Paddington Here & Now
ISBN Trade: 978-0061473647
176 Pages
Ages 8-12, Grades 3-7
HarperCollins Childrens
www.harpercollinschildrens.com
Review
The book opens as the eternally optimistic and oh so innocent little Peruvian bear returns to the curb to find his shopping cart has been towed away. Confused and in a state of dismay, nearby stall owners offer their support, as well as, a few gruff opinions. Paddington had been shopping at Portobello for the Brown family for years and nothing like that had ever happened before. Dealing with grumpy neighbors and the always eager tabloids, Paddington has his little paws full, but this is just the beginning of his misadventures. Later, Paddington is arrested and taken to the police station where he is questioned about his citizenship and exclaims, “I’m not an immigrant.” Thus moving us to the crux of the story…is home still where the heart is?
The foundation for this particular story line was laid many years ago when Paddington’s Aunt Lucy decided to move into the Retirement Home for Bears in Lima and helped the little bear stow-away on a ship bound for England. And although the Brown’s adopted the homeless bear after discovering him among stacks of mailbags at Paddington Station, he doesn’t have the proper paperwork, therefore, technically, Paddington is an immigrant…or even an illegal immigrant. Author Michael Bond infuses the story with Paddington’s trademark sense of humor and naivete and in doing so addresses such serious personal questions as how do you define home? And how does one decide where they belong?
Paddington Bear stories transcend the page…dealing with contemporary issues, yet delivered with that special bump and bungling comical narrative, that fans immediately recognize as the classic Paddington style and new readers will undoubtedly find irresistible. The story is well written, entertaining and filled with many “ahh’s and oohs.”
Reliable, family friendly and a true original, Paddington Bear Books are as sure as a PB & J sandwich to illicit smiles from youngsters. And parents that utilize a combination of the two are pretty much assured a few minutes of free time! I can easily and without reservation recommend Michael Bond’s new book, Paddington Here and Now and not just for the kids, even the adults that grew up reading these stories will enjoy spending some time with this old furry friend.
Happy Reading!
-RJ
HAPPY 50th BIRTHDAY PADDINGTON BEAR!!!
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-RJ
Great site you’ve got! I bet you’re professionals!
..was just passing by.. good work
definitely, it’s a great site!