I received this book for free from the library in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Source: the library
Paddington
by
Michael Bond
action & adventure, picture book in Hardcover edition that was published by HarperFestival on June 26, 2007 and has 32 pages.
Explore it on Goodreads or Amazon
Illustrator: R.W. Alley
This is a re-issue of the first (and original) A Bear Called Paddington in the Paddington Bear children’s picture book series and revolving around a tiny stowaway of a bear who comes to London.
My Take
Too, too cute with a bear who is unfailingly polite. Only. Only I was disappointed with how abruptly the story ended. It felt unfinished.
The pictures are amazingly detailed without being overwhelming, and it was sweet how accepting the Browns are of this bear. Even if it can be embarrassing. Or expensive!
Bond uses third-person objective point-of-view, as we don’t get into the thoughts of any of the characters.
The Story
Poor Mr. Brown goes along with his wife, no matter how embarrassing it is, when she insists on taking this poor bear home.
Well, after being raised in Darkest Peru, Paddington gets into all sorts of trouble as he explores an English home from the steam on the bathroom mirror and shaving cream as drawing materials…and trying to get out of a bathtub!
The Characters
Paddington Bear was named for the railway station, and he is from Peru. Aunt Lucy brought him up until she had to go into a Home for Retired Bears.
Henry and Mary Brown were the first to meet Paddington when they were at the train station to meet their daughter, Judy. Jonathan is their son. Mrs. Bird is their housekeeper.
The Cover and Title
The cover has a warm cream background with a ragged-edge border on both sides and script title in a soft periwinkle blue. The author’s name is at the top in a deep, deep blue with the illustrator’s name at the bottom in the same blue. In between is a short, squat brown bear with a very curious twinkle in his eyes. He’s in a blue winter coat with toggle buttons and a red rain hat, carrying a light brown valise (that will be “wanted on voyage”) and a jar of marmalade. A tag ensures Paddington’s care on his trip as it asks that one “Please look after this bear. Thank You”.
The title is Paddington train station…or is it for the bear’s name?
