Reviews

Paddington's adventures continue, with one subtle difference. After three books of Paddington misunderstanding the basic day-to-day life of post-war Britain, most of this book is taken up with the Browns' holiday in France. For the first time, the child reader misses out on much of the vicarious pleasure of being "ahead" of Paddington, and Michael Bond seems to try and compensate by making his little calamities overly simplistic and even stereotyped. It's all as gentle and sweet as usual but somehow less fun. The best story by far is "A Visit to the Bank," a wholly London-based pile-up comedy of errors in which Paddington empties his savings account only to discover that all his nice polished coinage has been "replaced," and interest on one pound, three shillings and sixpence simply isn't very interesting!

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4.0

What can possibly go wrong in putting Paddington in charge of the events as the Brown family and Mrs Bird take him on his first overseas holiday to France? His first problem is when he tries to withdraw his money at the bank and feels that he is being ripped off, causing hard stares all round and police involvement! The Brown family have a sinking feeling in their stomach when Paddington goes AWOL at the airport and there is an issue concerning whether he is trying to travel without a passport, causing a proper stink at customs. Is he actually in the country legally or is he an illegal bear who could be deported back to Peru?

In France Paddington discovers that the eating of smails is considered normal but he has a way to go to convince the Brown family of this! Getting lost also seems to be the order of the day with Paddington in charge but this bear always seems to land on his paws and he discovers a great hotel, an exciting festival and new friends among the locals. An invite onto a ship by an ex-pat of course goes wrong when a castaway situation occurs. Paddington ends up as more of a hinderance than a help when it comes to signalling for help!

My favourite story in the book had to be when the town were getting prepared for the Tour De France bike race coming through. Paddington as usual misunderstands what is going on and decides to adapt a bike so he can take part in it with very amusing consequences! I couldn't stop laughing when the locals were screaming encouragement in the form of 'VIVE LE BEAR!' as the Brown family wondered with anxiety where Paddington had got to! The illustrations of the bike race were funny too and as always, really added to the story!

I like that Paddington seems to be able to turn each disaster into a triumph, often with help from his friends or family and I like that the poor bear has a good heart and good intentions! His adventures are great and I never stop being amused at his hard stares for people who really deserve it and the trouble a bear can get into every day. I never get tired of his adventures and I'm loving this series of books.

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