Paddington Here and Now

Paddington #12

by Michael Bond

MP3 CD Format Paddington Here and Now has descriptive copy which is not yet available from the Publisher.

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

1 pages, MP3 CD

First published May 27, 2008

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

[Angie Rhodes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yes, I know this is a kids book, but come on, who doesn't love Paddington Bear?
Michael Bond has once again, managed to write a. book, that even adults can smile and giggle at, as Paddington gets into mischief and mayhem, mostly by accident,
I for one, will continue to keep reading Paddington, he brightens up the most gloomy, winter's day .

[Bill · Rating 4 out of 5]

More fine adventures with Paddington Bear. What a legend!

[Joey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my favorite Paddington book ❤️
Paddington Spills The Beans was absolutely hysterical 😂😂

[Esra · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute. That's it. That's the review

[Rebecca · Rating 3 out of 5]

Just gonna pretend the last 1.5 chapters don’t exist

[Illiterate · Rating 2 out of 5]

Poor Mr Curry. Always the fall guy. Never the hero.

[A · Rating 3 out of 5]

Appropriate for ages 8-12

Paddington Bear reappears in the 21st century for more adventures and amusing mishaps.

This fictional series book was published in England for the occasion of the 50th anniversary of Paddington Bear. Although there have been many picture book versions of Paddington published, as well as Paddington activity books and other items, this is the first time in c. 30 years that a new chapter book in this series has come out. I would have expected that, by now, the Brown children would have grown up, but this hasn't happened. Only the London world around the Browns has changed. There are a few references to new technologies and tourist attractions, and the possibility that Paddington might be deported as an illegal refugee. Otherwise, things are comfortingly the same. Paddington still questions authority and accidentally causes mayhem. He still enjoys his marmalade sandwiches and "elevenses", and his Aunt Lucy lives on in the home for retired bears in "Darkest Peru", a phrase which sounds even more dated now than it did in the first book.

My biggest gripe about this edition is that it was translated into American in a way that sounds awkward. Even though Paddington is supposedly Peruvian, his quintessential Englishness is part of his iconic charm. For example, the first sentence: "My shopping basket on wheels has been towed away!". Are we Yanks really so incapable of understanding the phrase "shopping trolley"? If so, couldn't the translator have simply said "shopping cart"?

A Horn Book reviewer (September/October, 2008) thought Paddington fans would be relieved that nothing much has changed in this latest installment, and Paddington still gets into "glorious muddles". Kirkus review (5/15/08) ran an even more positive review, calling the book "children's literature in its finest, purest form". Both reviews were descriptive and praised the book--I thought the Kirkus one was better because it didn't give away too much about a surprise at the end.

[Derelict Space Sheep · Rating 4 out of 5]

42 WORD REVIEW:

Fifty-plus years from his first appearance, Paddington Bear remains a chaotic force of nature, his innocence, ignorance and polite, good-natured optimism giving rise to all manner of comic misunderstandings. Stephen Fry voices the characters beautifully. Paddington, it seems, will never grow old.

[Fi's Journey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this one actually better than the previous one. I like the part when Paddington goes with Judy and Jonathan Trick or Treating.

As for the narration, I prefer Hugh Bonneville as he did most of the Paddington Audiobooks and I really enjoy listening to him.

[Mary Beth · Rating 2 out of 5]

In the last couple of chapters a character from Paddington's past arrives and is a bundle of stereotypes, especially when it comes to how his speech is depicted. I recommend skipping this one.

[Shiloah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hilarious and adorable! Perfect read aloud!

[Mahshad · Rating 5 out of 5]

so cute :D

[Matti Karjalainen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Michael Bondin karhuherra Paddington viettää tänä vuonna kuusikymppisiään, ja sen kunniaksi on Englannissa painettu niin juhlarahoja kuin otettu uusintapainoksia vanhoista kirjoistakin.

Vuonna 2008 alun perin ilmestynyt "Paddington Here and Now" on sarjan uudemmasta päästä, mutta siitä huolimatta elämä jatkuu Puutarhakatu 32:ssa hyvin samaan tapaan kuin aina ennenkin: pieniä kommelluksia ja erilaisia väärinkäsityksiä sattuu, aamupäivän teehetkiä vietetään herra Gruberin kanssa ja niin edespäin. Lopussa tutustumme myös toiseen karhuun, joka saapuu Lontooseen.

Tekstistä on kuitenkin löydettävissä syvällisempiäkin merkityksiä, onhan Paddington kuitenkin Perun perukoilta Englantiin saapunut maahanmuuttaja, joka joutuu tekemisiin virkavallan ja skandaalilehdistön kanssa.

Kuvitusta myöten sympaattinen tapaus tämä Paddington.

[Manon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this!

[Nobi Nobes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very funny!

