Paddington at Work - Tapa dura

Here he is once more: a familiar sight by now wearing his floppy, wide-brimmed hat and his duffle coat, leaving in his wake that inevitable trail of marmalade. He has just returned from a visit to Darkest Peru, where he celebrated his Aunt Lucy’s birthday at the Home for Retired Bears, and now that he is back with the Browns, trouble is sure to follow.
He dabbles a bit in the stock market, takes a stab at barbering, and even has a fling at the ballet studio, where at last he becomes something of a success in his own unique fashion. But the promise of international fame doesn’t turn this bear’s head, not for long, at least. Indeed, readers will agree, it’s far better to be simply a bear called Paddington.

Michael Bond purchased the original Paddington bear as a Christmas gift for his wife in 1956. A Bear Called Paddington was published two years later. At the time one reviewer said, “It should be compulsory reading for any child from six to sixty. Paddington is the funniest character in children’s books for many years.” Mr. Bond now lives in London.