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Wijsheden van Paddington: Een boek over vriendelijkheid
Paddington de beer is een baken van geluk: vol goede bedoelingen, grappig en altijd vriendelijk. Dompel je onder in Paddingtons even unieke als universele kijk op het leven in deze bijzondere verzameling warme gedachten over vriendschap, familie, liefde, geluk… en alles daartussenin.
Een van de geweldige dingen aan schrijver zijn, is dat je nooit alleen bent, merkt Michael Bond, de bedenker van Paddington, in zijn voorwoord van Wijsheden van Paddington op. Voor Bond was Paddington eerder een vriend dan een bedenksel.
‘Als ik met een probleem word geconfronteerd, vraag ik me vaak af hoe hij ermee zou omgaan, en ik neem zijn advies graag ter harte.’
Een van de geweldige dingen aan schrijver zijn, is dat je nooit alleen bent, merkt Michael Bond, de bedenker van Paddington, in zijn voorwoord van Wijsheden van Paddington op. Voor Bond was Paddington eerder een vriend dan een bedenksel.
‘Als ik met een probleem word geconfronteerd, vraag ik me vaak af hoe hij ermee zou omgaan, en ik neem zijn advies graag ter harte.’
128 pages, Hardcover
First published October 29, 2020
5 people are currently reading
348 people want to read
About the author
Michael Bond
634 books409 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 77 reviews
October 18, 2024
Paddington has always been a loved bear, especially since his stories have been around since I was a child. I bought this stunning hardback from an independent bookshop in Stow-on-the-Wold, and they quite obviously love the bear, because there was lots of Paddington merchandise. Believe me, I was surprised I only left with three books! I must do better...
This book contains lots of memorable Paddington quotes and excerpts from previous books. There is also a poignant image of him holding his suitcase which was very reminiscent to me, especially as it reminded me of when my parents read me those books from my childhood. (Paddington and the Shirley Hughes books were grand.)
Michael Bond created a character that has stood the test of time. Both children and adults find something of themselves in Paddington, but as a personal preference I'll happily skip the marmalade sandwiches!
Where there is love, there is a Paddington Bear.
This book contains lots of memorable Paddington quotes and excerpts from previous books. There is also a poignant image of him holding his suitcase which was very reminiscent to me, especially as it reminded me of when my parents read me those books from my childhood. (Paddington and the Shirley Hughes books were grand.)
Michael Bond created a character that has stood the test of time. Both children and adults find something of themselves in Paddington, but as a personal preference I'll happily skip the marmalade sandwiches!
Where there is love, there is a Paddington Bear.
July 22, 2021
After all the violence of FR Jameson's excellent horror story, The Caller, I felt like a contrast in my next piece of reading. And Paddington Bear is certainly that. After all, as the blurb says: Paddington Bear is a beacon of happiness.
This book put a smile on my face all the way through, although it's a simple & very short piece of work. Peggy Fortnum's wonderful illsutrations are accompanied by lines from various Paddington books by Michael Bond. Each section contains advice from Paddington on topics inlcuding how to be more friendly...well meaning...polite...positive etc.
In the Being Thoughtful section I love this useful tip:
He held up the plate for the others to see. "I've licked it clean so you can use it again if you want to."
There are many heroes in the world of fiction, but Paddington Bear is still my favourite.
This book put a smile on my face all the way through, although it's a simple & very short piece of work. Peggy Fortnum's wonderful illsutrations are accompanied by lines from various Paddington books by Michael Bond. Each section contains advice from Paddington on topics inlcuding how to be more friendly...well meaning...polite...positive etc.
In the Being Thoughtful section I love this useful tip:
He held up the plate for the others to see. "I've licked it clean so you can use it again if you want to."
There are many heroes in the world of fiction, but Paddington Bear is still my favourite.
July 21, 2025
“I shall never take my cocoa for granted.”
