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Bear Called Paddington
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Bear Called Paddington Prebound -

by Michael Bond

Paddington first charmed American audiences 40 years ago. Now a new generation will be won over by Paddington's particular brand of preposterous humor and gentle satire. Illustrations.

About this book

A lonely toy bear on an otherwise empty shop shelf on Christmas Eve in 1956 first captured the attention of Michael Bond. Enamored, the BBC employee brought the stuffed bear home to his wife. They named the bear Paddington after the station near their home in London, and thus inspired, Bond began to write a few cute stories about the bear's adventures starting with A Bear Called Paddington in October 1958. The friendly bear with his old hat, battered suitcase, duffel coat and love of marmalade—has become a classic character from British children's literature and has become popular with American audiences as well. Learn more in our book collecting guide article, "Michael Bond - The Man Behind Paddington Bear."

From the publisher

The classic novel about Paddington who's now a major movie star!

Paddington Bear had traveled all the way from Peru when the Browns first met him in Paddington Station. Since then, their lives have never been quite the same . . . for ordinary things become extraordinary when a bear called Paddington is involved.

First published in 1958, A Bear Called Paddington is the first novel by Michael Bond, chronicling the adventures of this lovable bear. Paddington has charmed readers for generations with his earnest good intentions and humorous misadventures. This brand-new edition of the classic novel contains the original text by Michael Bond and illustrations by Peggy Fortnum."

From the rear cover

The stories of Paddington Bear have delighted children all around the world for over 50 years.

"A bear? In Paddington Station?"Mrs. Brown looked at her husband in amazement."Don't be silly, Henry. There can't be!"

Paddington Bear had just traveled all the way from Peru when the Brown family first met him in Paddington Station. Since then, their lives have never been quite the same . . . for ordinary things become extraordinary when Paddington is involved.

First Edition Identification

A Bear Called Paddington was first published in London by Collins in 1958 with a blue and white dust jacket. The first US edition was printed by Houghton Mifflin, Boston, in 1960, with a bright yellow dustwrapper with the title in various colors.  

Details

  • Title Bear Called Paddington
  • Author Michael Bond
  • Series Paddington
  • Binding Prebound
  • Pages 176
  • Volumes 1
  • Language ENG
  • Publisher Turtleback Books
  • Illustrated Yes
  • ISBN 9780606381482 / 0606381481
  • Weight 0.44 lbs (0.20 kg)
  • Dimensions 7.6 x 5.1 x 0.6 in (19.30 x 12.95 x 1.52 cm)
  • Ages 07 to 10 years
  • Grade levels 2 - 5
  • Reading level 750
  • Themes
    • Cultural Region: British
  • Dewey Decimal Code FIC

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