Paddington Races Ahead

Paddington #13

by Michael Bond

Paddington – the beloved, classic bear from Darkest Peru – is back in this fantastically funny, brand new, illustrated novel from master storyteller Michael Bond!

“My legs are a bit short for the pole vault!” repeated Paddington hotly. “But they’ve always been that way.”

Somehow Paddington Bear always manages to find himself in unusual situations. So it is no surprise when he gets into a spot of bother with some shaving cream, causes a London bus to be evacuated, and is mistaken for a famous Peruvian hurdler by a film crew. Will the chance of becoming a star of the screen take Paddington away from the Brown family of number 32 Windsor Gardens?

Paddington Bear has been delighting adults and children alike with his earnest good intentions and humorous misadventures for over fifty years.

Genres: Fiction, Childrens, Classics, Audiobook, Animals, Fantasy, Middle Grade

181 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 6, 2014

About the author

Michael 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.

Reviews

[Bill · Rating 4 out of 5]

I cannot say much more than I already said in my previous review of these wonderful adventures of Paddington Bear. So, here's my previous review....

The legend that is Paddington Bear continues on his adventures. Michael Bond was 86 years old when he wrote this book in 2012 & it's as much of a delight to read as his previous stories. To make your reading experience even more authentic why not do what I did as I enjoyed these stories....and eat a marmalade sandwich!

[Sophie Crane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent once again. I am so enjoying reading these stories. I love the way good old Paddington Bear manages to get into so much trouble and then he manages to get out of trouble sticky situation.

[chucklesthescot · Rating 4 out of 5]

Paddington has no idea of what it takes to get around London on your own and when he is told he should buy an Oyster, his first instinct is to head to a fishmonger rather than a transport hub, which leads to a lot of mess and confusion for the bus driver! The chaos continues when Paddington is instructed to clean up his bedroom and the results are not what anyone in the household was expecting. Honestly, they should know better than to give vague directions to the easily confused bear. He needs to be told exactly what you want him to do and EXPLAIN what is obvious to everyone else as a bear from Darkest Peru can't be expected to know everything that people in the UK take for granted as basic knowledge.

Exercise fever has hit the town and Paddington is no exception. Confusion reigns when he is mistaken for a Peruvian athlete who is in London for the Olympics. Of course that is any easy mistake for anyone to make! (NOT!) I mean, just look at the poor little bear! Does he look like an Olympic athlete??? Paddington is able to secure a free gym pass which Mr Curry starts plotting to get away from him, like the mean idiot that he has always been. Paddington is in the park when he stumbles across a performance of Hamlet, and of course he can't resist getting involved in a way that causes more havoc! Things get more exciting when Paddington is asked to star in a short film that is going to be sent to the Home for Retired Bears in Lima, where Aunt Lucy resides.

I was very amused by the confusion that poor Paddington suffered after being told that the best way to travel around London with an Oyster! Why did his loved ones not tell him the difference between an Oyster travel card and oysters from a fishmongers! How is poor Paddington expected to know what Oyster travel means if nobody explains it to him! It was a funny story though. I like that Paddington stories are always entertaining and funny, and the illustrations throughout just add to that. Another fun adventure to enjoy!

[Bill · Rating 5 out of 5]

I cannot say much more than I already said in my previous review of these wonderful adventures of Paddington Bear. So, here's my previous review....

The legend that is Paddington Bear continues on his adventures. Michael Bond was 86 years old when he wrote this book in 2012 & it's as much of a delight to read as his previous stories. To make your reading experience even more authentic why not do what I did as I enjoyed these stories....and eat a marmalade sandwich!

[Almira · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where's the Marmalade?

Paddington is up to his usual "tricks" in this adventure...
A little spring cleaning, gone wrong.
Getting ready for the games coming up ---- getting a personal trainer, which proves to be quite impossible to follow through. This was a laugh aloud chapter.

[Izzie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay I may be mildly obsessed with these books

[Deity World · Rating 4 out of 5]

Poor Paddington he does try bless him also loved the Michael Caine reference

[Jamie Bowen · Rating 5 out of 5]

“When everyone is polite, the world will be right” Paddington Bear. Another great set of adventures that lift the spirits of anyone, highlights include Mr Curry’s birthday surprise and Paddington goes to the gym. Absolutely wonderful.

