Paddington's Day Off: A Charming Picture Book About a Bear's London Adventure for Children (Ages 4-8)

by Michael Bond, R.W. Alley (Illustrator)

Paddington Bear has charmed readers of all ages for almost 60 years! Now part of the I Can Read line, Michael Bond’s classic character will delight beginning readers with his curious nature and nose for adventure. Paddington and Mr. Gruber enjoy a day off from their duties as they set out to explore London with Jonathan and Judy. Each turn brings a new discovery, and Paddington’s nose for adventure leads to the greatest surprise of all. Paddington’s Day Off is a Level One I Can Read book, which means it’s perfect for children learning to sound out words and sentences.  

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Fiction, Animals

32 pages, Hardcover

Published April 25, 2017

About the author

Michael Bond, CBE was an English children's author. He was the creator of Paddington Bear and wrote about the adventures of a guinea pig named Olga da Polga, as well as the animated BBC TV series The Herbs. Bond also wrote culinary mystery stories for adults featuring Monsieur Pamplemousse and his faithful bloodhound, Pommes Frites.

Reviews

[Jacki · Rating 3 out of 5]

Paddington goes to visit his friend, and they decide to take the day off. They walk around the city and find a park to play at, and there is even a band playing! Paddington wants to ask the band a question but gets trapped under the stage. The conductor lets him up and Paddington finishes the song and the day off on a good note!

THIS is what I expect from a level 1 early reader book. The font is large and easy to see/use a guide finger for reading. The hardest text in here would be the names, I think, but the sentences are very short which makes it easier for a child to read as well. My only complaint is that I think they could have replaced some of the words (marmalade, for example) to make it just a little bit simpler. Paddington is a familiar character and children should enjoy reading a story about him.

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Paddington. This book did not disappoint and was adorable just like any other Paddington book. It is a Level 1 reading level book with short sentences and familiar words.

SPOILERS AHEAD:

This is about Paddington and Mr. Gruber taking a day off because of the beautiful weather. They visit the park taking Jonathan and Judy along and have a wonderful day. Paddington gets in some trouble as usual, but gets out of with the help of the band conductor. Read the book to know the surprise! It was really cute.

[Rose Rosetree · Rating 5 out of 5]

Big excitement crammed into an easy reader: Come explore London. Paddington the bear and Mr. Gruber accompany a couple of human-type kids, Jonathan and Judy. Adventures await!

One tipoff that this book is for very young readers: When the foursome explore London, where do they go? A very ordinary playground, one suitable for toddlers.

Hahahaha.

FIVE STARS, because London tourists have the rest of their lives to check out Big Ben, St. James Park, the Thames and the Tate.

[Jillian · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was okay - I feel like maybe this is a shortened version of a longer story? But 30 seconds of searching didn't confirm this, so I guess the book is just a little bit random.
Also, all the talk about a "Surprise Symphony" and they never actually reveal what the surprise was! (Other than Paddington, of course!)

[Nicola · Rating 2 out of 5]

Miss 6 thought it was ok. She's not in love with Paddington but she does see him and immediately mention marmalade sandwiches!

Miss 6 and I like to explore different books and authors at the library, sometimes around particular topics or themes. We try to get different ones out every week or so; it's fun for both of us to have the variety and to look at a mix of new & favourite authors.

[Joy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a simplified easy-reader version of the chapter story “Mr. Gruber’s Outing” from Paddington At Large. Interestingly, the picture book has a sign that says Victoria Park, but in the chapter book, I believe they are at Hyde Park. (This is the story where he comes up through the bandstand stage during the symphony.)

[Lynda · Rating 5 out of 5]

“I love this book because Paddington has an adventure and goes places he shouldn’t go. Then he gets to go through a magic door on a stage and play music with the band that looks like nutcracker last except the are real people in very big furry hats.” - V, age 4

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

Paddington can't read, and he goes into something that says, like, "Employees Only," or "Do Not Enter." I liked that there was a trapdoor in the ceiling and Paddington gave the bow to finish the orchestra, which is very, very funny for me.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

We adore the Paddington books! That bear always managed to get into scrapes despite his best intentions. In my opinion the words in this book were above level one reading, but it was still fun to read.

[Tami · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would like 4 stars. Hope. Nice story and Paddington is calling for bedtime for Hope.

[Emily Dougherty]

o Grades
o Animal fantasy
o Paddington is one of my favorite book characters. This book is so cute and brings that bear to life even more.

[Jodie · Rating 5 out of 5]

My niece thought this one was pretty funny. We shared the story for bedtime along with another Paddington Adventure and they were a big hit.

[Gabrielle L · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5/5 stars

[raccoon reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

We just love Paddington. Everything about Paddington is great.

[Ali · Rating 4 out of 5]

A classic Paddington adventure essentially. The kid liked it and so did I.

[Rebecca Brenner Graham · Rating 5 out of 5]

“it was the most enjoyable day off” 🎩🐻

[APB · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute.

[Leslie Roque · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think one of my favorite books in the Paddington series

[Chelsea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review from a toddler: “the greatest book ever and I like it”

[Emziethebookworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

Paddington had a day off from everything that he is used to doing.
He certainly did enjoy his day off.
He's properly thinking when is his next day off gonna be.

[chucklesthescot · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is one of the five that I have from the 'I can read' range of Paddington books which are aimed at kids who are trying to develop their reading. I bought them because I loved the cute cover illustrations of that adorable bear and wanted to add them to my collection.

This book features an adventure from the full length Paddington novels and features gorgeous full colour images of Paddington. So cute! In this story, Paddington gets annoyed with the band in the park and decides to give them a piece of his mind...

[Danny · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was about paddington and his day off.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

aA cute book but I don't think most First readers could read it.