Book info

• Title Paddington Races Ahead
• Author Michael Bond
• Year 2014
• Genre Childrens

Somehow Paddington Bear always manages to find himself in unusual situations. So it is no surprise when he gets into a spot of bother with some shaving cream, causes a London bus to be evacuated, and is mistaken for a famous Peruvian hurdler by a film crew. Will the chance of becoming a star of the screen take Paddington away from the Brown family of number 32 Windsor Gardens?

Thoughts

Even more proof that Paddington is firmly in the modern age, as our favourite London-based bear gets tangled up in the Olympics coming to the city. The idea of Paddington going through a training programme is hilarious, and I love the conversations he has where he misconstrues every question, and ends up being mistaken for a famous pole vaulter. There’s also hints here of the idea that one day Paddington might outgrow his family, which is, of course, sad and impossible - who else would be able to keep him out of trouble? - but an interesting concept to ponder.

Rating: 4 / 5