Customer Reviews

Paddington Here and Now

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For nearly two generations, young readers have been entertained by the adventures of a young bear discovered in a train station by a family in London. A BEAR CALLED PADDINGTON first hit bookshelves in 1958 and became a hit both in its native UK and around the world. And although 2008 celebrates the 50th anniversary of Paddington Bear, it's been almost 30 years since his creator, Michael Bond, has written a new Paddington book. The newest addition to the Paddington collection, PADDINGTON HERE AND NOW, conjures the feel and spirit of the series so well, you'd never guess the old bear has been away for so long.

As with past books in the series, each chapter presents itself as a small short story in which Paddington, still attempting to manage the culture shock associated with living in London after being raised in Darkest Peru, finds himself in a neverending set of hilarious misunderstandings and ill-conceived (but heartfelt) attempts to do good. In one chapter, a concert promoter puts Paddington on the bill for an upcoming charity concert after watching the young bear masterfully play the piano (when, in reality, it was a player piano and Paddington was simply trying to follow the keys with his paws). In another chapter, Paddington unknowingly talks to a tabloid reporter who writes a story based on a misunderstanding, believing Paddington to assert that Jonathan Brown once traded an internal organ for a pencil box (when, in fact, Jonathan traded a mouth organ).

All the characters from the series are back: Mr. and Mrs. Brown; their children, Jonathan and Judy; their housekeeper, Mrs. Bird; their grouchy neighbor, Mr. Curry; and Paddington's close friend, Mr. Gruber. Mention is made of Paddington's beloved Aunt Lucy, and Paddington gives his hardest stares ever. But even though reading this book is like catching up with a long, lost friend, the familiar people and situations are carefully peppered with references that clearly set it in contemporary society. Paddington and the Browns take a trip up the London Eye; Paddington attempts to pay for a trip around the world with a voucher for a single air mile. The result is an entertaining read that retains all the charm the books are known for while adding a sense of modern sensibilities. In essence, we are reminded of how seemingly timeless the stories of this unique bear really are.

If you grew up reading and loving these books as I did, PADDINGTON HERE AND NOW will transport you back to that special time and place when you first met the loveable bear from Peru. If you're new to Paddington, you won't be lost if you start with PADDINGTON HERE AND NOW (the author does a good job of bringing new readers up to speed), but I'd recommend tracking down A BEAR CALLED PADDINGTON to get a feel for how this all got started.

PADDINGTON HERE AND NOW demonstrates why these books have endured as a staple of children's literature for 50 years. Paddington is as adorable as when he first appeared in Paddington Station with a marmalade sandwich under his hat (which he keeps for emergencies). This welcome return confirms something fans have known for quite a while: you've been away far too long, Paddington!

--- Reviewed by Brian Farrey

This book has been happily anticipated! It is by one of my favorite children's authors, but the humor is too good for kids. I own every Paddington Bear book, some purchased from used book stores, and treasure each one. I will be reading this one as a special treat for this mom whose little ones are now grown. Enjoy!

Terrific as usual! There's nothing like books illustrated by RW Alley!! Highly recommended, though I hadn't realized that this book is a "chapter book" for kids. Wonderful, none-the-less!

What do Winnie the Pooh, Gentle Ben, and Paddington have in common? They are all beloved fictional bears. If you aren't familar yet with Paddington, Michael Bond introduced him to readers over fifty years ago. Wearing a bush hat, duffle coat, and Wellington boots, Paddington is one of my favorite bears. Now he has returned in a book called Paddington Here and Now.

Like its predecessors, in each chapter of this twelveth book, Paddington encounters a new adventure. Ever since the Browns found him in a train station, life has never been the same at 32 Windsor Gardens. Paddington is that kind of bear. When we first flip open the book, Paddington is having parking problems. His shopping cart has been stolen. Ironically, he's the one who ends up in cuffs1 Next, Mrs Bird (the Browns' housekeeper) sees a stranger at the window. This leads to Paddington's experimentation with nondry antiburglar paint. Next a stranger on the street who hears Paddington play the piano enlists him as a concertist, while another writes a fantastical report about an organ replacement scandal after he interviews Paddington. Unfortunately, the interviewer also reveals that Paddington arrived in England from Darkest Peru by stowing away on a boat. The Browns fear for his deportation, especially when a limousine pulls up in their driveway.

Michael Bond could probably have written this twelfth book as if readers would be familiar with Paddington. For those who know Paddington, his clothes are trademark as are his hard stares, marmalade sandwiches, and excitement for new experiences. Yet Bond graciously intertwines descriptions of characters and settings with one line summaries for those readers who are just discovering Paddington. Besides quickly informing readers that Mr. Gruber is a long time friend and antique dealer and that Mr. Curry is a cranky cheapskate neighbor, he also deftly dips into the past to highlight former mishaps on the part of Paddington.

Bond maybe also could have written mediocre stories, as many successful authors have, and still earned the admiration of fans who are eager to read just one more book about his beloved bear creation. Yet his tone remains as light and funny as it was fifty years ago. I love Paddington's reason for renaming Bay of Biscay to Bay of Biscuits: "Someone was hanging over the ship's tail and they let go of a Garibaldi biscuit by mistake. It landed on my head, so I had it for dinner." Misunderstandings are the norm in this book. Consider the example about the stranger who enlists Paddington as a concertist. He hears him play, praises Paddington, but never gives Paddington time to explain that the piano plays tunes by itself and Paddington had simply been following the keys' movement with his paws.

If you are not familiar with Paddington, check out the book and discover a bear you will never forget. Both the books and a Paddington doll have a special spot in my heart. And thanks to Paddington, I like marmalade sandwiches! If you are familiar with the series, you are once again in for a pleasant read with lots of laughs. Paddington: Here and Now came out in 2008, just in time for Paddington's fiftieth anniversary, and is a welcome addition to this beloved set.

I bought this Paddington Bear book(Paddington Here and Now)for my 10 year old grandson and he is enjoying it very much. Young children seem to be attracted to the character of Paddington and quickly become committed fans.

A wonderful tale of Paddington the Bear from Darkest Peru. This book was bublished in time for 50 years of Paddington. The first book was published in 1958. I had never read a Paddington story prior to this one - thoroughly enjoyable. What fun!!

A great new addition for Paddington fans. Paddington was a favorite series when my kids were little. They still enjoy the books. I managed to find a complete series to keep for visits with our granddaughter. Great for kids of all ages.

Michael Bond delights us again with this latest Paddington Bear tale.
Paddington(who has not aged since the 1950s) continues to enchant us with his misadventures and natural comedic situations. The familiar characters are there and the bear handles new challenges with his usual ease, charm, marmalade sandwiches and hard stare. Paddington Here and Now is a must for all Paddington fans and no matter what your age, you will relish this latest episode. Paddington Bear has a permanent place in my library, alongside James Boswell, Samuel Pepys, and Wind in the Willows. Quite simply, Paddington is the most excellent company.

Nuala Galbari
Journalist/Author

All of the Paddington Bear series are great and this one is no exception - encourages the young to read more and more. With the "British" accent they learn new words which help everyones vocabulary. What a fun book!

Paddington is updated and continues to be a complete delight! A must-have for all fans of the little bear from darkest Peru.