For the last 37 years of his life Michael Bond lived in London, not far from Paddington Station where it all began. I must admit that Paddington Brown really does hold a special place in my heart so this book could not be more perfect. 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. Michael Bond never thought of writing for children but, after producing a number of short stories and radio plays, his agent suggested that he adapt a television play for children.

A lovely little book that filled me hope and joy… Read on own, and with my son aged 7, a book for the whole family. From arriving in London and winning the hearts of the Brown family, to sharing elevenses with Mr Gruber and lending a paw around the neighbourhood, he always tries to do his very best for others… even if there are a few well-intentioned mishaps along the way! Join our community to get personalised book suggestions, extracts straight to your inbox, 10% off RRPs, and to change children’s lives. I recognised images that clearly accompanied stories from my son's own collection - I do understand why publishers felt the need to modernise. 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 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.

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. 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. In 2015, Michael was awarded a CBE for his services to children’s literature, to add to the OBE he received in 1997.

This lovely hardback book all about the adorable paddington bear is wonderful, the pictures some in colour some just sketches and little phrases and sayings from the sweet bear himself little words of wisdom, I highly recommend this book for all paddington fans!