Park rated it it was amazing I bought a copy of this book to read to my little nephews and niece while they were here, since I'd always loved Paddington stories as a child. Once I started reading the book to the kids, I realized that Paddington is a timeless treasure. The boys loved how messy he gets in the story and my niece loved how cute he was, especially after his bath. They payed attention well, and thought the story was good, if a bit too short. No criticism, they just wanted more of Paddingtons adventures! Which me I bought a copy of this book to read to my little nephews and niece while they were here, since I'd always loved Paddington stories as a child. Once I started reading the book to the kids, I realized that Paddington is a timeless treasure. The boys loved how messy he gets in the story and my niece loved how cute he was, especially after his bath.

They payed attention well, and thought the story was good, if a bit too short. No criticism, they just wanted more of Paddingtons adventures! Which means I'll be going back to the bookstore and getting more Paddington stories before they come back in two weeks. They unanimously gave "Paddington" five stars, and I've recorded their opinion here. Thanks to Mr. Bond for entertaining the kiddos and I! ...more Sep 17, 2011 Karishma added it · review of another edition Another children’s classic that has lasted the test of time. Describes how Paddington got his name upon his arrival into England and into the arms of the Brown family. As he gets to grips with his new environment in this foreign land and he finds himself experiencing different things. Beautiful and brightly coloured illustrations with ornately detailed backdrops by R. W Alley however, they leave little for the child’s imagination to build upon. The relatively large font and spaced out paragraphs Another children’s classic that has lasted the test of time. Describes how Paddington got his name upon his arrival into England and into the arms of the Brown family. As he gets to grips with his new environment in this foreign land and he finds himself experiencing different things.

Beautiful and brightly coloured illustrations with ornately detailed backdrops by R. W Alley however, they leave little for the child’s imagination to build upon. The relatively large font and spaced out paragraphs eliminate the intimidating aspect of reading large chunks of text. I would suggest it for Key Stage 1 learners and it is ideal as an individual read. Shelves: shorts , childrens , borrowed I grew up with Peggy Fortnum's illustrations, but I love R.W. Alley's illustrations too and it's so nice to have Paddington illustrated in such lovely colour pictures. Alley's Paddington is similar enough to Peggy Fortnum's to feel familiar, but is a more realised, less sketchy, Paddington. I don't have the original text on hand to compare it with this revised text, but it didn't feel too different to me. The one thing I spotted that I guessed might be a change is the 'snack bar' (formerly a tea I grew up with Peggy Fortnum's illustrations, but I love R.W. Alley's illustrations too and it's so nice to have Paddington illustrated in such lovely colour pictures.

Alley's Paddington is similar enough to Peggy Fortnum's to feel familiar, but is a more realised, less sketchy, Paddington. I don't have the original text on hand to compare it with this revised text, but it didn't feel too different to me. The one thing I spotted that I guessed might be a change is the 'snack bar' (formerly a tea room?). This was bought (by my mother) for my nieces birthday present, and I read it before wrapping it up. I have to say, I want a set of these Paddington picture books for myself now! ...more Shelves: kids-books I do not remember ever reading this book as a kid myself, so I knew I needed to read it. I was pleasantly surprised. It was really cute. The ending seemed a little abrupt. You didn't get to find out what happened to him. But his shenanigans with the bath tub were really cute. My daughter sat and listened to the whole thing even though it was a little long. I liked the pictures also - I thought they were done really well, and I just liked the style. Now I think we need to watch the movie.

Sep 09, 2010 Seth rated it liked it I really enjoyed this series (that which I read anyway). Though the writing is formulaic in nature and doesn't really change much, Paddington never disappoints. He is always getting into something in his ignorant, innocent fashion. These books aren't very deep or thought-provoking, but they make a good read for younger readers and those who enjoy plays on words. Very similar to series such as Miss Pickerel, Marty the Martian, Amelia Bedelia, etc. Shelves: younger-kids This is NOT the original book. It is a picture book version of Paddington. (The original Paddington book is a chapter book.) This tells only the very beginning of Paddington's story--how he is found at Paddington Station. If you read the original book, you will find more of his adventures. Nevertheless, this version is super cute and great when you are pressed for time! Jul 12, 2014 Leonie rated it liked it This is a picture book version of the introductory chapter of the original book so as such nothing much happens beyond Paddington being introduced. Lovely modernised illustrations show a London which most children would recognise today.

