A Bear Called Paddington by Michael Bond, Peggy Fortnum (Illustrated by)

I remember Paddington from long ago but don't recall ever reading it.  It's out in a new edition and I couldn't let this opportunity go by.  I'm glad I didn't; it's delightful!

HarperCollins and Net Galley allowed me to read this book for review (thank you).  It's going to be published July 22nd, so look for it then.

Imagine being a young  family and finding a teddy bear at the train station with a note on it that says:  "Please look after this bear. Thank you."  Mom and Dad might be inclined to just walk on by, but the children aren't.  So the bear goes home with them.  Finding out the teddy bear can speak doesn't phase them.

They decide to name him after the station he was found in.  Dad thought Paddington was a sophisticated name and agreed.  He then suggests they buy the bear some new clothes.  Everything is going fine until he tries to take away Paddington's hat.  That's a no no.  It's his only memory of home and he refuses to give it up.  

Paddington is a silly little bear that is great fun to read about.  Who else would hide bacon in his suitcase in case he gets hungry while they are out?  And everything he tries to do seems to make a mess.  (Almost like having a little brother in my life long ago.)

Young ones will enjoy Paddington's antics.  There are more books written about the bear, so you could expand on their reading if they are really taken with him.  I also see there is a movie coming out, so that should peak most children's interest in the toy bear.  I don't need to see the movie.  The book itself tickled me.  If you haven't had a chance to read about Paddington yet, grab a copy for you.  It will make you smile.