[Illiterate · Rating 2 out of 5]

Paddington struggles with the ways London has changed since the 1960s.

[Madhumita · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked how this one included the more modern aspects of London, since it was written in the 21st century, unlike the earlier books. Loved the part with the Olympics too

[Manon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this one!

[Elisabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m so sad I’m nearing the end of the series. These have all been so wonderful.

[Chloe · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very cute.

[Shauna · Rating 4 out of 5]

The final Paddington book by Michael Bond. The delightful bear battles modern day life such as Oyster cards and 2012 Olympic fever . Nearly as wonderful as the others in the series.

[Fi's Journey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wanted to listen to this on Audible but the narrator wasn't as great as Hugh Bonneville or Stephen Fry. So, I decided instead to read the last Paddington book in the series.

The most funniest stories in this book are 'A fishy business' and 'Paddington in Training'. Both of them were hilarious.

"If you're going to be doing a lot of travelling," he added, "your best bet is to get yourself an oyster."
Paddington pricked up his ears. "Mr Gruber says you can go anywhere in the world on an oyster," he exclaimed excitedly.

In this book we also get to hear from the author how the world was changing at that time. I believe this book was originally published in the 1970's. He was saying how cash would be a thing of the past and credit cards and computers will be the future.

[Angie Rhodes · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a child Paddington Bear books were some of my favourite books to read, and I decided to re read them, now as an adult, Did they have the same pleasure , they did when I was a child? YES! if not more so, they make a nice change from Murder, Thrillers. Scifi etc, and I will be reading more, along with Mary Poppins,
The real reason? I might have to get older, but grow up completely ?err no
Paddington Brown. is a little brown bear from Darkest Peru, and lives with the Browns, and the mischief he gets up to, is wonderful, and all of no fault f his own, Paddington Bear books can be read and enjoyed by all children, aged 6+ and those of us who are still young at heart,

[Kevin Harber · Rating 4 out of 5]

In which we finally learn the details and origin of the Home for Retired Bears in Peru.

[Tiffany Spencer]

Paddington Races Ahead
Mr. Curry’s Birthday Treat
Paddington goes out to check on his seeds progress. Disappointedly there hasn’t been any growth. He wonders if he’s planted them upside down. Then Mr. Curry comes out. Mr. Curry doesn’t care much for flowers “nasty things that drop their petals everywhere”. Paddington wants to grow some so he can give his Aunt Lucy some for her bday. Mr.Cury tells him it’s his bday but keep it a secret. He has a list of presents and he fuses at Paddington for making him drop it. Paddington notices it’s a long list. He tells him he can keep the list and brose it at his leisure. Then he leaves. Paddington reads out the list to Mrs. Bird. She decides to give him a spare fruit cake she has in the fridge. But she’s out of marmalade for an experiment she wants to try. So Paddington goes to the store to get something he has on the list (shaving cream). The man offers him a large tube for 4lbs. When Paddington tells him it’s a present he lowers the price to 2lbs (and throws in some wrapping paper). Mrs. Bird thinks the deal sounds shady. Paddington decides to inspect the present and squeezes some out. Before he knows it he’s squirted a whole bunch of it out and gets it everywhere. He then tries to get all the shaving cream back into the tube but he finds out what Mr. Grubber’s says is true (what goes out doesn’t necessarily go back in). Next he tries to use a funnel In the end, Paddington puts some of the icing Mrs. Bird uses for his cake in the tube and frosts the cake with some of the shaving cream. It turns out its found out both Mr. Cury and the man who sold Paddington the cream were playing an April foold’s trick. They just don’t know how lucky he is. In froof over night his plants have spouted.


