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Paddington Picture Books #1
Paddington: A Classic Bear Story About Finding a New Home for Children
The very first, classic Paddington picture book, with updated art from the original artist. Nearly fifty years ago, a small bear from Darkest Peru set out on an adventure of a lifetime. With nothing but a suitcase, several jars of marmalade, and a label around his neck that read, "Please Look After This Bear," he stowed away on a ship headed for faraway England. When the little bear arrived at London's busy Paddington Station, he was discovered by Mr. and Mrs. Brown. As luck would have it, the Browns were just the sort of people to welcome a lost bear into their family. Paddington Bear has charmed readers worldwide with his earnest good intentions and humorous misadventures. This reissue of the classic story, with new artwork by original artist R. W. Alley, will surely let a whole new generation of children find a home in their hearts for this lovable lost bear.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1972
44 people are currently reading
1666 people want to read
About the author
Michael Bond
644 books419 followersMichael Bond, CBE was an English children's author. He was the creator of Paddington Bear and wrote about the adventures of a guinea pig named Olga da Polga, as well as the animated BBC TV series The Herbs. Bond also wrote culinary mystery stories for adults featuring Monsieur Pamplemousse and his faithful bloodhound, Pommes Frites.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 294 reviews
March 19, 2026
Mr. and Mrs. Brown are waiting in Paddington Station for their daughter, Judy, when Mr. Brown notices an odd-looking creature.
As a 110% unbiased, objective and truly nonpartisan reviewer, I can say with 120% accuracy that it is a federal crime that I cannot pinch this bear's cheeks.
Seriously.
Look at that little fluffy face and TELL me that those cheeks aren't pinchable.
I rest my case, your honor.
*ahem* the actual review:
This is a super sweet introduction to the Paddington Bear picture books.
The illustrations were amazing, the story was short and sweet, and Paddington Bear was an angel...a very messy, sticky and clumsy angel...but an angel nonetheless.
If you haven't had a chance to read these books, then you really...really...REALLY should.
But much to their surprise, as they wander over to the lost luggage there is indeed a little bear. And around his neck is a tag with instructions:
"A bear?" repeated Mrs. Brown. "In Paddington Station? Don't be silly, Henry. There can't be!"
Mrs. Brown could not bear (ha) leaving this bear behind, and thus he becomes part of the Brown Famiy...though not without a few mishaps along the way.
Please look after this bear. Thank you.
As a 110% unbiased, objective and truly nonpartisan reviewer, I can say with 120% accuracy that it is a federal crime that I cannot pinch this bear's cheeks.
Seriously.
Look at that little fluffy face and TELL me that those cheeks aren't pinchable.
I rest my case, your honor.
*ahem* the actual review:
This is a super sweet introduction to the Paddington Bear picture books.
The illustrations were amazing, the story was short and sweet, and Paddington Bear was an angel...a very messy, sticky and clumsy angel...but an angel nonetheless.
If you haven't had a chance to read these books, then you really...really...REALLY should.
July 29, 2015
* * *Read & Reviewed by Me & My Niece Emma * * *
A classic for the ages!...that completely fell on deaf ears.
Perhaps the issue is that the ears are new and not British? I thought this would be a grand hit with my young niece, but it turned out to be a dud. She couldn't get through it quick enough. Granted, there was a swimming pool awaiting with her name on it, but still, I don't think this book would've gone over well even without the extraneous distraction.
I was quite looking forward to it, having never read this famed story, but even I have to admit it plodded along rather slowly and with little reward. My British-born friends laughingly call me more "British" than them and since everything about Paddington Bear is very Britishy (even though the bear himself comes from Darkest Peru), I still had to concede to Emma's obvious boredom. Mishaps with tea time jam were the most enjoyment we could wring from this and it just wasn't cutting the mustard...however, if it cut the cheese we would've been rolling on the floor in stitches.
Never has Emma pressured me to skip lines and whole pages quite like she did with Paddington, so the needle on the Emma-o-meter never got remotely close to "amused".
A classic for the ages!...that completely fell on deaf ears.
Perhaps the issue is that the ears are new and not British? I thought this would be a grand hit with my young niece, but it turned out to be a dud. She couldn't get through it quick enough. Granted, there was a swimming pool awaiting with her name on it, but still, I don't think this book would've gone over well even without the extraneous distraction.