My three month old giggled her way through it as I read it to her (this might have had something to do with the voices mummy wax using to characterise). Kids' Book Club: A Bear Called Paddington By Michael Bond | The Huffington Post Kids' Book Club: A Bear Called Paddington By Michael Bond 08/09/2013 23:33 | Updated 22 May 2015 Olivia Gordon Parentdish UK Recently a bear in a blue duffel coat with a penchant for marmalade found himself trending on Twitter, after the announcement that Paddington is finally going to become a film. Producer David Heyman (who also produced Harry Potter ) said: "Michael Bond's books offer such wit and wonder, and I am so delighted at this chance to bring Paddington to the big screen." It's no wonder so many of us feel nostalgic about Paddington (and fiercely protective of the way any film tells his story). He's an institution. For starters, he's one of the three time-honoured teddy bears who dominate our children's literature (along with Winnie-the-Pooh and Rupert Bear).

There's something about teddy bears which reminds children of themselves - perhaps it's the awkward combination of needing to be taken care of and yet having a proud, decisive, independent character. Michael Bond's original book A Bear Called Paddington , published in 1958, is as delightful today as it always was. Paddington arrives lost and alone in the world from 'darkest Peru' (the label around his neck reads: 'Please take care of this bear. Thank you'). He is taken in, fed and bathed by a kindly family, the Browns, and proceeds to wreak the politest possible havoc across London. Paddington's story also enlightens children about the experience of a foreign refugee, and through his eyes we see London freshly, with its haughty shop assistants, its grumpy taxi-drivers, and its crowds of people 'in a terrible hurry' (it seems little has changed since the 1950s in many ways). The Browns, Bond later wrote, were based on his parents; their home represents "the rather safer pre-war world which I remember from my childhood". Their no-nonsense housekeeper Mrs Bird is how Bond remembers his childhood best friend's nanny.

And Paddington Bear himself was inspired by a toy bear who lived on Bond's mantelpiece - he'd bought him 'in desperation' as a stocking filler for his wife. Michael Bond, a BBC cameraman and writer for adults, started a story about the bear one morning on his typewriter, without intending it as a children's story - and it turned into what we now know as A Bear Called Paddington within 10 working days. Books about Paddington have gone on to sell over 35million copies. Bond went on to write the adventures of guinea pig Olga de Polga, but Paddington remains his greatest success. Isn't it reassuring to know that Michael Bond still lives in London, near Paddington Station? Click on the banner below for more children's book reviews: More: Padddington Bear by Michael Bond | Featured Books : Stella & Rose's Books Padddington Bear by Michael Bond View current stock of Michael Bond books Imagine, a little bear , wearing a 'funny kind of hat', sitting on an old leather suitcase that contains his favourite food - marmalade, with a tag around his neck saying 'Please look after this bear - thank-you'.

There is only one bear that matches the above description - Paddington Bear ! Through the pages of the first novel bearing Paddington's name A Bear Called Paddington by Michael Bond, we discover his history. Paddington, originally named Pastuso, comes from darkest Peru . He has been sent to England by his Aunt Lucy, who although looking after the orphaned bear since he was a few weeks old, has now had to go into the Home for Retired Bears in Lima. After stowing away in a lifeboat and eating marmalade, ('Bears like Marmalade'), the little bear eventually ends up at Paddington Station in London . It is Mr. and Mrs. Brown who first meet the bear on a platform at the railway station, where they are waiting for their daughter Judy. Mr. Brown spots a bear sitting all alone on a suitcase, located near the lost property office. Seeing the label "Please look after this bear..." - how can the Browns refuse? The lonely bear is taken home by the Browns to their house at 32 Windsor Gardens, so that he can live with them and their two children Jonathan and Judy and the housekeeper Mrs. Bird.

He is named 'Paddington' after the station where the Browns found him. Everything in London is new to Paddington - like taps and plugs when he enjoys a much needed bath! However, he soon needs rescuing when water starts coming through the sitting room ceiling. He also discovers that escalators can be a little tricky the first time that you encounter them. In this first book, Paddington experiences a 'Shopping Expedition', on which Mrs. Brown buys him the now infamous duffel coat with its large hood. This leads him into another adventure when he inadvertently ends up as part of the store's window display! Whilst living with the Browns, Paddington makes new friends, including Mr. Gruber, who owns an antiques shop in Portobello Road. He learns from Mr. Gruber about paintings and tries to put this new information to good use, with some amusing and surprising results. In the following chapters, Paddington is taken to visit the theatre and also the seaside , where 'things just happen' to this unusual bear! The finale of this wonderful book finds Paddington celebrating his first birthday since coming to live with the Browns.

