I don’t know when I last read Paddington stories. But this collection seems very good value indeed. In fact, it would be an excellent idea to keep a copy of this book in one’s suitcase or under one’s hat (for emergencies).
Things really are always happening to Paddington. Included in this volume are many of the ultimate classics: conjuring outfits, dumplings, baths, toffee, The Porchester, modom, chimneys, haircuts, saunas, elevenses, wallpaper, auctions, department store windows, serving hatches, and of course ample amounts of special marmalade from the cut-price grocer—all presented with the original color illustrations by Peggy Fortnum. Through it all, Paddington remains a hopeful bear at heart.
But it omits some of our favorites, too. The book receives a particularly hard stare for leaving out “Lucky for Some,” with Ronnie Playfair. (It’s not quite enough to give the book a reputation in the neighbourhood for meanness.) And it gets a stern “What are you doing, bear?” for including two stories about the Browns’ holiday in France.
Overall, though, there’s nothing more pleasant than spending time looking after this young bear gentleman from Peru. (Darkest Peru.) There is no doubt that it’s nice to have a book of bear stories about the house—especially bear stories about Paddington. (And I don’t expect there are many other bears in the world called that!)
(Writing this review has of course resulted in more ink on the bedsheets than on the review—it’s a bit difficult with paws—so I’d better stop now.)