I was quite looking forward to it, having never read this famed story, but even I have to admit it plodded along rather slowly and with little reward. My British-born friends laughingly call me more "British" than them and since everything about Paddington Bear is very Britishy (even though the bear himself comes from Darkest Peru), I still had to concede to Emma's obvious boredom. Mishaps with tea time jam were the most enjoyment we could wring from this and it just wasn't cutting the mustard...however, if it cut the cheese we would've been rolling on the floor in stitches.
Never has Emma pressured me to skip lines and whole pages quite like she did with Paddington, so the needle on the Emma-o-meter never got remotely close to "amused".
January 1, 2015
Don't believe everything you read on the Internet, part 94
On this page, I recently read, to my considerable surprise, that "There is a large brass statue of Winnie-the-Pooh in Lima, Peru". If only this had been true, it would have been a wonderful trivia question: of course, if there were any large bear statue there, you'd automatically assume it was Paddington. But in fact, a little more googling leaves me more or less certain that it's a hoax. No one who has tried to find evidence for this statue has turned up anything at all.
Damn! I feel so gullible. But just to be on the safe side, I'll ask a Peruvian friend if she knows anything about it.
_____________________________________
My Peruvian informant answered promptly:
Hahahahaha, nope, we have no Pooh bear in Lima. We have some llamas instead of flames of freedom though...is a funny story...but I can totally confirm that Winnie the Pooh is not venerated /worshiped in my country and have no brass statue.Well, that sounds pretty definite. But I still don't understand why anyone would want to create such a remarkably pointless internet legend...
May 2, 2019
This a shortened version of the first Paddington story with lovely color illustrations.
March 19, 2026
Bij een GR contact kwam ik een Paddington review tegen en uiteraard heb ik alle boeken, of zo ver ik ze te pakken kon krijgen, verzameld en stuk gelezen.
July 26, 2022
I often wondered how Paddington Bear became a resident of 32 Windsor Gardens … I knew he was discovered on Paddington Station, thus his name, but how Mr and Mrs Brown came to adopt him I was not sure. Well, now I know.
Waiting to meet their daughter Judy at Paddington Station they spotted something small and furry near the left luggage office; 'It looks like a bear,' said Mr Brown to which Mrs Brown replied, 'A bear? On Paddington Station? Don't be silly Henry. There can't be.'
But indeed it was a bear, sitting on an old leather suitcase marked 'Wanted on Voyage'. As they approached it the bear raised its hat and said, 'Good afternoon. May I help you?' They told him that they had thought that, rather, they may be able to help him and asked where he was from. He told them 'Darkest Peru', adding, 'I'm not really supposed to be here. I'm a stowaway.'
Astounded that he had come all the way from Peru, Mrs Brown asked what he did for food on the journey. The bear unlocked his suitcase and took out an almost empty glass jar. 'I ate marmalade,' said the bear, 'Bears like marmalade.'
Mrs Brown then noticed a label around the bear's neck and it stated, 'Please look after this bear. Thank you.' Mrs Brown took pity on the bear and asked her husband if he could stay with them. Mr Brown asked the bear if he would like that, to which the bear replied, 'Oooh, yes. I would like that very much . I've nowhere to go and everyone seems to be in such a hurry.' (That's London for you!)
That settled matters and, deciding that the bear should be called Paddington after the station at which he had been found, Mr Brown took him to the snack bar to have some food. There were plenty of snacks on offer so Paddington climbed onto the table to have a closer look as Mr Brown turned away, pretending that he had tea with a bear on Paddington Station every day of his life. Soon thereafter Mrs Brown arrived with their daughter and Paddington, ever polite, jumped up to doff his hat. But in doing so he trod on a strawberry tart, skidded on the cream and fell into his cup of tea.
Before any other disaster befell Paddington the Browns set off for home to meet housekeeper Mrs Bird and Judy's brother Jonathan. The hailed a taxi and the driver declared, 'Bears are extra!' as they got inside. On the way Paddington waved to some people waiting at a bus stop and he was very pleased when many of them waved back at him.