Paddington decides to do something special and entertain with a magic show and, as usual, things don't go quite according to plan, but everyone except the grumpy neighbour Mr. Curry have a most enjoyable time. Titles in the original series: A Bear Called Paddington (1958) More About Paddington (1959) Paddington Bear | Literawiki | Fandom powered by Wikia Origins Statue of Paddington Bear at Paddington train station, London. Michael Bond was inspired to write what would become the first chapter of the 1958 book A Bear Called Paddington by a toy bear which he had bought on London's Portobello Road as a Christmas present for his wife. He named the bear Paddington after the nearby London train station which he could see from his apartment. Bond says of the toy bear, "In no time at all, he became part of the family. In fact, for a long time he was the family and was treated as such; joining us at meal times, sharing our holidays, occasionally interrupting our conversations". [1] Bond has said that he had not yet read the stories about Winnie-the-Pooh when he began to write about Paddington.

He was, however aware that Pooh loved honey. In order to make his bear different, Bond decided that Paddington's favorite food would be marmalade. [2] Fictional character biography The bear who would later come to be known as Paddington was born in "Darkest Peru". He was raised by his Aunt Lucy, his only known living relative apart from his Uncle Pastuzo. [3] Aunt Lucy always encouraged her nephew to emigrate when he was old enough and taught him English for that reason. After his Aunt Lucy went to live in a home for retired bears in Lima, the young bear stowed away on a ship bound for England. He spent the entire journey in a lifeboat, living off one jar of marmalade. The only other possessions he brought with him were one suitcase, containing a photograph of his Aunt Lucy and a few Peruvian coins, and an old hat which he always wore that had once belonged to his uncle. While at London's Paddington station to meet the train bringing their daughter Judy home from school, Mr. and Mrs. Brown noticed the young bear.

Having found out that he did not know anybody in London and had nowhere to stay, the Browns invited Paddington to stay with them for a few days. When the bear told her that nobody could understand his Peruvian name, Mrs. Brown renamed him Paddington after the train station where they found him. The Browns soon decided to allow Paddington to stay with them forever. He shares their home at 32 Windsor Gardens with their children Jonathan and Judy and their housekeeper Mrs. Bird. Although she has a reputation for being fierce and sometimes gets annoyed with Paddington's attempts to help her that go wrong, Mrs. Bird is very fond of Paddington and is protective towards him. Novels about Paddington and other merchandise featuring the character are on sale at Paddington train station, London. Soon after arriving in England, Paddington was given his famous blue duffel coat. He later acquired a pair of Wellington boots too. [4] Paddington often carries all of his possessions with him in his suitcase. He also uses his suitcase to carry the marmalade sandwiches which are his favorite food. While shopping on the Portobello Road, Paddington met the antiques dealer Mr.

Gruber, a man originally from Hungary who had spent time in South America when he was younger. He soon became Paddington's good friend and they spend many happy hours together chatting and drinking hot chocolate. Paddington also has an enemy in the form of the Browns' bad tempered neighbor Mr. Curry, one of the few people who is not able to laugh off the mishaps which the bear causes. Paddington is naturally friendly and very polite. One of the reasons why he always wears a hat is so that he can raise it in greeting if he sees somebody he knows. However, if he feels that people are being rude or condescending towards him, Paddington fixes them with a stare which makes them feel extremely uncomfortable. Paddington has good intentions in almost everything he does and often tries to put right something he perceives as wrong. However, he is rather naive and often misunderstands the situation. As a small bear, he also has some physical difficulty in living in the human world, which makes him appear clumsy. As a result, Paddington frequently causes trouble for himself and those around him. However, Paddington rarely ends up in any real difficulty.

The accidents which Paddington causes often have unintended positive consequences or can at least be laughed off by those affected by them. Notes and references Children’s Book Week – Review – A Bear Called Paddington | All That Magic Children’s Book Week – Review – A Bear Called Paddington ~ darklittle Hi there, This week is Children’s Book Week and this is why I’d like to talk about one of my favourite children’s books, A Bear Called Paddington by Michael Bond . Image linked from Amazon.com ¹ Summary: One day, the Brown family find a bear from Darkest Peru at Paddington Station in London. They decide to take him in and name him Paddington. That is when Paddington’s new life and his adventures start. He soon becomes part of the family. The children Jonathan and Judy enjoy Paddington’s company and Mrs. Bird, the housekeeper, quickly warms up to him. Paddington makes friends all over the place, his best friend being Mr. Gruber. The only person who can’t stand Paddington is the Browns’ neighbor Mr. Curry… My Thoughts: A Bear Called Paddington is set in and around the Browns’ house in London. The setting is very believable and nice and so are the characters.

