Paddington Hits Out Illustrated By Barry Wilkinson

Author: Michael Bond
Illustrator Barry Wilkinson
Price: £45
Publisher: Collins Colour Cubs, London, UK
Edition: First edition
Publication Date: 1977
Format: Original hardcover pictorial boards
Condition: Fine, clean condition
Size: 11.2cm x 15.4cm
Pages: Unpaginated

Description:

Binding nice and tight. Pages nice and clean. A fine, tight, clean copy. The scarce hardback first edition.

The Story:

Paddington Hits Out (1977) by Barry Wilkinson is another book tied to the popular 1970s Paddington stop-motion animated television series, produced by FilmFair. Like Paddington’s Birthday Party, this book is part of a series of stories adapted from the TV show, providing children with more adventures of the lovable bear from Darkest Peru.

Plot:

In Paddington Hits Out, Paddington Bear gets involved in a sporting event—specifically, golf. Paddington, being the curious and adventurous bear that he is, decides to try his hand at the game of golf after watching others play. As always, Paddington’s good intentions and enthusiasm lead to humorous mishaps.

The story follows Paddington’s attempts to understand the rules of golf and master the sport, all while causing a bit of chaos on the golf course. His misadventures include misunderstandings about golf etiquette, trouble with the equipment, and, of course, his trademark marmalade sandwiches making an appearance at an inappropriate moment.

Despite the challenges and comic situations, Paddington’s charm and perseverance shine through, and the people around him—whether they are fellow golfers or the Brown family—end up appreciating his efforts and good heart, even if his golfing skills are less than perfect.

Style:

This book, like others by Barry Wilkinson, reflects the tone and style of the Paddington TV series. It is written in a simple, straightforward manner, designed for younger readers who are fans of the show. The illustrations match the animated series’ aesthetic, reinforcing the connection between the television adaptation and the book.

Reception and Legacy:

While these TV-tie-in books by Barry Wilkinson are not as widely known or celebrated as Michael Bond’s original Paddington books, they served as an important way for children to engage with the character outside of the television screen. Paddington Hits Out was part of a broader effort to market Paddington to a younger, television-watching audience in the 1970s, contributing to the enduring popularity of the character.

Like other books in the series, Paddington Hits Out captures the humour, charm, and mischief of Paddington Bear, making it an enjoyable read for young fans of the time.

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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