Paddington In The Kitchen Illustrated By Barry Wilkinson

Bond, Michael & Wilkinson, Barry

£45.00

Availability: In stock

Product Description

Paddington In The Kitchen 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 in the Kitchen (1977) by Barry Wilkinson is another instalment from the series of books tied to the Paddington stop-motion animated television show produced by FilmFair in the 1970s. These books expanded on the character of Paddington Bear, bringing the beloved stories to children who had become fans of the TV series. Barry Wilkinson adapted many of these episodes into storybook form.

Plot:

In Paddington in the Kitchen, Paddington Bear, ever the enthusiastic and well-meaning character, decides to try his paw at cooking. Paddington’s culinary adventure begins when he is left alone in the kitchen and decides to prepare a meal, or perhaps one of his favorite snacks. However, as with most of Paddington’s endeavors, things do not go according to plan.

The story follows Paddington as he gets into various comical situations while cooking. His good intentions are undermined by his lack of skill in the kitchen, leading to a series of mishaps, such as ingredients being used incorrectly, utensils flying around, and the kitchen descending into chaos. However, Paddington’s resourcefulness and optimism never waver, and despite the chaos he creates, there is a happy and heart-warming resolution to the story.

Style and Presentation:

Much like other books written by Barry Wilkinson during this time, Paddington in the Kitchen was designed for younger readers, with simple language and colorful illustrations that mirrored the style of the television series. The book was meant to provide an accessible entry point for children who had come to love Paddington through the TV show, while also introducing them to new adventures.

The illustrations play a big part in the storytelling, capturing Paddington’s charming clumsiness and the humorous situations he finds himself in. These visuals were closely tied to the look and feel of the animated series, creating a strong connection between the books and the television show.

Reception:

Paddington in the Kitchen was one of many stories that helped solidify Paddington Bear’s place in children’s entertainment during the 1970s. While not as enduring or critically acclaimed as Michael Bond’s original Paddington books, Barry Wilkinson’s adaptations for the television audience were a key part of Paddington’s multimedia presence during that era.

Like other books from this series, Paddington in the Kitchen was appreciated for its humour and the lovable antics of Paddington Bear, making it a favourite for young readers and fans of the animated show.

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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