اگه با پدینگتون آشنایین، ورق زدن این کتاب میتونه یه نیملبخندی به لبتون بیاره :)
اگه با پدینگتون آشنایین، ورق زدن این کتاب میتونه یه نیملبخندی به لبتون بیاره :)
January 19, 2021
For my full review: https://girlwithherheadinabook.co.uk/...
How to Be More Paddington was the book that I knew I wanted but never knew I needed. Tiny books of potted quotes from various pieces of classic literature are ten a penny, particularly if the characters originate from the Hundred Acre Wood. This is both literally and figuratively more substantial. I have read this by myself and also with my two year old; it is a gift to the both of us and one to be treasured always.
I have always been particular about Paddington. It is a running joke between me and my partner that I so frequently dismissed the stuffed toy Paddingtons sold in shops as 'wrong'. While I love the films, the associated merchandise does tend to fall into the 'unacceptable' category for me. A lot of research went into the Paddington effigy that I received for Christmas 2017. My son has a 'My First Paddington' gifted by some lovely friends and a Paddington car seat toy which he has found variously amusing and terrifying. Despite Paddington and his duffle coat being quite so iconic, he has gone through quite considerable change.
Over the past few years of seeking out Paddington stories for my own child, I have found the newer R W Alley illustrations strangely jarring - this is not the bear that I grew up with. It was not that face on my cassette tape. It's not even the bear that I remember seeing onscreen in the television series. Imagine how comforting it is then to read How to Be More Paddington and to return to the original pictures - Peggy Fortnum did it first and best. I have gathered up postcard images of some of my favourite Fortnum illustrations but it is wonderful to finally have them in one place. She captures Paddington's energy and chaos so perfectly without ever making him seem twee.
How to Be More Paddington also makes you realise quite how long he has been around. I recognised images that clearly accompanied stories from my son's own collection - I do understand why publishers felt the need to modernise. Jonathan and Judy have changed completely since their earliest days. Indeed, so many of the values and points of manners which are so important to Paddington feel like they belong to a different age. Who touches their hat these days? Indeed, who wears a hat?
But while it would be easy for Paddington to have become hopelessly dated, instead he seems to represent us at our best. He takes delight in the small things, he is always grateful, he gives everything his best shot, he is unfailingly polite. The one aspect that I wish that the book had captured was the way that Paddington also stands up for himself. Paddington was brought up to show good manners and he will not engage with those who fail to treat him with the same - he knows how to employ a good Hard Stare. This is an extremely minor point though and I can understand why this aspect of his character would be trickier to include in a book that is just a ray of sunshine on a cloudy day.
The key to Paddington's success is that he is such a portable character. Unlike so many fictional creations, he can be dreamed into almost every situation. You can picture Paddington at the swimming baths, at the park, on a bus. You can even imagine him getting in a muddle with the hand sanitiser and the face masks of the pandemic. Because of that, Michael Bond's description of Paddington as a 'built-in resident guru' is a very apt one. To quote Bond further, 'Although [Paddington's] head is often in the clouds, he has his feet firmly on the ground and he has a strong sense of right and wrong. Confronted by a problem, I often find myself wondering how he would deal with it, and mentally take note of his advice.' How to Be More Paddington is more celebration of this fantastic character's warmth than sincere self-help but it is incredibly special nonetheless. I felt teary as I read the lovely words and remembered again why I have loved this little bear for over thirty years. A literary balm in a weary world.
How to Be More Paddington was the book that I knew I wanted but never knew I needed. Tiny books of potted quotes from various pieces of classic literature are ten a penny, particularly if the characters originate from the Hundred Acre Wood. This is both literally and figuratively more substantial. I have read this by myself and also with my two year old; it is a gift to the both of us and one to be treasured always.
I have always been particular about Paddington. It is a running joke between me and my partner that I so frequently dismissed the stuffed toy Paddingtons sold in shops as 'wrong'. While I love the films, the associated merchandise does tend to fall into the 'unacceptable' category for me. A lot of research went into the Paddington effigy that I received for Christmas 2017. My son has a 'My First Paddington' gifted by some lovely friends and a Paddington car seat toy which he has found variously amusing and terrifying. Despite Paddington and his duffle coat being quite so iconic, he has gone through quite considerable change.
