The classic novel about Paddington—who's now a major movie star!
Paddington Bear had traveled all the way from Peru when the Browns first met him in Paddington Station. Since then, their lives have never been quite the same . . . for ordinary things become extraordinary when a bear called Paddington is involved.
First published in 1958, A Bear Called Paddington is the first novel by Michael Bond, chronicling the adventures of this lovable bear. Paddington has charmed readers for generations with his earnest good intentions and humorous misadventures. This brand-new edition of the classic novel contains the original text by Michael Bond and illustrations by Peggy Fortnum.
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"This book is one of my favorites, even though its a younger audience book, it still very nicely done. It brings the child back into us as we read Paddington's adventures in London. We see him fit into a nice family and have great experiences with them. Splendid book."
— Doug (5 out of 5 stars)
“Stephen Fry’s Paddington is delightfully grave and proper, earnestly well-meaning in spite of his frequent misadventures both domestic and around London. Fry is facile with myriad British accents from Cockney cabbies to Portobello Road shopkeepers, and his comic timing and subtle delivery accentuate the book’s sly humor.”
— AudioFile“Utter and lovable nonsense this—but somehow one reads with enchantment and credulity about Paddington and his marmalade, Paddington and the sticky cream buns, Paddington and a succession of mishaps, all in good faith. It’s all very English—but then so are Alice and Mary Poppins and Peter Pan and a host of other favorites of make-believe…This is the sort of book best shared with a family read aloud.”
— Kirkus Reviews" I don't think I ever actually read this as a child, but enjoyed reading it with my kids. "
— Christine, 2/19/2014" Paddington is so fun! "
— Kailey, 2/16/2014" This is the sweetest, funniest, BESTEST book to ever be written. "
— Yakira, 2/14/2014" I really enjoyed this series (that which I read anyway). Though the writing is formulaic in nature and doesn't really change much, Paddington never disappoints. He is always getting into something in his ignorant, innocent fashion. These books aren't very deep or thought-provoking, but they make a good read for younger readers and those who enjoy plays on words. Very similar to series such as Miss Pickerel, Marty the Martian, Amelia Bedelia, etc. "
— Seth, 2/6/2014" the bathtub scene was brilliant. "
— Lo, 1/31/2014" Paddington is such a lovable little bear. Not deep, profound reading, but centered around a nicely developed little character. "
— Betsy, 1/29/2014" Um, I'm in love with children's books right now. And this was no exception. It's the perfect bed-time story and although it took me way too long to finish it (I thought I'd lost it at one point but found it in the car)I'm so excited to read these stories to my little ones one day. "
— Emily, 1/21/2014" I read this in on an afternoon, and it delighted me; childrens books always cheer me up. Paddington is a bit of a hairy version of a rogue, and has that childly innocence and flaws that I love. What I liked most, were all the other people in the story. They never reacted like we would react when we see a talking bear. They were all alright with it, and acted like he was a real person. A lovely, light read, children will probably like it, too. "
— Katie, 1/3/2014" paddington is soooo cute!! cuter than winnie the pooh! haha "
— Dei, 12/31/2013" This is my all time favorite childrens story, I love the inquisitive nature of this loveable bear from the "darkest forest of peru". This is a must read story for any child. "
— Rebecca, 12/5/2013" I have early memories of my dad reading Paddington books to us. Great family bonding time. "
— Suki, 10/31/2013" Found it funny when I was a kid. "
— Rasheed, 10/30/2013" When I was younger, I used to love these books a lot- and I still do! You'll easily fall in love with Paddington and the Brown family, and the simplicity but interestingness of this book will make you want to read more- 10 stars if I could :) "
— Samantha, 10/18/2013" A nice children's book! "
— Mariam, 10/13/2013" Paddington is so entertaining. My 5 yr. old really enjoys the stories a lot. My 3 yr. old still needs the pictures to keep him interested though. I've seen a picture book edition--might just have to pick that up. "
— Kelley, 10/6/2013" I'm listening to this on audio and it is wonderful. Stephen Fry is an amazing narrator and I'd forgotten how humorous and sweet the story is. "
— Eliza, 9/21/2013" I remember reading this book when I was a kid and absolutely loving it. A warm-hearted tale about a bear from "darkest Peru" who had a habit of having mishaps despite his best intentions to do good. "
— Jerry, 9/16/2013" Very cute, very fun book. Who doesn't love Paddington? "
— Stephanie, 6/14/2013" Read this book a long time ago, it's one of my all time favorites. Very innocent and heartwarming. Recommended to anyone! "