They arrived at Windsor Gardens and Paddington's knees began to wobble when the Browns told him he was to meet Mrs Bird. He wondered if she would like him but he need not have worried for, after expressing surprise at them having a bear with them, she said, as Paddington politely raised his hat to her, 'Well, he has good manners, I'll say that for him.'
Paddington was still covered in cream so Mrs Bird decided that he should have a bath - 'I think she likes you,' whispered Judy. He had never been in a bath before and he had trouble in getting out, so much so that he called loudly for help and Jonathan and Judy rushed in to rescue him.
All dry and lovely and clean he went downstairs and the Browns provided him with a small armchair while Mrs Bird gave him a pot of tea and some buttered toast and marmalade. Mrs Brown then said, 'Now, you must tell us all about yourself.' Paddington began by telling them that he was brought up by his Aunt Lucy but she had to go into a Home for Retired Bears in Lima.' Then there was silence and the Browns wondered why until they looked closely and Paddington had fallen fast asleep.
Paddington Bear had arrived at his spiritual home!
Waiting to meet their daughter Judy at Paddington Station they spotted something small and furry near the left luggage office; 'It looks like a bear,' said Mr Brown to which Mrs Brown replied, 'A bear? On Paddington Station? Don't be silly Henry. There can't be.'
But indeed it was a bear, sitting on an old leather suitcase marked 'Wanted on Voyage'. As they approached it the bear raised its hat and said, 'Good afternoon. May I help you?' They told him that they had thought that, rather, they may be able to help him and asked where he was from. He told them 'Darkest Peru', adding, 'I'm not really supposed to be here. I'm a stowaway.'
Astounded that he had come all the way from Peru, Mrs Brown asked what he did for food on the journey. The bear unlocked his suitcase and took out an almost empty glass jar. 'I ate marmalade,' said the bear, 'Bears like marmalade.'
Mrs Brown then noticed a label around the bear's neck and it stated, 'Please look after this bear. Thank you.' Mrs Brown took pity on the bear and asked her husband if he could stay with them. Mr Brown asked the bear if he would like that, to which the bear replied, 'Oooh, yes. I would like that very much . I've nowhere to go and everyone seems to be in such a hurry.' (That's London for you!)
That settled matters and, deciding that the bear should be called Paddington after the station at which he had been found, Mr Brown took him to the snack bar to have some food. There were plenty of snacks on offer so Paddington climbed onto the table to have a closer look as Mr Brown turned away, pretending that he had tea with a bear on Paddington Station every day of his life. Soon thereafter Mrs Brown arrived with their daughter and Paddington, ever polite, jumped up to doff his hat. But in doing so he trod on a strawberry tart, skidded on the cream and fell into his cup of tea.
Before any other disaster befell Paddington the Browns set off for home to meet housekeeper Mrs Bird and Judy's brother Jonathan. The hailed a taxi and the driver declared, 'Bears are extra!' as they got inside. On the way Paddington waved to some people waiting at a bus stop and he was very pleased when many of them waved back at him.
They arrived at Windsor Gardens and Paddington's knees began to wobble when the Browns told him he was to meet Mrs Bird. He wondered if she would like him but he need not have worried for, after expressing surprise at them having a bear with them, she said, as Paddington politely raised his hat to her, 'Well, he has good manners, I'll say that for him.'
Paddington was still covered in cream so Mrs Bird decided that he should have a bath - 'I think she likes you,' whispered Judy. He had never been in a bath before and he had trouble in getting out, so much so that he called loudly for help and Jonathan and Judy rushed in to rescue him.
All dry and lovely and clean he went downstairs and the Browns provided him with a small armchair while Mrs Bird gave him a pot of tea and some buttered toast and marmalade. Mrs Brown then said, 'Now, you must tell us all about yourself.' Paddington began by telling them that he was brought up by his Aunt Lucy but she had to go into a Home for Retired Bears in Lima.' Then there was silence and the Browns wondered why until they looked closely and Paddington had fallen fast asleep.
Paddington Bear had arrived at his spiritual home!
September 26, 2025
Paddington is a children's story that has never gone out of fashion although it is not particularly spectacular - we even have a statue of him eating a marmalade sandwich in the middle of our town. Something about this abandoned bear has made him part of our national heritage and no-one worries about the unlikely nature of the story.
