Paddington’s Storybook

Author: Michael Bond
Price: £30
Publisher: Collins, London, UK
Edition: 1st edition thus
Publication Date: 1983
Format: Original cloth gilt with dustwrapper
Condition: Fine in fine dustwrapper.
Pages: 160

Description:

 
Fine in fine dustwrapper which has the tiniest amount of fading to the spine.

The Paddington Bear Books: A Brief Account

The Paddington Bear books form one of the most cherished series in British children’s literature, telling the tale of a small, polite bear from darkest Peru who finds a home with a London family and brings with him a mixture of warmth, humour, and mayhem. Since his very first appearance, Paddington has captured the hearts of readers across generations with his earnest personality, gentle mishaps, and love of marmalade sandwiches.

The series began with “A Bear Called Paddington”, in which the Brown family first discover the bear sitting on a suitcase at Paddington Station, wearing a hat and a label that reads “Please look after this bear. Thank you.” From that moment, Paddington becomes part of their lives—and soon, a beloved part of British culture.

The early books were structured as collections of linked stories, each chapter forming a self-contained episode. These usually revolved around everyday situations — a trip to the shops, a visit to the theatre, trying out a new hobby—which, in Paddington’s paws, invariably turned into something more complicated and comical. The narrative voice was always gentle and observant, combining dry wit with a deep affection for its central character.

A key feature of the series is Paddington’s view of the world. Having come from a distant land, he approaches British customs with wide-eyed curiosity and complete sincerity. He interprets things literally, asks questions that others might not dare to, and often ends up challenging the absurdities of everyday life without even realising it. His misunderstandings, though often disastrous in practice, are never malicious, and he remains a figure of great charm and integrity. Over time, the series introduced a regular cast of characters who formed the core of Paddington’s world. The Brown family — Mr and Mrs Brown, their children Jonathan and Judy, and the formidable but kind-hearted housekeeper Mrs Bird —become his adoptive family. Mr Gruber, the antique shop owner on Portobello Road, acts as a mentor and guide, often explaining the world to Paddington over cups of cocoa. Meanwhile, Mr Curry, the Browns’ grumpy next-door neighbour, provides comic antagonism, regularly attempting to take advantage of Paddington’s good nature and usually getting his comeuppance in the process.

The settings are distinctly British: suburban houses, high streets, department stores, seaside towns, and village fêtes. Yet the tone of the stories is universally appealing, blending cosy domesticity with the excitement of small adventures and unpredictable outcomes. As the series progressed, the stories gradually evolved to include larger settings and events. Paddington takes holidays, wins prizes, gets involved in television, and even accidentally becomes a local celebrity. Yet no matter how far he travels or how grand the occasion, he remains the same kind-hearted, accident-prone bear with a suitcase full of curiosity. The visual identity of Paddington also became iconic. He is most often depicted wearing a blue duffle coat, red or black hat, and Wellington boots, with his ever-present suitcase by his side. Illustrations throughout the series brought the character to life, capturing the humour and charm of his expressions, the chaos of his adventures, and the warmth of the world around him.

The books have been adapted into various formats over the decades, but the original stories remain timeless. They continue to be read aloud to children, treasured by adults who grew up with them, and introduced to new generations as gentle, funny, and comforting tales of kindness, curiosity, and belonging. At the heart of the “Paddington Bear” series is a message that transcends time and place: that a small stranger, when met with compassion and understanding, can find a home, make a difference, and bring joy in the most unexpected of ways. Through simple acts and sticky situations, Paddington reminds readers that goodness, though often messy, always matters.

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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