A Fishy Business
There’s a new item in Mr. Grubber’s shop. He explains it to Paddington as a collage. He goes on to talk about how someone has painted over it and explains the technique “egg tempra”. Paddington says he’d like to try it (tho it would be difficult with is paws). But Mr. Grabbur tells him don’t be negative. He advises to take a ride on top of a London bus and all kinds of things will open up to him. So he hops a bus, but this bus says its been stuck in traffic for hours and he can’t get on without a ticket. So Paddington offers him a six pence but it’s not enough. So the man rushes him off and suggests he get an oyster. Paddington has also heard Mr. Grubbers say he can go wherever he wants in the world with an oyster. So he heads off in the direction of the fish market and asks for an oyster. He asks for two (one for going one for coming back). The man says they usually sell them in 12’s and there aren’t any returns. The man doesn’t have any but offers him some kippers. When they find out he knows Mrs. Bird they grant his reques. He tries to use them on the bus’s electronic reader Of course it doesn’t work. Paddington gets off the bus and makes a run for it to Mr. Grubber. Then he tells him the whole story. Mr. Grubber shows him whatthe driver meant (an oyster cart?) Later, he shows the Browns the college he’s made about not going anywhere on a bus again/ Mr. Brown displays the collage at his shop and says it’s a good message for what he meant by being positive. It gets a lot of attention. Eventually ihe hangs it on a tree behind his shop (signed by Paddington’s paw print).


Spring Cleaning
Mrs. Brown goes out shopping and gives Paddington othe chore of cleaning his room. Once he’s alone, Paddington gets out the hot water and starts to work on scrubbing his walls. Soon there’s a sizable amount of paper on the floor. Some of the paper sticks back to the wall and when he starts to straighten it he gets paper bits stuck in his paw. So he tries instead to dust, He moves the bed away from the wall and starts on a particularly dirty area but when the bed’s moved, the carpet comes up. He notices some newspapers and notices a cookery article about food in foregin countries. Particularly food in South America. There’s a special recipe for a cake. So, he decides to try to make it. He gets all the ingredients and takes them to his room. But when he looks at the recipe it’s only half. The other half is on page 22 and there’s a lot of newspapers around the room. Paddington opens the window and the self rising powder gets all over the room. Paddington’s room is now in a worse state than when he started.


A Chance Encounter
Paddington bumps into a man with his cart and the cart goes flying. He starts counting to 10 and motions for a man that he’s ready for sound. The man holds out a mic and asks him to say something into it. He says he’s checking the sound levels. So Paddington starts to ramble on about tea and Mr. Grubber. The man introduces himself as Sonny and says he’s getting material for “the games”. Then he asks about Paddington’s breakfast. He says most people are interested in that. Then he inquires about what he had to drink (cocoa). (He says toast and marmalade for breakfast). He talks on for a minute about breakfast’s Mrs. Bird’s fixed. Then Mr. Climbs says he’s run out of tape. He sees Paddington is standing on his mic cord He goes to straighten it but Paddington beats him to it. As a result, he trips up Sonny Climbs and he trips. He then gets angry with Paddington for leaving his basket there. The headphones have fallen off in the basket and Paddington hears everything. He tells someone he does not intend to be beaten but days like this he should quit. He gets the director’s ok and then continues his interview. He asks what part of the world Paddington’s come from and Paddingto admits he doesn’t remember. Then he tells him about Darkest Peru. Mr. Climbs tells him this explains his lack of fundamentals. Then they discuss his participation in “the games”. Paddington says he doesn’t know anything about it. So, Mr. Climbs thinks he’s a solo addition. He mentions Mr. Grubber and he thinks he’s his manager. Mr. Climbs can’t believe he doesn’t know anything about the games. He tgeb trues ti naje gyesses wgat event Paddington specializes in, Sonny gets excited when he hears some of Paddington’s times and races to his van. Paddington then escapes and goes to see Mr. Grubber. He tells him about the man and he says he’s a famous sports writer. He warns Paddington of how persistant Sonny is He suggests that if he shows up to hide. Then he tells him the games only happen every four years in different counties. He was once a champion hurdler. He says only the best are choosen and have to train in advance. Paddington says he didn’t know the Olympics were so important. When he gets home there’s an article that says a team from Dark Peru will be entering the Olympics. Paddington knows exactly who they mean. The Browns seem curious.