My impression is that most children's tales are, at some level, written for adults too but this one isn't - it is ideal for children who can still believe in Father Christmas and in families that can integrate a Peruvian teddy without batting an eyelid.
I am willing to believe that such innocence may exist but I would not want to read the story again! Once is enough.
My impression is that most children's tales are, at some level, written for adults too but this one isn't - it is ideal for children who can still believe in Father Christmas and in families that can integrate a Peruvian teddy without batting an eyelid.
I am willing to believe that such innocence may exist but I would not want to read the story again! Once is enough.
December 25, 2024
This bear is one clumsy motherfucker
December 17, 2016
I'm 29 and this is the first time I've read Paddington.
Even though my second home was the town's library and I'm sure that they had Paddington, I never came across this book. I was busy reading maaaany other stories and books that were for older kids. But I bought this book for my youngest nephew today and seized the chance to finally read it!
Paddington is one fluffy adorable bear. I love bears. And this bear here is so cute, innocent and dorky, I can only but love him. It almost made me tear up (although that might be partially due to hormones because right before shark week I tend to be very easily saddened...I'm sure some women know what I'm talking about...).
It's fantastically illustrated and I love the calmness.
But know I need to know his life story! Why Peru? Bears in Peru? I'm so confused and intrigued!
Paddington won my heart.
Even though my second home was the town's library and I'm sure that they had Paddington, I never came across this book. I was busy reading maaaany other stories and books that were for older kids. But I bought this book for my youngest nephew today and seized the chance to finally read it!
Paddington is one fluffy adorable bear. I love bears. And this bear here is so cute, innocent and dorky, I can only but love him. It almost made me tear up (although that might be partially due to hormones because right before shark week I tend to be very easily saddened...I'm sure some women know what I'm talking about...).
It's fantastically illustrated and I love the calmness.
But know I need to know his life story! Why Peru? Bears in Peru? I'm so confused and intrigued!
Paddington won my heart.
February 2, 2026
Read this book with my four week old nephew. We got to page four and he decided it was a DNF. However, I enjoyed the illustrations so I am bumping it up to a ⭐️⭐️⭐️!!
February 28, 2015
Charming short version of "A Bear Named Paddington". Probably helps that Paddington's face looks exactly like my adorable Yorkie.
April 2, 2015
Classic Paddington written for the small child in all of us. Marvelous illustrations emphasize the incredible red hat.
May 25, 2025
releitura em 25/05/2025: sempre uma belezura ler sobre paddington. amo tanto esse ursinho 🤍
esse urso é tudo pra mim 💛
esse urso é tudo pra mim 💛
October 28, 2025
When Michael Bond published his debut Paddington novel in 1958, no one knew he'd be writing about the bear for sixty years. In 1972, Bond created a picture-book retelling of that first novel, and in 1998 rereleased it with the new illustrations we see here. Mr. and Mrs. Brown are at Paddington Station in England to pick up their daughter Judy, when they spot a young bear in a raincoat and hat. He says he was sent from "Darkest Peru" and has no one to care for him. The Browns volunteer their home as a place for him to stay.
Mrs. Brown names him Paddington, after the place where they met. As a bear, he's unsure of human etiquette; he causes a mess at a restaurant, then irritates the taxi driver, but Judy likes him and is sure the family housekeeper, Mrs. Bird, will too. Approaching the front door to their home at 32 Windsor Gardens, Paddington tries not to fret, and is warmly welcomed by Mrs. Bird and sent upstairs to bathe. He leaves the bathroom in sudsy disorder, but Judy and her brother Jonathan accompany him downstairs to tell the story of how his aunt Lucy arranged for him to travel here from Peru. If only he can stay awake long enough to finish...
Narrative charm seems to come naturally to Michael Bond, and I'm impressed by the advanced detail in R.W. Alley's illustrations. You can spend a while studying this book’s drawings to see everything going on in the background. For kids whose introduction to Paddington was television or film, this book might be a good way to meet him in print. If ever you feel you don't belong in this world, think of Paddington and remember how suddenly that can change.