Over the past few years of seeking out Paddington stories for my own child, I have found the newer R W Alley illustrations strangely jarring - this is not the bear that I grew up with. It was not that face on my cassette tape. It's not even the bear that I remember seeing onscreen in the television series. Imagine how comforting it is then to read How to Be More Paddington and to return to the original pictures - Peggy Fortnum did it first and best. I have gathered up postcard images of some of my favourite Fortnum illustrations but it is wonderful to finally have them in one place. She captures Paddington's energy and chaos so perfectly without ever making him seem twee.
How to Be More Paddington also makes you realise quite how long he has been around. I recognised images that clearly accompanied stories from my son's own collection - I do understand why publishers felt the need to modernise. Jonathan and Judy have changed completely since their earliest days. Indeed, so many of the values and points of manners which are so important to Paddington feel like they belong to a different age. Who touches their hat these days? Indeed, who wears a hat?
But while it would be easy for Paddington to have become hopelessly dated, instead he seems to represent us at our best. He takes delight in the small things, he is always grateful, he gives everything his best shot, he is unfailingly polite. The one aspect that I wish that the book had captured was the way that Paddington also stands up for himself. Paddington was brought up to show good manners and he will not engage with those who fail to treat him with the same - he knows how to employ a good Hard Stare. This is an extremely minor point though and I can understand why this aspect of his character would be trickier to include in a book that is just a ray of sunshine on a cloudy day.
The key to Paddington's success is that he is such a portable character. Unlike so many fictional creations, he can be dreamed into almost every situation. You can picture Paddington at the swimming baths, at the park, on a bus. You can even imagine him getting in a muddle with the hand sanitiser and the face masks of the pandemic. Because of that, Michael Bond's description of Paddington as a 'built-in resident guru' is a very apt one. To quote Bond further, 'Although [Paddington's] head is often in the clouds, he has his feet firmly on the ground and he has a strong sense of right and wrong. Confronted by a problem, I often find myself wondering how he would deal with it, and mentally take note of his advice.' How to Be More Paddington is more celebration of this fantastic character's warmth than sincere self-help but it is incredibly special nonetheless. I felt teary as I read the lovely words and remembered again why I have loved this little bear for over thirty years. A literary balm in a weary world.
November 30, 2022
To było przeurocze
October 11, 2022
book of the year if you ask me
March 2, 2024
کتاب خط داستانی خاصی نداشت.
یه سری جملات کوتاه و تصویرگریهای بانمک و گوگولی بودن.
یه سری جملات کوتاه و تصویرگریهای بانمک و گوگولی بودن.
December 30, 2020
"In my next life - if there is such a thing - I wouldn't mind being a bear. Provided, of course, I could be a bear like Paddington!"
If I am half as wise, polite and kind as Paddington when I grow up, I will be very grateful. This is a wholesome book which reminds me a lot of The Boy, The Mole, The Fox and The Horse and much like that book, I will be returning to this book frequently.
If I am half as wise, polite and kind as Paddington when I grow up, I will be very grateful. This is a wholesome book which reminds me a lot of The Boy, The Mole, The Fox and The Horse and much like that book, I will be returning to this book frequently.
December 3, 2020
I’m thoroughly embarrassed to admit that this was my first experience of reading about Paddington bear. The book is clearly snippets from the many children’s books about the beloved character. The artwork is also beautiful. Some simple line drawing and interspersed with lovely watercolour prints. A true work of art with a lovely message of kindness, friendship and love. Perfect for Christmas...
May 16, 2021
I love Paddington with all my heart.
December 31, 2022
Paddington’s world is our happy place. My children and I have found so much joy reading all of Paddington’s adventures aloud.
“It’s nice having a bear about the house.”
This book is a sweet compilation of gentle thoughts and words to live by from the books, reminding us to be innocently wise and kind and well-intentioned just like Paddington Brown, even though the results may be mixed.