Paddington in Training
Mrs. Brown and Mrs. Bird see Paddington rolling around in the grass and swearing. They realize he’s trying to do press ups. He seems to have Olympic fevor. Mrs. Brown will be glad when the games are over. It started when he came across a pamphlet. He sees an ad that says free introductory offer about a personal trainer. Her name is Glays. Brimstone. It promises an hour with her in the gym and you’ll come out feeling like a new person. Large or small I treat them all. So he goes there. The first thing she does is tell him no snaking between meals when she sees his marmalade sandwhich, She tells him to remove his coat so she can see his abs. He says a bit off here and bit off there. She asks about his drinking habits and tells him no more cocoa. Hot water will be better. Then she gets him to get up on the scales and asks about his exercise habits. So he tells her about the interview, going to the bakery, and his elevies. She tells him his waist line needs trimming and they’ll have to burn it off (which alarms Paddington). She tries to get him to say I hate French Fries, but he says he won’t tell lies. She says he can either do the crash course or come several days a week for a rew months. She instructs him to put his leg on a bar and finally he’s able to. But when he tries to lift the other he crashes (he tries to do both). She congratulates him for doing the scissor position. He thinks this is the crash course. She then shows him the other equipment. Paddington asks if she’ll pull him up in her teeth like in the ads and she says she has a bad back. He says it’s probably all the steam rollers she’s been pulling (again referring to her ads). Then she starts lecturing him about the calories in sweets. She tries to show him her exercise machine. Then she shows him her charges. He says he’ll have to think it over. She says she’ll give him a gift (a voucher for a course). On the way out Paddington sees Mr. Curry. He accidently slams the door in his face (and bangs his nose). Mr. Curry says if Paddington gives him the voucher he won’t report him. So he takes it. But since it’s in someone else’s name he can’t use it and Mrs. Bird sees him shaking his fist toward their house.


Paddington Flies A Kite
In July, Paddington stops to dip his feet in a pool, but the man tells him he owes him 10lbs (it’s a lb a minute). Now it’s 11lb. Paddington says he only has 10 pence. He’s now up to 13. The man says it’s all there on the sign in black and white. The pool it turns out are full of valuable fish. They remove dead skin from people’s feet. The man uses Paddington to promote the fish to the crowds and tells Paddington he’ll wave the fee. Paddington then hurries on to MR. Grubbers. He suggests a piniic in the park for him, Paddinton, Jonathan, and Judy. Jonathan decides to throw his kite (a double butterfly kite). Paddington wants to try it, but Jonathan says we’ll see. Judy says he doesn’t want him to get carried off by the wind. He tries to dip his feet in the water again, but is interrupted by a man. The man says the sign says no bathing and there’s no telling where Paddington’s feet have been. Besides the fish have sharp teeth and might decide to have his toes for lunch. He also warns Jonathan to take his kite someplace else. It might land on someone. Mr. Grubber leads them away to a good picnic spot. There’s an open air theate and they’re playing Hamlet. Paddington thinks its about a ham sandwich. They all tell him what the play is about. Mr. Grubber and Judy set up for the picnic. Jonathan explains how to fly his kite. Paddington takes off running. They go after him but they don’t see him. Paddington is then seen descending a tree with the kite. He gives the kite back and says he knows who killed Mr. Eurich. He called the police with a description. He meet the inspector and then someone from the theatre showed him the exit. They all decide its time to go as they hear sirens nearing. Paddington is happy to hear he doesn’t have to be fit to be a spectarot at the games and can watch them on tv because he doesn’t think he’ll ever be fit enough. Later that night,


Paddington on Track

Mrs. Brown sees some men moving Henry’s begonia’s. Mrs, Bird goes out to confront the men (with her umbrella). The man says the director might want things rearranged before they start filming. The man Mervin calls a number and starts telling her all the changes he’s about to make. Fernado (who sounds a little sweet) tells MRs. Bird he sees her as the fairy princess. She invites Fernando and Mervin inside. One hands her his creditionals. It says the home of Retired Bears. She then sees something about Sonny Climbs. He says his fame has spread in Peru and Dernado says he wants to make a film of his exploits. He offers to telephone his manager if he’s busy. (They say he’s doing his accounts). Paddington comes down and the family talks it over later. Judy suggests Paddington have an alias name. Mrs. Brown reminds him he already has a Peruvian name he wasn’t sure about when he arrived. Micheal suggests “Pad” Jonathan worries that they won’t see so much of him. They all do. For days there’s a lot of tension. The filming eventually ends. Fernando comes by with a tape and they all watch. Paddington is going over the hurdles and it ends quickly. Paddington says he did hurdles because it was Mr. Grubber’s sport. Fernando says the bears in Peru don’t know what a moving picture is or for that matter hurdles. Besides they’re paying for it. After this Paddington says he doesn’t think he wants to be a film star. He wants to stay right there in Windsor Gardens.


