I don't know that I ever actually read any of the Paddington books as a kid. I do remember watching a bit of the tv series. I was pleasantly surprised. This was really good and I imagine as a kid I would've loved it. Paddington is hilarious. I especially liked the theatre chapter - particularly when he freaks out at the idea of paying twenty pence to rent the glasses. And the magic tricks. Mr Curry's watch had me in hysterics. Great story. Looking forward to reading the rest of the series. ( )

A cute book about a couple who befriend a bear from Peru at Paddington Station in London. (One must suspend your disbelief for this to work.) Each chapter is a short story involving some sort of crisis involving Paddington, eventually culminating in a happy resolution. Children might find the "formula" comforting but I was hoping for a little more sophistication and variety. I liked the postscript at the end, with Mr. Bond explaining how he came up with the idea for the book.

Rating: 3 stars
Original Publication Date: 1958 ( )

Such fun to make the close acquaintance of Paddington, a bear to whom things happen with somewhat alarming frequency. From the moment the Brown family takes him on, they never know quite what marmalade-enhanced upheaval they will be facing next. It all generally works out well enough in the end. ( )

I listened to this on Hoopla for two reasons: First, it is narrated by Stephen Fry, so you know that part will be great. Second, my daughter is going to school in London now and I have been to Paddington Station on several occasions, so this quick introduction to a character I have heard about but never read seemed worthwhile. And it was. Paddington is nothing like his chief bear competition, Winnie the Pooh, nor is he like the Berenstain Bears. Paddington is from Darkest Peru, but his aunt, who is now in a home for retired bears in Lima, has taught him English and recommended he emigrate. There is no word about what happened to Paddington's parents. I suspect either Spanish Conquistadors or the Shining Path had something to do with their disappearance. In any case, Paddington is quickly adopted by the Brown family--a perfect family with a mother, a father, a son, a daughter, and a housekeeper. He is well clothed and fed (especially marmalade) and treated like one of the children. Modern readers may be aghast at how much freedom the Browns give their kids at places like the seaside, where Paddington has one of his adventures, which always seem to turn out okay. There's nothing as quirky or endearing here as Winnie the Pooh and his friends, however. Paddington is a bear, but no one takes too much notice of it, which attests to the diversity of London, even in the 1950s when this was first published. Paddington, the Browns, and Stephen Fry are pleasant companions, so you and your children may enjoy them. There are other volumes that follow, with Fry again providing the narration. Nice for a car trip with small children or if you are hoarse from reading to them yourself. ( )

The boys didn't find Paddington funny the way I did. When I was young, Paddington would make me laugh till I cried, they barely giggled. I wonder why. ( )