A Bear Called Paddington

by Michael Bond and illustrated by Peggy Fortnum

“A Bear Called Paddington” by Michael Bond and illustrated by Peggy Fortnum. Published by Harper Collins. A delightful book introducing a friendly bear from Darkest Peru who travels all the way to London and ends up with the Brown family.

Mr and Mrs Brown found a little bear wearing a funny hat and sitting on some kind of a suitcase when they had gone to Paddington station to pick up their daughter Judy. They found the bear irresistible and decided to take him home. They found out that he had come all the way from Peru as a stowaway on a ship as his aunt moved into a home for retired bears. She had wanted him to emigrate when he was old enough and that is what he had done.

The Browns named him after the station and took him home. He became an integral part of their family almost right away. Since then their lives were never going to be the same again. For Paddington was sure to create a stir wherever he went. Even ordinary things and situations were bound to become quite extraordinary if Paddington was involved. Such was his charm :) Read the charming book to fall in love with Paddington and discover why he has been making children all over the world enjoy his antics for over sixty years.

My 8.5 year old loved reading the book and has become a fan of Paddington now. In fact, he insisted that I write this review as he wants more children to know and read about Paddington. He enjoyed the humour and adventurous situations that Paddington unintentionally got into. Thanks to Paddington, he now has a newfound love for marmalade and ensures that we have a steady supply of it at home :) The fact that this book began it’s journey as a doodle and went on to become so popular as mentioned in the postscript by the author is wonderful. It led to a series of books featuring more adventures of the adorable bear. Not just books but a life size bronze statue of Paddington has been installed at the railway station which we hope to see someday if we go to London at all! What better way to honour and celebrate a beloved character :) We have already bought another book on Paddington and are going to read it soon.

Recommended Age

The book is apt for children aged 7/8 and above.

Reasons to Read

To introduce an all-time classic to children.