Paddington Treasury by Michael Bond (1999, Hardcover, Illustrated)

I like the stories that Michael Bond writes. The colorful photos draw the reader's imagination and make Paddington Bear very appealing.

There are some difficulties about the book for American children, however. There are British terms that will not be familiar to Americans, let alone children. But the stories keep the reader interested regardless of some of the "quirky" terms. For instance, Americans say "carry out" or "take out" at a fast food restaurant. In Britain, the English say "take away." American say "elevator;" Brits say "lift." Learning these "quirky" phrases can be a learning tool for Americans and their children!

The Treasury is just that...a compilation of many adventures and thus, quite heavy to hold for the smaller child.

The Treasury is lengthy with each "chapter"...not so appropriate for the child under 5 years old.

I recommend this British writer's tales about Paddington Bear's adventures. It ranks up there with Winnie the Pooh stories which is also originally written by a British writer. Pooh Bear and his Friends have become household names across American and the World equally! I encourage America to embrace this little bear called Paddinton, too! Michael Bond makes him very endearing to the reader.

Kaye Bowman
Tha Azores
catarina847@hotmail.com