— Sania, 6/10/2013" A great kids book, read to the girls, they had a hard time with some of the English words but had a lot of fun with it. "
— Jules, 3/29/2013" Delightful... "
— Karen, 3/23/2013" This was the first chapter book that I ever read as a child. I will never forget it and the impact it made in my life as a young reader. "
— Trisha, 2/9/2013" One of my favorite childhood books! "
— Jaime, 2/7/2013" Read more like a collection of stories than a true chapter book. Cute and age appropriate though. Chapters are a bit long for a 4 yr old. "
— Amy, 1/23/2013" A classic...I owe my fascination with orange marmalade to Paddington Bear. "
— Kristen, 8/4/2012" Sweeter than a marmalade sandwich... "
— Dan, 4/8/2012" It's a really cute kids book, though the similarities to Pooh Bear are many. "
— Jen, 2/4/2012" Absolutely lovely. I am so sad to have missed reading these books as a child. A much more charming and witty story telling of the Curious George type genre. :) "
— Sheri-lee, 10/23/2011" This was a cute little book. I really liked when they made Paddington into a cartoon. Nothing really sticks out about this book, except that the vague sense that I liked it. "
— Dacia, 7/26/2011" Gabby is LOVING this book, I am reading it aloud to her. She says she prefers it to Pooh, though I do not, at least yet. "
— Kelceypetersen, 7/1/2011" Super sweet. Nice childhood memories. "
— Susan, 5/30/2011" Truly a classic. How a bear who gets into so much mischief can be so lovable, I'll never know. Our daughter loved it. "
— Curtis, 5/1/2011" Um, I'm in love with children's books right now. And this was no exception. It's the perfect bed-time story and although it took me way too long to finish it (I thought I'd lost it at one point but found it in the car)I'm so excited to read these stories to my little ones one day. "
— Emily, 4/26/2011" Absolutely love this book! It is a very cute story about a bear that is sure to capture everyone's heart. I would recommend for young children! "
— Sammy, 4/25/2011" When I was a kid, we watched the Paddington tv show, but I'd never read the book. This classic story is sweet and funny and Stephen Fry is an excellent reader. This would be a great car-listening choice for families with young children. "
— Abby, 3/4/2011" Listening to this CD in the car commute. I tried reading it about three times and couldn't get the kids attention.. The CD is perfect! We are gripped! "
— Angela, 1/29/2011" My husband read this to me, when he learned I had missed it as a child growing up. I couldn't get Scott interested (maybe to English?), but I will have to see if I can get Andy interested after the Harry Potter obsession dies down. "
— June, 1/4/2011" A classic...I owe my fascination with orange marmalade to Paddington Bear. "
— Kristen, 1/4/2011" I loved these books as a child, and still love them, reading them to my son. Simple, funny, sweet stories that make me want to travel to England, or darkest Peru! "
— Mrs., 12/29/2010" I read it when I was very young, but I have a vauge memory of it being enjoyable, and cute. "
— Dominique, 12/26/2010" Paddington is a wonderful small bear who comes to live with the Browns. He spends his time getting into wonderful mischief, always in good fun and ending up in the best possible ways. It is a wonderful book that children should find entertaining. "
— Craig, 12/8/2010" The adventures of Paddington the Bear bring a smile to my face. "
— Taylor, 12/7/2010" went to paddington station when i was in london years ago(2 decades now) and it was underwhelming, certainly no bears in rain gear anywhere to be seen "
— Devon, 11/28/2010" James just loved this beautifully illustrated book about a bear named Paddington - who likes marmalade. "
— Andrea, 11/22/2010" So relaxing reading this book after a long stressful day. Kinda tired to see the bear getting in one trouble out of another tho. Nice children's book I have to say. "
— Jenny, 11/21/2010" Tenero carino e divertente....d'altronde il mio uditorio è molto esigente e devo rifornirmi di nuove storie quotidianamente! "
— Barbara, 11/14/2010" This book is about a family who "adopts" a bear they found at the train station. Paddington was a stowaway from South America that ended up all alone. The family takes him in and helps him. "
— Teresa, 10/31/2010Cherry Jones is an Earphones Award-winning audiobook narrator who has won an AudioFile Earphones Award and twice been a finalist for the prestigious Audie Award for best narration, in 2001 and 2005. She is also well known as a premiere theater actress and winner of a Tony Award. She has acted in numerous television shows, and her film roles include Erin Brockovich, The Perfect Storm, and M. Night Shyamalan’s Signs.
Stephen Fry is a celebrated actor, novelist, journalist, presenter, intellectual, wit, and winner of several award for narration. He has produced four novels and two volumes of autobiography and has written for radio shows and television. His television credits include Jeeves and Wooster and Blackadder, and he hosted the BBC TV series QI.