“It had been a lot of hard work but he was glad it had all been worthwhile—even if there was a lot of mess to clear up.”
“Paddington believed in looking on the bright side. If he did the wallpapering really well, the others might not even notice the mess he’d made.”
Peggy Fortnum’s illustrations are delightful.
“It’s nice having a bear about the house.”
This book is a sweet compilation of gentle thoughts and words to live by from the books, reminding us to be innocently wise and kind and well-intentioned just like Paddington Brown, even though the results may be mixed.
“It had been a lot of hard work but he was glad it had all been worthwhile—even if there was a lot of mess to clear up.”
“Paddington believed in looking on the bright side. If he did the wallpapering really well, the others might not even notice the mess he’d made.”
Peggy Fortnum’s illustrations are delightful.
July 18, 2023
3,5
Urocza, prosta i niby z przesłaniem, ale do mnie nie trafiła. Według mnie niektóre cytaty nie pasowały do danego rozdziału lub nic ciekawego ze sobą nie niosły. Gdyby było mniej takich przypadków to na pewno oceniłabym tę książkę lepiej.
Urocza, prosta i niby z przesłaniem, ale do mnie nie trafiła. Według mnie niektóre cytaty nie pasowały do danego rozdziału lub nic ciekawego ze sobą nie niosły. Gdyby było mniej takich przypadków to na pewno oceniłabym tę książkę lepiej.
August 16, 2021
charming charming book. there’s something about this bear that makes me well up every time.
February 4, 2022
"I'm sure you did your best and you meant well. Those are two of the most important things in life."
love this little bear ❤️
love this little bear ❤️
April 5, 2025
Next up the Paddington Series 💖🐻
March 7, 2025
I aspire to be Paddington
December 21, 2025
Cute and beautiful drawings ❤️
March 12, 2024
So Cute! Pads is very pure-hearted, and a close second to my all-time fave, Winnie the Pooh
December 5, 2020
How To Be More Paddington: A Book Of Kindness by Michael Bond is a perfect book for anyone of any age who loves Paddington – and who can resist that little face? Many generations have grown up with this bear.
The book is beautifully illustrated by Peggy Fortnum to accompany the words of the author. Both pictures and words could be used as starting points for chatting with young children about the importance of being kind, just like Paddington.
The essence of Paddington has been beautifully captured within this book. It is a pure delight and a welcome addition to any bookshelf.
I loved Paddington as a child. I love Paddington as an adult. I would certainly answer the call to ‘please look after this bear.’
The book is beautifully illustrated by Peggy Fortnum to accompany the words of the author. Both pictures and words could be used as starting points for chatting with young children about the importance of being kind, just like Paddington.
The essence of Paddington has been beautifully captured within this book. It is a pure delight and a welcome addition to any bookshelf.
I loved Paddington as a child. I love Paddington as an adult. I would certainly answer the call to ‘please look after this bear.’
January 7, 2021
We often take for granted the things that mean the most to us. Something we should never, ever do, especially when it comes to bears.
Well, this may just be my favourite book that I have ever owned. I must admit that Paddington Brown really does hold a special place in my heart so this book could not be more perfect. Featuring the wonderful words of Michael Bond and beautifully illustrated by Peggy Fortnum, every page contains an uplifting message or lesson that everybody could do well to learn from. This will be what I turn to when in need of cheering up, or in need of comfort, and who else to provide this but Paddington himself? This wonderful book is nothing less than absolutely delightful and I believe that everybody could afford to Be More Paddington.
Well, this may just be my favourite book that I have ever owned. I must admit that Paddington Brown really does hold a special place in my heart so this book could not be more perfect. Featuring the wonderful words of Michael Bond and beautifully illustrated by Peggy Fortnum, every page contains an uplifting message or lesson that everybody could do well to learn from. This will be what I turn to when in need of cheering up, or in need of comfort, and who else to provide this but Paddington himself? This wonderful book is nothing less than absolutely delightful and I believe that everybody could afford to Be More Paddington.