Mrs. Brown names him Paddington, after the place where they met. As a bear, he's unsure of human etiquette; he causes a mess at a restaurant, then irritates the taxi driver, but Judy likes him and is sure the family housekeeper, Mrs. Bird, will too. Approaching the front door to their home at 32 Windsor Gardens, Paddington tries not to fret, and is warmly welcomed by Mrs. Bird and sent upstairs to bathe. He leaves the bathroom in sudsy disorder, but Judy and her brother Jonathan accompany him downstairs to tell the story of how his aunt Lucy arranged for him to travel here from Peru. If only he can stay awake long enough to finish...
Narrative charm seems to come naturally to Michael Bond, and I'm impressed by the advanced detail in R.W. Alley's illustrations. You can spend a while studying this book’s drawings to see everything going on in the background. For kids whose introduction to Paddington was television or film, this book might be a good way to meet him in print. If ever you feel you don't belong in this world, think of Paddington and remember how suddenly that can change.
August 18, 2022
I knew when I saw this book in the bookshop that I had read it but I did not recognise the edition, so being a Paddington devotee, I bought it. And I am glad I did for it is large format with full page illustrations that are superb and enhance the story no end. In addition, the title of this edition is 'Paddington: The original story of the bar from Peru' and the cover illustration is different.
As all Paddington fans know, the Browns discovered the bear near the left luggage office on Paddington station, and this is where his name comes from once the Browns had made the momentous decision to take him home to 32 Windsor Gardens. What possibly swayed it for the browns was the sign that was attached to the bear's pocket as it read 'Please look after this bear. Thank you.
And they did, introducing him to their children and their nanny Mrs Bird. This was after they had all had a snack with Paddington getting into a right mess with the scones, cream and jam! So a bath was called for and again that ended up in quite a mess, too!
But Jonathan and Judy Brown loved Paddington and very soon he was an integral part of the family, even falling asleep in the armchair while he was telling the Browns about his background.
A lovely book to read and to own - even two copies!
As all Paddington fans know, the Browns discovered the bear near the left luggage office on Paddington station, and this is where his name comes from once the Browns had made the momentous decision to take him home to 32 Windsor Gardens. What possibly swayed it for the browns was the sign that was attached to the bear's pocket as it read 'Please look after this bear. Thank you.
And they did, introducing him to their children and their nanny Mrs Bird. This was after they had all had a snack with Paddington getting into a right mess with the scones, cream and jam! So a bath was called for and again that ended up in quite a mess, too!
But Jonathan and Judy Brown loved Paddington and very soon he was an integral part of the family, even falling asleep in the armchair while he was telling the Browns about his background.
A lovely book to read and to own - even two copies!
August 17, 2023
It is present from Issi. I love it.
December 31, 2019
I know, I know, it’s a kid’s book and I’m counting it. But I saw the movie so I may as well say I’ve read the book. I actually appreciate the holes the movie filled in, but the essence of the book is well portrayed in the movie, save the teenage attitudes in the movie. Kind of makes me want a Paddington hat.
February 2, 2016
A wonderful classic.
And with the addition of our own cuddly bear to match it makes a fun read.
The bath scene is a dangerous lesson for a three year old though.
And with the addition of our own cuddly bear to match it makes a fun read.
The bath scene is a dangerous lesson for a three year old though.
June 3, 2022
3,25 sterren - Nederlandse hardcover
Wie kent beertje Paddington niet. Je zou hem toch zo in huis nemen? Ondanks alle ongelukjes zeg maar.
Wie kent beertje Paddington niet. Je zou hem toch zo in huis nemen? Ondanks alle ongelukjes zeg maar.
July 6, 2017
This is a re-issue of the first (and original) A Bear Called Paddington in the Paddington Bear children’s picture book series and revolving around a tiny stowaway of a bear who comes to London.
My Take
Too, too cute with a bear who is unfailingly polite. Only. Only I was disappointed with how abruptly the story ended. It felt unfinished.
The pictures are amazingly detailed without being overwhelming, and it was sweet how accepting the Browns are of this bear. Even if it can be embarrassing. Or expensive!
Bond uses third-person objective point-of-view, as we don’t get into the thoughts of any of the characters.
The Story
Poor Mr. Brown goes along with his wife, no matter how embarrassing it is, when she insists on taking this poor bear home.
