Reviews

A Bear Called Paddington Collector's Edition by Michael Bond

saroz162's review against another edition

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4.0

Very cute; I can see why I loved these books as a kid. It's quite a rare (modern) kids' book that is essentially plotless, though; you could exchange the second half of this book with any other Paddington installment and no one would be any the wiser. The little bear's adventures are incredibly episodic! He has a child's logic, though, which is very engaging, and it's probably one of the rare examples of a proper book series built around the familiarity of "hooks," like a sitcom (Paddington's literal approach and love of marmalade, visits to Mr. Gruber, Mr. Curry's stinginess, etc.) - the sort of thing you often encounter in early children's storybooks, but rarely otherwise. That explains both the appeal, I think, as well as the age range of the readership; there's few books (the Winnie-the-Pooh books, perhaps) that are perfectly pitched at 6-year-olds: no longer the realm of picture books, but not yet the complicated realm of the children's novel. Paddington still holds up, even if the age of one-and-sixpence pocket money is now long gone.

bkoser's review against another edition

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4.0

Charming

3.5 stars

missbibliography's review against another edition

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4.0

A quick 40 minute journey into the delightful world of "A Bear Called Paddington" and let me tell you, it's not just for kids – this bear has a PhD in comedy! I can't wait to share this with my siblings and students!

Firstly, Paddington's little escapades are like a masterclass in humor. As an adult, I found myself chuckling at his knack for getting into the most absurd situations. The things he did with just a jar of marmalade were downright hilarious.

But what really had me in stitches were Paddington's unexpected witty comebacks. I swear, this bear has a comeback for every situation. His magic tricks? Pure gold. I haven't laughed that hard since... well, never. The best part is the way he does it all so innocently. As an adult, it cracks me up, the way he doesn't seem to know just how much of a clown he is. And let's talk about those clap-backs to the photographer at the seaside. Paddington needs to be on TikTok with his humor.

In short, reading "A Bear Called Paddington" was a great time. The book is a treasure trove of giggles, and Paddington is the undisputed king of unexpected wit. Whether he's pulling rabbits out of a hat or turning a simple photo op into a riotous affair, Paddington Bear is the stand-up comic we all need in our lives – furry, funny, and unforgettable.

dawnlizreads's review against another edition

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4.0

I've never read any of the Paddington books, so decided to give it a go.

A lovely and charming read. Paddington manages to create chaos wherever he goes but also manages to endear himself to petty much everyone he meets.

Apparently Bond didn't have an age group in mind when he wrote this. And, I do think all readers - however old they are - can enjoy exploits of this bear with a penchant for marmalade.

vikingwolf's review against another edition

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4.0

Paddington lived with his beloved Aunt Lucy in Darkest Peru until she had to go into a home for retired bears. She packed Paddington onto a liner and sent him off to Great Britain with his suitcase, his old hat, a supply of marmalade, and a note around his neck asking that someone look after the bear. He finds himself alone at Paddington station, unsure of where to go or what to do. This is where Mr and Mrs Brown catch sight of him and feel sorry for him, deciding to take the poor bear home with them until they decide what to do about him.

Poor Paddington! Alone in a strange country without his relatives around him, just waiting on the platform with nowhere to go! If I'd seen the poor guy I'm sure I'd have had to go and see if he was ok! Mr and Mrs Brown decide to name him Paddington after the station where they met him and take him back to their house, to the delight of their children Judy and Jonathan. The housekeeper Mrs Bird is a bit unsure of this untidy looking bear but the family quickly develop a soft spot for him and adopt him into the family. Paddington is relieved to have found a nice home and people who are looking after him.

What the Browns don't know is that Paddington is not the smartest bear in the world. He also has little knowledge of much that is going on in the world or the way the modern world works so he is easily confused by things. He also has the habit of getting himself into trouble during the most normal of outings. They can't get him out of the station and home without several messy disasters occuring and the resulting bath to get clean becomes an ordeal for the very confused bear! Disaster after disaster seems to follow with Paddington getting lost on the Underground, causing havoc in the window display of a department store, getting into danger on his first visit at the seaside, creating chaos at a theatre and having a wild birthday party.

I love this bear so much! He is kind and caring, easy to make friends with and will always try to help where he can. He is so very sweet but I shudder to think of the chaos he could cause in my house. Basically, you can't leave this bear unattended at all! He is however, very skilled at getting a bargain while shopping, which would be useful and is popular amongst the market traders. I also love the hard stares he gives to people he feels are insulting or conning him-I have my own stare like that so I can relate to him! His adventures are funny and endearing and have been the perfect light, quick reads that I've needed during the pandemic. The cartoons in my paperback editions are so cute and funny-it really adds to the book.

I can't believe that I never read Paddington when I was younger as I have no recollection of any of the stories I'm reading. It seems weird that someone who read as much as I did never read these books. I have to say as well that they are just as enjoyable for adults as they are for kids. If you're looking for a fun read to give you a few lockdown laughs, pick up Paddington!

oofie's review against another edition

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3.0

Another simple, sweet book.

knolle's review against another edition

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4.0

Summer reading includes books I haven’t read for years that I am considering to read to my students. This one is on the list for a first grade read aloud coming soon to a classroom near you for the 2023-2024 school year.

ailbhedebarra's review against another edition

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funny hopeful lighthearted relaxing medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Loveable characters? Yes

5.0

lisakimmence3's review against another edition

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4.0

Ah, I can't believe it's taken me so long to read about Paddington Bear's adventures. I loved this! Such a lovely little story. Can't wait to read the next 14!

veereadstoomuch's review against another edition

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funny hopeful lighthearted relaxing fast-paced

5.0