The stories are told by a third person narrator and usually revolve around Paddington, so the reader has a character to connect with. The book is divided into short stories that are connected to each other and should be read in a consecutive order. In each story, Paddington usually learns something from his or others’ behaviour. So each story has its moral. I really like A Bear Called Paddington because it is entertaining, easy to read and I think Paddington is simply cute. Also, I learned to read the time with Paddington when I was very young. This is a book I would recommend for both, children and adults 🙂 A Bear called Paddington The Database Of All The Reviews A Bear Called Paddington Ages 8 to 12 Houghton Mifflin, 1998, 0-3959-2951-2 One day, when they are at the train station waiting to pick up their daughter Judy, Mr. and Mrs. Brown see the most extraordinary sight. In a corner of the platform they see a small bear. It is wearing a red hat and is sitting on a very shabby suitcase.

The bear has a tag around its neck and on the tag are the words “Please look after this bear. Thank you.” Now the Browns are good and kind people and Mrs. Brown cannot stand the thought of leaving the rather sorry looking bear all on his own in a big station. So they go up to meet the bear and discover that he has come all the way from Darkest Peru. The bear has no friends in London and no where to go. After a little discussion Mr. and Mrs. Brown decide to invite the bear to stay with them at least for a while. The bear is delighted with the idea and he also loves the English name Mrs. Brown gives him (his Peruvian one being very hard to pronounce). Mrs. Brown decides that they should call the bear Paddington after the train station where he was found. Paddington very quickly becomes a member of the Brown household. From the very first day the Browns and their housekeeper Mrs. Bird, realize that Paddington is a prone to having accidents and getting into situations. And yet, at the same time, he is also prone to somehow landing on his paws again. They all agree that Paddington “means well” even if he does get himself into the most unusual scrapes.

Whether he is getting lost in a department store, is getting swept out to sea while riding in a bucket, or is accidentally winning a painting competition, Paddington is always having an interesting time and, moreover, he is usually charming everyone around him with his funny and winning ways. In this classic first Paddington story readers will find out how Paddington acquires his name and how he quite simply transforms the lives of the people who come into contact with him. Delightful illustrations and laugh out loud stories make this the kind of book young readers will want to read again and again. An Online Children’s Book Review Journal Through The Looking Glass Children’s Book Reviews Online book reviews for the child in your life featuring both new and popular children's book authors A Bear called Paddington Audio Performed by Stephen Fry Harper Children’s Audio, 2005, 0-06-076071-0 One day, when they are at the train station waiting to pick up their daughter Judy, Mr. and Mrs. Brown see the most extraordinary sight. In a corner of the platform they see a small bear. It is wearing a red hat and is sitting on a very shabby suitcase.

The bear has a tag around its neck and on the tag are the words “Please look after this bear. Thank you.” Now the Browns are good and kind people and Mrs. Brown cannot stand the thought of leaving the rather sorry looking bear all on his own in a big station. So they go up to meet the bear and discover that he has come all the way from Darkest Peru. The bear has no friends in London and no where to go. After a little discussion Mr. and Mrs. Brown decide to invite the bear to stay with them at least for a while. The bear is delighted with the idea and he also loves the English name Mrs. Brown gives him (his Peruvian one being very hard to pronounce). Mrs. Brown decides that they should call the bear Paddington after the train station where he was found. Paddington very quickly becomes a member of the Brown household. From the very first day the Browns and their housekeeper Mrs. Bird, realize that Paddington is a prone to having accidents and getting into situations. And yet, at the same time, he is also prone to somehow landing on his paws again. They all agree that Paddington “means well” even if he does get himself into the most unusual scrapes.