Rating: 5 Again there was a little confusion on some of the stories because of how they were written but overall always enjoyable!

[Brookie Boo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yet another adventure from my favorite, Marmalade loving bear! To be honest even if I like certain books more than others I think they will always be a 5/5 for me because they’re all good 🤣🧡🐻

“Mind you,” continued Mrs Bird. “I dare say there are good ghosts as well as bad ones. There are certain beings on this earth who make such a deep impression while they are around you feel they will always be somewhere around, watching over us. It isn’t quite the same as being a ghost, of course, but it’s very comforting.”
This quote reminds me of my big sister who passed sway and how I will see her again, she’s truly not gone forever and her and my mom are such examples to me on giving service to others and seeking those who are lonely and hurting. I will now share the rest of the quote…
“She didn’t add that she was looking at one such being right now, but by then Paddington was already fast asleep, so having made sure the sheets were well and truly tucked in, she crept quietly off to bed herself.” Pg146

[Sootysweep · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is light-hearted and really funny. The stories are clever and exciting. Paddington is funny and gets himself into lots of little scrapes. The characters are fun and interesting. The stories are fast-paced and you just want to read on. Paddington is very loveable and so are the rest of the characters. This is one of my favourite Paddington bear books. All of the characters are good and everything inside the stories are enjoyable. They are truly timeless and fun for all ages whether you are two or one hundred and twenty-two.

[Guy Sandison · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not quite as good as some of the books that have preceded this final entry in the series.

Paddington’s attempts to negotiate public transport in the 21st century are a particular highlight.

It suffer from Bond setting it very clearly in 2013, as it loses some of quaintness of the the early books by doing so.

[Claire · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely charming, as expected. Unfortunately the last of my set of Paddington books. Shall have to reread them all again in due course when I feel the need for some childhood reminiscing. Of course, this particular book wasn't published until long after my childhood, but it's still a lovely collection of Paddington's adventures with a few modern devices thrown in!

[Linda Cousens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another excellent story by Michael Bond about our beloved Paddington bear from darkest Peru. Paddington manages to get himself into all kinds of scrapes and a lot of bother, but also always manages to to get himself out with his politeness and misunderstanding of some English words!
His earnest good intentions and funny misadventures are always a delight to read.

[Malcolm Meli · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honestly these were just an amazing set of stories once again. It really felt fun to go through. As usual, Paddington goes through several problems, but somehow always manages to land on his feet - or paws, I should rather say. I would extremely recommend this book to all ages, its just wholesome, and might be what you are looking to read.

[Qamar · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Paddington Races Ahead" by Michael Bond taught you to embrace life's adventures with enthusiasm and kindness. Like Paddington, always be ready for new experiences with a smile and a kind heart.

Love,

Mom and Dad

[Isla (lovednonebutyou) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Despite having seen both of the films, I've never read any of the Paddington books before, so this was a first for me. He's such a sweetheart and always kind to everyone he meets. I especially loved his friendship with Mr Gruber, and reading about the mischief he gets up to!

[CatReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

I listened to the audiobook narrated by Jim Broadbent. The narration was only ok but the stories are all top notch as usual. This is why I choose to give it 5 stars despite the narration. This book completes my Paddington Bear challenge for the year. Woohoo!

[Izzy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Paddington strikes again

Great stories as usual I do love Paddington.i think I love the fact that he misunderstands things so often that he gets into hilarious mixups which result in him having adventures.i adore how sweet and kind he i.

[Emziethebookworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

I actually blacked out as to why Paddington was raving ahead of everything, I think it was either to get something he completely forgot to buy or maybe it was too many tasks to do at hand.
My little boy kept saying he's gonna hurt himself if he doesn't slow down.

[Lola · Rating 4 out of 5]

Its funny because he makes a card thats got a rotten oyster on it, and everyone stays away from him because its rotten.