A Bear Called Paddington by Michael Bond

Paddington Bear is caricature of the eccentricity of the English while demonstrating the kindness and politeness we as a nation are known for.  Unfortunately, I didn't read the books as a child for some reason, but watched the illustrated animations on television. I wish I had so that I could have discovered him with the open mind and sense of discovery that children have. However, there are benefits for reading children's works as an adult.

Paddington is a lovely creation. He was found by Mr and Mrs Brown in Paddington Station in London while they went to collect their daughter from school. Like a lot of books involving children from this time, she has been away at boarding school. The bear can talk, of course, and explains that he is from Peru - 'darkest' Peru actually - and had been sent by his elderly aunt so he could have a better life in England. He had a hat, a suitcase and a label tied on him that says 'Please look after this bear. Thank you'.  The label is very reminiscent of evacuees during the Second World War and the Jewish children who came to England to escape the conditions under the Nazi regime.

He was named after the station where he was found and taken to live with the family. Besides Mr and Mrs Brown and their daughter, there is also a son and a housekeeper, and they show him the ways of living in England and London in particular. This starts with breakfast: bacon and egg, grapefruit, toast and marmalade and tea. Getting the basics in first. Paddington loves marmalade and always keeps a marmalade sandwich under his hat. Love it! What a brilliant idea. In a similar vein, the bear faces daily situations such as shopping for a duffle coat, visiting the theatre, going to the seaside and playing card tricks.  However, he always gets into a muddle as he tries things and there is always a sticky mess to tidy up afterwards. Although Paddington is shown to be 'a silly bear' he tries to be helpful and is always polite.

The adventures indicate the middle-class attitudes and  habits of the British of the time (just after the War), which may have been helpful for young children and probably recognisable. It also shows the difficulties such as prejudice and adaptation that many migrants face, even today. An endearing book that is quite dated in its language yet easy to read. But the themes are as modern as ever. A pleasant, fun, warm and witty book, Paddington has remained popular and a whole new set of films and books are bound to add to his appeal.

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Published by Williams Collins on 13 October 1958. Many other publications and editions are available.

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