[Deity World · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awwwww this was unexpected Paddingtons uncle is back and comes to visit I surely hope we see this in the movies to come

[RJ McGill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Half a century has passed & this little bear is still able to melt your heart & keep you & your little ones interested right up to the end...

Paddington Bear is celebrating his 50th birthday the only way this lovable, adventurous little bear would…with a delicious marmalade sandwich…and his first new book in 30 years, Paddington Here and Now! For those of us who have enjoyed reading the stories of Paddington’s escapades, this book is a welcomed return to good ol’ fashioned literature.
The book opens as the eternally optimistic and oh so innocent little Peruvian bear returns to the curb to find his shopping cart has been towed away. Confused and in a state of dismay, nearby stall owners offer their support, as well as, a few gruff opinions. Paddington had been shopping at Portobello for the Brown family for years and nothing like that had ever happened before. Dealing with grumpy neighbors and the always eager tabloids, Paddington has his little paws full, but this is just the beginning of his misadventures. Later, Paddington is arrested and taken to the police station where he is questioned about his citizenship and exclaims, “I’m not an immigrant.” Thus moving us to the crux of the story…is home still where the heart is?

The foundation for this particular story line was laid many years ago when Paddington’s Aunt Lucy decided to move into the Retirement Home for Bears in Lima and helped the little bear stow-away on a ship bound for England. And although the Brown’s adopted the homeless bear after discovering him among stacks of mailbags at Paddington Station, he doesn’t have the proper paperwork, therefore, technically, Paddington is an immigrant…or even an illegal immigrant. Author Michael Bond infuses the story with Paddington’s trademark sense of humor and naivete and in doing so addresses such serious personal questions as how do you define home? And how does one decide where they belong?

Paddington Bear stories transcend the page…dealing with contemporary issues, yet delivered with that special bump and bungling comical narrative, that fans immediately recognize as the classic Paddington style and new readers will undoubtedly find irresistible. The story is well written, entertaining and filled with many “ahh’s and oohs.”

Reliable, family friendly and a true original, Paddington Bear Books are as sure as a PB & J sandwich to illicit smiles from youngsters. And parents that utilize a combination of the two are pretty much assured a few minutes of free time! I can easily and without reservation recommend Michael Bond’s new book, Paddington Here and Now and not just for the kids, even the adults that grew up reading these stories will enjoy spending some time with this old furry friend.

Happy Reading!

[D · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bond’s Paddington reminds me a smidge of Wodehouse’s Wooster in that after reading a few stories, the template is so nakedly obvious that you might almost think you could produce one yourself: Paddington, well intentioned but unpossessed of sound judgement, mishears and/or misconstrues something and acts foolishly. Dark looks are exchanged, cocoa is drunk, things are exclaimed hotly, it’s difficult with paws, and Mr. Curry frequently roars “Bear!” before everything is sorted.

But as with Wodehouse, the magic of Bond’s tales doesn’t lie in the easily imitated aspects. The rhythm of Bond’s prose has a comforting familiarity, but what really makes it work, I think, is the reader’s peculiar orientation with respect to Paddington: outside him enough to clearly perceive his folly, but inside him enough to see with equal clarity how his misconceptions arose. It’s a very delicate balance.

Paddington buying bottled water and riding the London Eye makes me sad; it seems unfair to the bear to drag him into a new century. To me, Paddington belongs in some ill-defined, improbably innocent, mid-last-century decade free of the spectre or aftermath of war. I have no wish to see him age, but bringing him forward half a century with no changes introduces an unpleasant note of cognitive dissonance, like the panels in which Watterson portrays Calvin’s pal Hobbes as a lifeless, limp, stuffed thing.

But thankfully, obtrusively modern details mar only a handful of these stories. Mostly -- particularly when the magnificently unpleasant Mr. Curry is on the scene -- I chuckle, I snort, I guffaw. I’m swept up, once more, in the unlikely exploits of the winsome bear from “Darkest Peru.”

[chucklesthescot · Rating 4 out of 5]

Paddington has been very proud of his beloved shopping basket but is at a loss when it goes missing outside a shop. Witnesses tell him that is was removed and he wants answers from the police who are more interested in arresting an agitated bear and if he is in the country illegally. At home, Paddington is intrigued to hear about anti-burglar paint and decides to paint the drainpipes around the property to protect the Brown house, especially with a known thief on the loose. Mr Curry of course sees the chance of getting some work done for free and ropes Paddington in to doing his home too.

In Mr Gruber's shop, Paddington is fascinated by a piano that plays itself and puts on a bit of a show for the people looking through the window. But before the confused bear knows what is happening he has been signed up as a concert pianist and panic sets in as the show approaches. As Halloween comes to the area, Paddington is in full trick or treat mode but makes the mistake of deciding on a prank at Mr Curry's house which goes wrong. Paddington is happy to do a survey but his innocent comments about things that are happening lead to a reporter getting the wrong idea about crime in the area, and Paddington is up to his paws in trouble again.