Whether he is getting lost in a department store, is getting swept out to sea while riding in a bucket, or is accidentally winning a painting competition, Paddington is always having an interesting time and, moreover, he is usually charming everyone around him with his funny and winning ways. In this classic first Paddington story readers will find out how Paddington acquires his name and how he quite simply transforms the lives of the people who come into contact with him. Laugh out loud stories perfectly read by actor Stephen Fry makes this the kind of audio title which young readers will want to listen to again and again. An Online Children’s Book Review Journal Through The Looking Glass Children’s Book Reviews Online book reviews for the child in your life featuring both new and popular children's book authors Paddington Here and Now by Michael Bond, Paperback | Barnes & Noble® Parking Problems "My shopping basket on wheels has been towed away!" exclaimed Paddington hotly. He gazed at the spot where he had left it before going into the cut-price grocer's in the Portobello Market. In all the years he had lived in London such a thing had never happened to him before, and he could hardly believe his eyes.

But if he thought staring at the empty space was going to make it reappear, he was doomed to disappointment. "It's coming to something if a young bear gent can't leave 'is shopping basket unattended for five minutes while 'e's going about 'is business," said one of the stall holders who normally supplied Paddington with vegetables when he was out shopping for the Brown family. "I don't know what the world's coming to." "There's no give and take anymore," agreed a man at the next stall. "It's all take and no give. They'll be towing us away next, you mark my words." "You should have left a note on it saying 'Back in five minutes,'" said a third one. "Fat lot of good that would have done," said another. "They don't give you five seconds these days, let alone five minutes." Paddington was a popular figure in the market, and by now a small crowd of sympathizers had begun to gather. Although he was known to drive a hard bargain, he was much respected by the traders. Receiving his business was regarded by many as being something of an honoron a par with having a sign saying they were by appointment to a member of the royal family.

"The foreman of the truck said it was in the way of his vehicle," said a lady who had witnessedthe event. "They were trying to get behind a car they wanted to tow away." "But my buns were in it," said Paddington. "'Were' is probably the right word," replied the lady. "I daresay even now they're parked in some side street or other wolfing them down. Driving those great big tow-away trucks of theirs must give them an appetite." "I don't know what Mr. Gruber is going to say when he hears," said Paddington. "They were meant for our elevenses." "Look on the bright side," said another lady. "At least you've still got your suitcase with you. The basket could have been clamped. That would have cost you eighty pounds to get it undone." "And you would have to hang about half the day before they got around to doing it," agreed another. Paddington's face grew longer and longer as he listened to all the words of wisdom. "Eighty pounds!" he exclaimed. "But I only went in for Mrs. Bird's bottled water!" "You can buy a new basket on wheels in the market for ten pounds," chimed in another stall holder.

"I daresay if you haggle a bit you could get one for a lot less," said another. "But I've only got ten pence," said Paddington sadly. "Besides, I wouldn't want a new one. Mr. Brown gave mine to me soon after I arrived. I've had it ever since." "Quite right!" agreed an onlooker. "You stick to your guns. They don't come like that these days. Them new ones is all plastic. Don't last five minutes." "If you ask me," said a lady who ran a knickknacks stall, "it's a pity it didn't get clamped. My Sid would have lent you his hacksaw like a shot. He doesn't hold with that kind of thing." "Pity you weren't here in person when they did it," said another stall holder. "You would have been able to lie down in the road in front of their truck as a protest. Then we could have phoned the local press to send over one of their photographers, and it would have been in all the papers." "That would have stopped the lorry in its tracks," agreed someone else from the back of the crowd. Paddington eyed the man doubtfully.

"Supposing it didn't?" he said. "In that case you would have been on the evening news," said the man. "Television would have had a field day interviewing all the witnesses." "You'd have become what they call a martyr," agreed the first man. "I daresay in years to come they would have erected a statue in your honor. Then nobody would have been able to park." "What you need," said the fruit-and-vegetable man, summing up the whole situation, "is a good lawyer. Someone like Sir Bernard Crumble. He lives just up the road. This kind of thing is just up his street. He's a great one for sticking up for the underdog" He broke off as he caught Paddington's eye. "Well, I daresay he does underbears as well. He'd have their guts for garters. Never been known to lose a case yet." "Which street does he live in?" asked Paddington hopefully. "I shouldn't get ideas above your station," warned another trader, "if you'll pardon the pun.

They do say 'e charges an arm and a leg just to open 'is front door to the postman." "If I were you," said a passerby, "before you do anything else, I suggest you go along to the police station and report the matter to them. I daresay they'll be able to arrange counseling for you." "Whatever you do," advised one of the stall holders, "don't tell them you've been towed away. Be what they call noncommittal. Just say your vehicle has gone missing." He gazed at the large pack of bottled water Paddington had bought at the grocer's. "You can leave those with me. I'll make sure they don't come to any harm." Paddington thanked the man for his kind offer and, after waving good-bye to the crowd, set off at a brisk pace toward the nearest police station. But as he turned a corner and a familiar blue lamp came into view, he began to slow down. Over the years he had met a number of policemen, and he had always found them only too ready to help in times of trouble.

