Picture Book Review: A Bear Called Paddington

It was Christmas Eve 1956 when Michael Bond purchased a stuffed bear for his wife in a store near Paddington Station. 

That impulsive gift would inspire Mr. Bond to write a book,  A Bear Called Paddington, that would introduce the world to Paddington Bear, delighting children of all ages and nations. 

From deepest, darkest Peru, Paddington travels in a lifeboat across the ocean eating marmalade to stay a live. With a suitcase in his hand and a note on which is written, "Please look after this bear. Thank you." You see his Aunt Lucy grew old and had to move into the Home for retired bears. 

This whimsical tale begins with Paddington being found by the Brown family at Paddington Train Station in London, England. And so, the adventure begins. 

You will love Paddington's well-meaning, but often misguided attempts to right a wrong (as perceived by Paddington, but usually a misunderstanding). His escapades are hilarious and he is the sweetest, most well-meaning bear ever! 

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First published in 1958, you will meet the Henry and Mary Brown, their children Jonathan and Judy, and the kind, but strict housekeeper, Mrs. Bird in the pages of A Bear Called Paddington. From Paddington's hilarious first bath and disastrous first trip on the Underground to Paddington's attempt to paint and participation in a sand castle competition, you will be laughing at his adventures. 

Like children have for decades, your children will fall in love with Paddington. If you want to get more Paddington Bear books, I will give you the list. 

A Bear Called Paddington
More About Paddington 
Paddington Helps Out
Paddington Abroad
Paddington at Large
Paddington Marches On
Paddington at Work 
Paddington Goes to Town
Paddington Takes the Air
Paddington's Garden
Paddington's Blue Peter Storybook
Paddington at the Tower
Paddington On Top
Paddington Takes the Test 
Paddington on Screen
Paddington at the Zoo
Paddington at the Knickerbocker Rainbow
Paddington at the Palace
Paddington's Magical Christmas 
Paddington Goes to the Hospital
Paddington and the Grand Tour
Paddington Here and Now
Paddington Races Ahead
Paddington Goes for the Gold
Love From Paddington 
Paddington's Finest Hour

Enjoy these delightful books with your children. And don’t forget, to make time to read with your kids!
Warmly,
Meredith Curtis

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