In a happier turn of events, Paddington is thrilled to discover that his missing Uncle Pastuzo is alive and well and doing rather well for himself! His uncle is another fun and adorable bear in an interesting family and I very much enjoyed meeting him. But does his arrival mean that Paddington is going to leave the Brown house?

Another very enjoyable Paddington tale to add to my collection. I just wish there was way more of them!

[Dee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ahh Paddington stories never get old :)

[Marcia · Rating 2 out of 5]

I've been reading Paddington's earlier adventures, and I found differences compared to previous stories. Some of these stories seem to have less integrity, such as the piano story and the adventures with Mr. Curry. In fact, Mr. Curry's stories are mean-spirited. Yes Mr. Curry usually gets what he deserves, but l thought the Browns took opportunities for petty payback. My dislike of this stems more from having just finished the previous books; if this weren't Paddington Bear I probably would have found it funny.

[Maria Ana · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. A dear friend of mine lent me the book, so i can feel a little bit happier when i'm sad.
I finished it in a couple of hours. It was amazing! I think the writting wasn't too childish. Acctually it is a good writting for adults. I smilled and laughed a lot with Paddington and all it's adventures.
I recomend this book to everyone. To dream, to smile, and to be happy along with a cute, little and amazing bear!

[Mark · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another good collection of Paddington's (mis)adventures. This one was published in 2008 to mark the 50th anniversary of the books and as such there are references to modern London (most notably, a memorable trip on the London Eye) but there is still the same charm about the stories.

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

heartwarming (:

[Aggie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review by 6 year old girl:
I really enjoyed reading Paddington 'here and now'. It's my first ever chapter book, and I loved it. I am looking forward to reading the other Paddington Books.

[Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Paddington as a kid and I was so pleased to share him with my children who love him just as much.

[Maria Carmo · Rating 4 out of 5]

The funny return of the peruvian bear! And this time he receives the visit of his Uncle Paztuso... Very funny!

m€aria Carmo,

Lisbon, 22 March 2012.

[Kate Feigl · Rating 2 out of 5]

Compared to other books from Paddington's world I didn't like the topics in this one as much - theft, burglars, organ donors... It was not as light and cute.

[James Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Paddington Here and Now is a book I've loved since its release in 2008. Over the years, I've reread it and listened to the audiobook many times. So much so, the way Stephen Fry (the narrator) says certain lines and the voices in which he says them are burned into my memory, which made for great fun reading what is, in my opinion, the very best of Paddington Bear and possibly even children's literature.

I wouldn't consider this book to be wholly comical, but I don't think I've laughed as much reading any book (that isn't this one) before. Certain chapters, such as the first, Parking Problems, and Paddington Spills the Beans had me between chuckling and laughing out loud with almost every line. I don't know if it just plays well with my rather childish sense of self—it's certainly not the most intelligent attempt at humour—but this being the umpteenth time I've read these chapters, to have them still making me laugh and smile must mean something.

The copy I was reading was, in fact, my original copy from when I was a child. I have long lost the slipcover, and so unless you were paying close attention to the spine, you'd have no idea what I was reading. Nowadays, I'm usually such a condition snob when it comes to new books, but I can look at the nearly decades-old sellotape and felt-tip pen on the back of the cover and, whilst I have no memory of committing such an act, it's a nice reminder of myself being that 5-year-old child in 2008. There's even my name and current year group, Oak Class (that was my reception class, your first year of primary education), written by my Mother in case, God forbid, the book was misplaced somewhere at school.

But yes, I had a great deal of fun reading this over the last 3 days. I could've stretched out reading this for much longer, but it's a Sunday today, and I thought, sure, let's keep on reading at the end of each chapter, and here I am now, writing this overly personal review of one of my favourite books to ever exist.

[Phil · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved Paddington as a child, so I was curious to read this 'modern' Paddington story. It's actually really good, and I think that kids who enjoyed the earlier Paddington tales will like this one too. Sensibly, Bond hasn't attempted to modernise the story too much - the London Eye is mentioned, and a computer appears briefly in 'Paddington Aims High', but otherwise, Paddington's world is reassuringly unchanged. I've noticed that some reviewers quibble over Jonathan & Judy still being at school fifty years on, but I don't think children will notice, as they just tend to inhabit the world of the story they are reading. (It never occurred to me as a child to query the presence of Mrs Bird, although I'd never heard of a housekeeper before - I just accepted her as part of Paddington's world!)

The illustrations by R W Alley are a different style to Peggy Fortnum's original work, but they are in keeping with the spirit of the books. Overall, a nice addition to the Paddington series for old and new fans.