Paddington’s Birthday Party 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’s Birthday Party (1977) illustrated by Barry Wilkinson is a different interpretation of Paddington Bear, created to coincide with the television series featuring Paddington Bear that first aired in the 1970s. Barry Wilkinson wrote several Paddington stories during this time, often tied to the episodes of the Paddington stop-motion animated TV series produced by FilmFair.

In this particular version, the story revolves around Paddington’s birthday, much like the earlier Michael Bond books, but with some variations to align it more closely with the animated version of the character that was popular during the 1970s.

Plot:

In Paddington’s Birthday Party, Paddington is excited about his upcoming birthday, and, as usual, he gets involved in the preparations. Much of the humour revolves around Paddington’s misunderstandings and mishaps as he tries to make the day perfect. From baking his own cake to setting up the decorations, Paddington’s good intentions lead to a series of comedic events. However, despite the chaos, the party is a huge success in the end, thanks to Paddington’s charm and his friends’ understanding of his unique way of doing things.

Style:

The story is written in a simple and accessible manner, designed to appeal to young readers and fans of the television series. The illustrations that accompany the text are also in the style of the 1970s animated series, providing a visual link to the TV show that was beloved by many.

Legacy:

This book, like many others tied to the TV series, helped introduce Paddington to a wider audience, particularly younger children who may have been introduced to the character through television rather than the original Michael Bond books. Barry Wilkinson’s contributions to the Paddington series are part of the character’s long legacy in children’s entertainment, even if these adaptations are less well-known compared to the original books by Michael Bond.

Overall, Paddington’s Birthday Party (1977) by Barry Wilkinson is a charming, lighter version of the classic Paddington stories, aimed at young fans of the 1970s animated series.

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.

Why buy from us?

At Hornseys, we are committed to offering items that meet the highest standards of quality and authenticity. Our book collection is meticulously curated to ensure that each edition is a valuable and authentic piece of bibliographical history. Here’s what sets us apart:

• Authenticity and Provenance: Every book is researched, collated, and verified for authenticity.
• Expert Curation: Each book is selected with a keen eye for significance, condition, and rarity, ensuring a collection that is both diverse and distinguished.
• Customer Satisfaction: We strive to provide an exceptional customer experience, from detailed descriptions and provenance to secure and prompt delivery of your purchase.
• Returns Policy: We offer an unconditional guarantee on every item. If you wish to make a return, books may be sent back to us within fourteen days of receipt for any reason. We request advance notification of returns, and books must be returned in the same condition as sent for a full refund.

Explore Our Collection:

Visit Hornseys to explore our fine collection of rare and signed books. Whether you are an avid collector or looking for a special gift, our selection offers something truly unique. Located in the picturesque Yorkshire Dales, our Ripon gallery has been a haven for book lovers, art enthusiasts, and collectors since 1976.

Thank you for looking.