Paddington at the Palace

Author: Michael Bond

Illustrator: R. W. Alley

For Ages: 4 and above

No. of Pages: 24

Publisher: Harper Collins, UK

Year: 1986

And here’s adorable Paddington again – this time on a visit to the Palace.

It’s a beautiful day when Paddington and Mr. Gruber set out to see the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace. Unfortunately, the bear has a bad time in the crowd and ends up missing the parade. Just when all seems glum, a man in a bowler hat asks the policeman at the gate to let them in so Paddington can get a proper photograph!

Then they know, someone in the Palace likes bears and has let them in.

Excerpt

“Look,” said a small boy, pointing at Paddington. “One of the soldiers has dropped his hat.”

“It’s what they call a busby, dear,” said his mother.

Paddington jumped to his feet. “I’m not a busby,” he cried. “I’m a bear!”

Paddington at the Zoo

Author: Michael Bond

Illustrator: R.W. Alley

For Ages: 4 and above

No. of Pages: 24

Publisher: Harper Collins, UK

Year: 1984

Some of us grew up with Paddington bear – adorable, clever and, if I may say so, pampered- in a good way. 

In this book, the little brown bear visits the zoo with a large pile of marmalade sandwiches. He's a little miffed when the gatekeeper mistakes him for a pet and refuses him entry. Of course, Judy and Jonathan convince him otherwise.

Paddington visits the birds at the aviary, the Siberian Wild Dogs, elephants and lions who all seem to like his sandwiches, much to his dismay! 

Excerpt

The elephant didn’t wait to be asked either. It simply made a loud trumpeting noise – “Whoooohoowooo!” – and reached down with its trunk.

Paddington watched as his third sandwich disappeared. He began to feel that going to the zoo was not such a good idea after all.