Well, after being raised in Darkest Peru, Paddington gets into all sorts of trouble as he explores an English home from the steam on the bathroom mirror and shaving cream as drawing materials…and trying to get out of a bathtub!
The Characters
Paddington Bear was named for the railway station, and he is from Peru. Aunt Lucy brought him up until she had to go into a Home for Retired Bears.
Henry and Mary Brown were the first to meet Paddington when they were at the train station to meet their daughter, Judy. Jonathan is their son. Mrs. Bird is their housekeeper.
The Cover and Title
The cover has a warm cream background with a ragged-edge border on both sides and script title in a soft periwinkle blue. The author’s name is at the top in a deep, deep blue with the illustrator’s name at the bottom in the same blue. In between is a short, squat brown bear with a very curious twinkle in his eyes. He’s in a blue winter coat with toggle buttons and a red rain hat, carrying a light brown valise (that will be “wanted on voyage”) and a jar of marmalade. A tag ensures Paddington’s care on his trip as it asks that one “Please look after this bear. Thank You”.
The title is Paddington train station…or is it for the bear's name?
My Take
Too, too cute with a bear who is unfailingly polite. Only. Only I was disappointed with how abruptly the story ended. It felt unfinished.
The pictures are amazingly detailed without being overwhelming, and it was sweet how accepting the Browns are of this bear. Even if it can be embarrassing. Or expensive!
Bond uses third-person objective point-of-view, as we don’t get into the thoughts of any of the characters.
The Story
Poor Mr. Brown goes along with his wife, no matter how embarrassing it is, when she insists on taking this poor bear home.
Well, after being raised in Darkest Peru, Paddington gets into all sorts of trouble as he explores an English home from the steam on the bathroom mirror and shaving cream as drawing materials…and trying to get out of a bathtub!
The Characters
Paddington Bear was named for the railway station, and he is from Peru. Aunt Lucy brought him up until she had to go into a Home for Retired Bears.
Henry and Mary Brown were the first to meet Paddington when they were at the train station to meet their daughter, Judy. Jonathan is their son. Mrs. Bird is their housekeeper.
The Cover and Title
The cover has a warm cream background with a ragged-edge border on both sides and script title in a soft periwinkle blue. The author’s name is at the top in a deep, deep blue with the illustrator’s name at the bottom in the same blue. In between is a short, squat brown bear with a very curious twinkle in his eyes. He’s in a blue winter coat with toggle buttons and a red rain hat, carrying a light brown valise (that will be “wanted on voyage”) and a jar of marmalade. A tag ensures Paddington’s care on his trip as it asks that one “Please look after this bear. Thank You”.
The title is Paddington train station…or is it for the bear's name?
April 6, 2019
Such a beautiful story for children to enjoy. I based a day’s learning around this text. The children were taught instructional writing and they enjoyed making and tasting marmalade sandwiches as a whole-class activity (SEN inclusive activity). There are many opportunities from this text and children can relate to Paddington and the items that make him feel at home... a jar of marmalade!
July 1, 2023
Five stars is not enough, to rate it anything less is a crime.
December 25, 2022
Paddington Bear fits so well with Christmas
May 9, 2023
I cried like a baby reading this, Paddington is JUST TOO CUTE
December 17, 2024
I like the store story illustrations
January 7, 2025
Incredible!
Read
July 23, 2025Que ilustraciones mas cuquis
March 1, 2026
No NOTES! :’) we 💜 Paddington
January 3, 2019
Got to love the bear!
April 10, 2012
Paddington Bear is a Fantasy Fiction designed for children of the Preschool-Intermediate age group. In this story Paddington is lost at a train station and was picked up by a family. Paddington is then taken back to the family's home and treated as if he is one of the children in the family. I rated this book with four stars. There wasn't much of a plot to it but it seems like a book that children would like a lot because it makes Paddington seem like a real person. It's a story of make-believe that is appealing to young children because young children often pretend that stuffed animals are real. This would be a good lesson to teach pre-k children about the difference between real and make believe or pretend. They can give examples of things that are real or could really happen versus things that can't really happen or are make believe. At the age of 4 or 5 is when children can learn to understand the difference. The colors used would also be appealing to young children as well.
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