June 1, 2021
Paddington has his great qualities and they shine through in this book. A Book of Kindness. It's something we can apply to our everyday lives! To be curious, give a helping hand, ask questions, doing things around the house etc..
I love the whole Paddington series and I liked watching the two movies that came out. I definitely want to read a-loud the books to my daughter and listen to them on audio again! I think they are a fantastic children series that teaches about compassion and kindness.
I love the whole Paddington series and I liked watching the two movies that came out. I definitely want to read a-loud the books to my daughter and listen to them on audio again! I think they are a fantastic children series that teaches about compassion and kindness.
May 13, 2021
How to be more Paddington will appeal to readers of all ages. How can you not like Paddington? Although the book is a quick read, it is filled with inspiring quotes from Paddington Bear. If you’re in need of a book that makes you feel warm and fuzzy then this is the book for you. We could all do with a little more Paddington in our lives.
December 26, 2020
You can’t not like this book, it’s very sweet and heartwarming with beautiful illustrations. We bought it for a couple of friends for Christmas and I had a flick through to check the content was good enough!
December 29, 2022
This is a great book. A very humble little book. When I read it I felt our current PM would have benefited a great deal from reading it. He could have learnt a great deal from Paddington with his kindness, humility and high moral standards.
December 1, 2020
As perfect as Paddington.
May 9, 2021
A beautiful book filled with illustrations and positivity to bring a smile to your face.
January 18, 2024
"In my next life – if there is such a thing – I wouldn’t
mind being a bear. Provided, of course, I could be a
bear like Paddington!"
mind being a bear. Provided, of course, I could be a
bear like Paddington!"
January 7, 2026
راهنمای پدینگتون بودن،کتابی سرشار از مهربانی
پدینگتون ما را یاد شادی و آرامش می اندازد او بامزه و دل نشین و خیرخواه است و از همه مهمتر در هر موقعیتی که قرار می گیرد مهربانی را از یاد نمی برد.
برگرفته از متن کتاب:
" شک ندارم تمام تلاشت را کردی و قصدت خیر بود. در زندگی، دل پاک داشتن و تلاش کردن از همه چیز مهم تر است."
"خانم بِرد می گوید: بند بند وجودم قدر طلا می ارزد؛ از دانستنش خوشحالم. دیروز رفتم روی ترازوی حمام تا ببینم وجودم چند کیلو است."
پدینگتون ما را یاد شادی و آرامش می اندازد او بامزه و دل نشین و خیرخواه است و از همه مهمتر در هر موقعیتی که قرار می گیرد مهربانی را از یاد نمی برد.
برگرفته از متن کتاب:
" شک ندارم تمام تلاشت را کردی و قصدت خیر بود. در زندگی، دل پاک داشتن و تلاش کردن از همه چیز مهم تر است."
"خانم بِرد می گوید: بند بند وجودم قدر طلا می ارزد؛ از دانستنش خوشحالم. دیروز رفتم روی ترازوی حمام تا ببینم وجودم چند کیلو است."
September 26, 2021
Such a beautiful book. A collection of Paddington’s thoughts, other people’s comments about him, and general words of wisdom from our favourite Peruvian bear. The illustrations of Peggy Fortnum are charming and took me right back to my first encounter with the illustrious ursine fifty years ago. A beautiful gift for a Paddington fan.
December 1, 2025
Snap de opzet van het boek en met de kern van Paddingtons wijsheden (kijk naar het kleine en de mens) ben ik het redelijk eens.
Ik ben niet de ultieme lezer voor dit soort type boek geloof ik. Al geloof ik ook dat ik dit boek meer zou kunnen waarderen dan De jongen en al zijn dieren.
Ik lees liever het uitgebreide verhaal van Paddington, maar dat is puur voorkeur.
Ik ben niet de ultieme lezer voor dit soort type boek geloof ik. Al geloof ik ook dat ik dit boek meer zou kunnen waarderen dan De jongen en al zijn dieren.
Ik lees liever het uitgebreide verhaal van Paddington, maar dat is puur voorkeur.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews