Book Review: Paddington Here And Now by Michael Bond (Paddington Bear #12)

'I'm not a foreigner,' exclaimed Paddington hotly. 'I'm from Darkest Peru.'

Paddington Bear always manages to find himself in tricky situations, sometimes extraordinary situations. Like the time he had a difficult encounter with a policeman or when he found himself in deep water with a newspaper reporter. But since arriving from his native Peru after an earthquake Paddington has always felt at home with the Brown family who found him on Paddington station. Then one day, a surprise visitor arrives at thirty-two Windsor Gardens. Is it time for Paddington to decide where 'home' really is?

In 2008 Michael Bond's first novel featuring the adventures of Paddington Bear will celebrate its fiftieth anniversary. Paddington's amazing ability to get into and out of trouble is at the heart of the countless stories that have been loved the world over ever since. However, it is many years since a new novel has been published, and in celebration of this landmark, Michael Bond has written the funniest and the most moving Paddington novel ever.

My Review: 

Paddington has been very proud of his beloved shopping basket but is at a loss when it goes missing outside a shop. Witnesses tell him that is was removed and he wants answers from the police who are more interested in arresting an agitated bear and if he is in the country illegally. At home, Paddington is intrigued to hear about anti-burglar paint and decides to paint the drainpipes around the property to protect the Brown house, especially with a known thief on the loose. Mr Curry of course sees the chance of getting some work done for free and ropes Paddington in to doing his home too.

 

In Mr Gruber's shop, Paddington is fascinated by a piano that plays itself and puts on a bit of a show for the people looking through the window. But before the confused bear knows what is happening he has been signed up as a concert pianist and panic sets in as the show approaches. As Halloween comes to the area, Paddington is in full trick or treat mode but makes the mistake of deciding on a prank at Mr Curry's house which goes wrong. Paddington is happy to do a survey but his innocent comments about things that are happening lead to a reporter getting the wrong idea about crime in the area, and Paddington is up to his paws in trouble again. 

 

In a happier turn of events, Paddington is thrilled to discover that his missing Uncle Pastuzo is alive and well and doing rather well for himself! His uncle is another fun and adorable bear in an interesting family and I very much enjoyed meeting him. But does his arrival mean that Paddington is going to leave the Brown house?

 

Another very enjoyable Paddington tale to add to my collection. I just wish there was way more of them!

 

Read August 2020

4 stars.