When the Brown family first encountered a bear from Peru at Paddington station and took him home, they could never have imagined how their lives would change. Each chapter relates a humorous episode in which Paddington bear always seems to come up smelling of roses, having charmed his way out of some sticky situations with his politeness and matter-of-fact attitude. Readers can see some of the curious customs that exist in England through Paddington’s eyes and empathise with his earnest attempts to fit in with life in a new country. The stories are excellent to read aloud.

There have been many sequels and spinoffs in a variety of media since this well-loved classic was first published in 1958, including some very funny family films.

Sequels include: More About Paddington HarperCollins £5.99 9780006753438

Paddington Helps Out HarperCollins £5.99 9780006753445