Paddington Goes To The Sales Illustrated By Barry Wilkinson And Signed By Michael Bond

Author: Michael Bond
Illustrator Barry Wilkinson
Price: £85
Publisher: Collins Colour Cubs, London, UK
Edition: First edition
Publication Date: 1976
Format: Original printed wrappers
Condition: Fine, clean condition
Size: 11.2cm x 15.4cm
Pages: Unpaginated

Description:

Binding nice and tight. Pages nice and clean. Appears to have the front endpaper removed but this is not the case. A fine, tight, clean copy. The softcover first edition. Inscribed ‘To David from Michael Bond’ to the title page. Very scarce signed.

The Story:

Paddington Goes to the Sales (1976), illustrated by Barry Wilkinson, is one of the many charming stories in which Paddington Bear, the much-loved character created by Michael Bond, finds himself in a humorous situation. This book is tied to the stop-motion animated series of the 1970s, for which Barry Wilkinson provided illustrations.

Plot Summary:

In Paddington Goes to the Sales, Paddington Bear becomes intrigued by the idea of shopping at a big post-Christmas sale. Ever the curious and resourceful bear, he sets off to explore the world of bargain hunting. Of course, Paddington’s well-meaning actions and naiveté quickly lead to a series of comic misunderstandings.

As he navigates the bustling department store, Paddington’s encounters with sales-people and fellow shoppers result in some humorous and chaotic moments. He struggles with the crowds, misinterprets the purpose of some sale items, and even gets into a bit of trouble while trying to find the perfect bargain. Paddington’s day at the sales turns out to be more of an adventure than he expected, but as always, his good heart and lovable nature win everyone over in the end.

Illustrations:

Barry Wilkinson’s illustrations complement the lighthearted tone of the story, capturing the expressions of Paddington and the bustling atmosphere of the sales. His artwork for this book ties into the visual style of the 1970s animated series, which helped make Paddington more accessible to a new generation of fans. The illustrations are whimsical and add to the overall comedic timing of Paddington’s various misadventures in the store.

Style:

The book is written in a simple, engaging manner, suitable for younger readers, especially those familiar with Paddington through the animated series. Like other stories from this time, Paddington Goes to the Sales builds on the established traits of Paddington—his curiosity, politeness, and knack for getting into trouble despite his best intentions.

Reception:

While Paddington Goes to the Sales was not part of the original Paddington books written by Michael Bond, it became popular with children who had grown to love the character through the animated series. The book was appreciated for its humour and its relatable depiction of holiday shopping madness, with Paddington bringing his usual charm to the situation.

Overall, Paddington Goes to the Sales is another delightful Paddington tale that reflects the lovable bear’s ability to turn an ordinary day into a memorable and entertaining adventure.

Michael Bond: A Short Biography

Michael Bond was a British author best known for creating Paddington Bear, one of the most beloved characters in children’s literature. His career as a writer spanned over six decades, during which he wrote numerous Paddington books, as well as other works for children and adults.

Early Life and Career:

• Born: January 13, 1926, in Newbury, Berkshire, England.
• Bond grew up in Reading, Berkshire, where his love for storytelling began. He was an avid reader and had an early fascination with writing, though he initially pursued other careers.
• During World War II, Bond served in the Royal Air Force and later worked as a camera operator for the BBC.

Creation of Paddington Bear:

• The idea for Paddington Bear came to Michael Bond in 1956, when he saw a lonely teddy bear sitting on a shelf in a London shop near Paddington Station. Bond bought the bear as a gift for his wife and was inspired to create a character around it.
• Bond wrote the first book, A Bear Called Paddington, in just ten days. It was published in 1958, introducing the world to the small bear from Darkest Peru who arrives at Paddington Station with a note that reads, “Please look after this bear. Thank you.”
• The Paddington books were an immediate success, with readers falling in love with the bear’s politeness, curiosity, and well-meaning mishaps. Bond’s witty, warm writing style and the gentle humour of Paddington’s adventures made the series timeless.

Paddington Bear’s Impact:

• The Paddington Bear series has been translated into over 40 languages and has sold more than 35 million copies worldwide.
• Bond wrote more than 20 books about Paddington, including sequels such as More About Paddington, Paddington Helps Out, and Paddington at Large.
• Paddington became a British cultural icon, and the stories were adapted into multiple TV series, stage productions, and two highly successful live-action films, Paddington (2014) and Paddington 2 (2017), with Ben Whishaw providing the voice of Paddington.

Other Works:

• While Paddington Bear was his most famous creation, Michael Bond also wrote other children’s books. His series about Olga da Polga, a guinea pig with a lively imagination, was another favourite.
• Bond also wrote for adult audiences, including a series of detective novels featuring Monsieur Pamplemousse, a retired French detective and food critic who solves culinary-related mysteries with his loyal bloodhound, Pommes Frites.

Personal Life:

• Bond lived much of his life in London, close to Paddington Station, which played such a crucial role in inspiring his most famous creation.
• Despite his success as a writer, Bond remained modest and down-to-earth. He often expressed that he wrote Paddington stories because they made him happy, and he was always delighted by the bear’s popularity with readers of all ages.

Awards and Honours:

• In recognition of his contribution to children’s literature, Michael Bond was awarded an Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 1997 and later a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 2015.
• Paddington Bear’s influence has extended far beyond literature. In 2000, a statue of Paddington was unveiled at Paddington Station, and the character remains a beloved figure in British culture.

Death and Legacy:

• Michael Bond passed away on June 27, 2017, at the age of 91. His legacy endures through the enduring popularity of Paddington Bear, who continues to delight new generations of readers and viewers.
• Bond’s ability to create a character who embodied kindness, curiosity, and good manners made Paddington a universally beloved figure, one that resonated with readers across cultures and ages.

Bond’s warm, humorous stories have left a lasting impact, and his creation of Paddington Bear has cemented him as one of the great figures in 20th-century children’s literature.

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