Paddington
#1 of 16 in Paddington Bear Series
on Goodreads (3,355)
What’s inside...
For more than five decades, stories of Paddington Bear have delighted children all over the world. The classic story of the bear from Darkest Peru who arrived at Paddington Station with nothing but a suitcase, a half-empty jar of marmalade and a label that read, 'Please look after this bear. Thank you.' Mr and Mrs Brown discovered him, named him Paddington and welcomed him to their home, where he has lived ever since. Over fifty years ago, a small bear set out on the adventure of a lifetime. With nothing but a suitcase, several jars of marmalade, and a label around his neck that read, 'Please look after this bear. Thank you,' he crossed the ocean heading for England. When he arrived at London's busy Paddington Station, he was discovered by Mr. and Mrs. Brown. As luck would have it, the Browns were just the sort of people to welcome a lost bear into their family—and their lives would never be the same.
Discussion points
How do you think Paddington felt when he first arrived in London? What would you do if you were in a new place?
Why is it important to be kind and helpful to strangers, like the Brown family was to Paddington?
Paddington often gets into mischief without meaning to. Can you think of a time when something similar happened to you? What did you learn from it?
How do Paddington’s adventures change the way the Brown family lives? What does this tell us about the impact we can have on each other's lives?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about Paddington's story. Listen actively, showing empathy and understanding towards their views. Use the misadventures of Paddington as a way to discuss themes of kindness, acceptance, and learning from mistakes. Relate the story to personal experiences or real-world examples to make the discussion more engaging and meaningful.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Kindness and compassion
Explanation: Paddington Bear often finds himself in tricky situations but resolves them through kindness and understanding.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of treating others with kindness, which fosters positive interactions in school and during play.
Example Lesson: Adaptability and Resilience
Explanation: Throughout the book, Paddington adapts to his new life in London despite numerous challenges and unfamiliar situations.
Real-World Application: It teaches children to be resilient and adaptable when faced with new environments or changes, such as moving to a new school or city.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and Learning
Explanation: Paddington's adventures are often a result of his curiosity about the world around him, leading to new knowledge and experiences.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to explore and ask questions about their world, enhancing their understanding and critical thinking skills.
Example Lesson: Importance of Family and Friends
Explanation: The story highlights how the Brown family and other friends support and care for Paddington, emphasizing the value of relationships.
Real-World Application: This can help children appreciate the supportive roles their families and friends play in their lives, promoting a sense of security and belonging.
Example Lesson: Problem Solving
Explanation: Paddington often encounters problems that he needs to solve, like finding a way to clean up a mess he's made or misunderstandings with neighbors.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to think critically and creatively to resolve conflicts and overcome obstacles in their daily activities.