How to Be More Paddington is a lovely book of kindness philosophies, inspired by one of children’s literature’s kindest bears. With illustrations by Peggy Fortnum, this is the ultimate guide to life, from the wise bear from Peru: a beacon of happiness who is funny and always kind. Explore his unique and universal take on life in this special collection of warm words about friendship, family, love, laughter and everything in between. Being helpful, thoughtful and polite, is nicer in Paddington Bear’s world.
Willing paws make light work
There’s nothing like a nice chat over a bun and a cup of cocoa
Mrs Bird says ‘I am worthy my weight in gold’, which is very nice to know. I tested myself on the bathroom scales the other day.
I’m sure you did your best and you meant well. Those are two of the most important things life.
You likely grew up reading stories of this friendly bear who is left at Paddington Station with a note saying ‘please look after this bear’. He was also known for his fondness of the sticky orange sauce, always keeping a jar of marmalade under his hat, in case of emergencies! But what is the story of Paddington Bear? The answer is in the biography of writer Michael Bond. He left school at just 14, and repairing rooftop radio transmitters during World War 2, before joining the army. Trying to sell stories, he was searching for inspiration at his typewriter, when a stuffed bear on the top shelf (a Christmas present for his wife) invoked personal feelings about refugee children that his family had hosted in the countryside.
The old description of Paddington being from ‘darkest Peru’ had some asking if the books had racist overtones? In fact, nothing could be further from the truth. As mentioned above, Michael’s family had fostered refugee children during a time of hostility towards the immigrant population. Which is why he wanted to create the story of a friendly bear – Paddington was the original illegal immigrant! Just as well Nigel Farage did not meet him, or he would have sent him back. And we would have missed the wisdom of a bear who wants everyone to live in peace.
Apparently the name Paddington was given, as his real Peruvian name (Pastuso) can only be pronounced in roars! Paddington is a spectacled bear, so-called as due to white rings around the eyes. These bears have long front legs to climb trees in Andean cloudforests and are (almost) and like to eat cactus! Like many creatures, their only predator is humans (for trophy hunting or being used for bear bile).