There was the occasion when he'd mistaken a television repairman for a burglar, and another time when he had bought some oil shares from a man in the market and they had turned out to be duds. Paddington Here and Now SNY. Copyright © by Michael Bond. Reprinted by permission of HarperCollins Publishers, Inc. All rights reserved. Available now wherever books are sold. Young readers book reviews -- *A Bear Called Paddington (50th Anniversary Edition)* by Michael Bond - Curled Up With A Good Kid's Book Hardcover What better way to bring joy to a childï¿½s heart than to introduce him or her to the world of the most famous bear ever to come out of Darkest Peru, Paddington? Not to mention the joy reading it to oneï¿½s kids that parents experience. Heck, although this go ï¿½round I read the book to myself, as did my fourteen-year-old daughter, we still both loved it. The adventures (and misadventures) of Paddington are timeless - like those of another famous literary bear, Winnie the Pooh - and the enjoyment reading about their exploits one feels knows no generational bounds.

For those yet unfamiliar with the tales of this mischievous young bear - whose favorite garb is a red porkpie hat and a blue coat mackintosh coat fastened with toggles - allow me to enlighten you. Heï¿½s a bear whose intense degree of curiosity often gets the better of him, who doesnï¿½t mind the odd bit of self-indulgence when it comes to the food he craves, ranging from bacon and eggs to his favorite delights - sticky buns, cocoa, and, of course, marmalade. Reading about him is, of course, the ideal way to learn more about him, but I shall attempt to give you a taste of author Michael Bondï¿½s creation. The tale of how he got his name borders on the legendary. The Browns, the family with whom Paddington lives with in England, first see him ï¿½on a railway platformï¿½ while on their way ï¿½to meet their daughter Judy, who was coming home from school for the holidays.ï¿½ And the name of the railway station? You guessed it: Paddington.

The Browns feel sorry for the plight of the young bear that has stowed away on a ship to get to Englandï¿½s shores, leaving his native land of Peru and his beloved Aunt Lucy who he lived with until, as Paddington puts it, ï¿½she had to go into a home for retired bears.ï¿½ Heï¿½s survived the long voyage by eating marmalade from jars stashed away in his suitcase. Never one to be too keen on personal hygiene issues, Paddington adds to his furï¿½s stickiness by consuming a large sticky bun filled with ï¿½cream and jamï¿½ (they have none filled with marmalade; sometimes one is forced to make do with whatï¿½s available) that Mr. Brown buys for him a buffet at the train station. Besides their daughter Judy, the Browns also have a son, Jonathan, and a live-in housekeeper, Mrs. Bird. Paddington is unfamiliar with many things that the Browns take for granted, such as taking baths in a tub (he wonders why taking one in a puddle wouldnï¿½t be just as good).

Much of the trouble Paddington gets into results from his not wanting to admit when he isnï¿½t quite sure about something, or when people assume he knows what heï¿½s doing when he really doesnï¿½t. His first experience taking a bath is a case in point. Left alone to his own devices, Paddington loses track of the time as he fills the tub with water. He uses Mr. Brownï¿½s shaving cream to make a map of South America on the bathroom floor. By the time he decides to get into the tub, it is already starting to overflow. To make matters worse, once in the tub Paddington discovers he has to ï¿½stand on tiptoe even to keep his nose above water.ï¿½ Fortunately for Paddington, the Browns are a forgiving family and accept him into their family with unconditional love, even when water starts to leak from the floor of the upstairs bathroom through the first-floor ceiling and stars to drip on Mr. Brownï¿½s forehead. This is just he beginning of the hilarious problems that Paddington gets himself in.

A Bear Called Paddington (50th Anniversary Edition) is a book to be read over and over again and an excellent introduction to Michael Bondï¿½s other books about Paddington. The superb illustrations by Peggy Fortnum are rendered in full color for this edition, making it the best one yet. Also, an introduction by Michael Bond gives insight into how he came up with the idea for Paddington, giving countless readers the gift of his creation over the decades since. Long live Paddington! May he be around for at least another fifty years, bringing joy and happiness to kids of all ages.

Question: In the book ‘A Bear Called Paddington’ by Michael Bond, what is the name of the Browns’ housekeeper?
Answer: Mrs Bird