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manwithanagenda 's review for:

A Bear Called Paddington by Michael Bond
5.0
funny hopeful lighthearted relaxing fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

How have I lived so long and never read the original Paddington? We had had a storybook collection around the house I read and a small Paddington Bear was a favorite toy of mine for a couple years, but I never got this far back.

It was salve to an aching heart. A small not-so-clean bear in a big hat is found sitting on a suitcase by the Browns one afternoon at Paddington Station while picking up their daughter. He's emigrated, not-so-legally, from Darkest Peru since his Aunt Lucy had to go live in a home for Retired Bears. Mrs. Brown spots the label around his neck, saying "Please Take Care of this Bear", and takes him in. He is given tea at the station which goes South thanks to overly sticky buns and wobbly tables, he's a sensation at the department store when Mrs. Brown buys him a duffel coat with toggles his paws can managed, and his child-like cheapness will not be suppressed. "SIXPENCE?"

It was a delight and over far too soon. I was laughing so hard at every absurd observation and adored his friendship with the Portobello Road shopkeeper. 

Paddington Bear

Next: 'More About Paddington'