Explore Paddington’s unique and universal take on life in this very special collection of warm words about friendship, family, love, laughter … and everything in between. The illustrations of Peggy Fortnum are charming and took me right back to my first encounter with the illustrious ursine fifty years ago. For the last 37 years of his life Michael Bond lived in London, not far from Paddington Station where it all began. This will be what I turn to when in need of cheering up, or in need of comfort, and who else to provide this but Paddington himself?

To quote Bond further, 'Although [Paddington's] head is often in the clouds, he has his feet firmly on the ground and he has a strong sense of right and wrong. During World War II Michael Bond served in both the Royal Air Force and the Middlesex Regiment of the British Army. The one aspect that I wish that the book had captured was the way that Paddington also stands up for himself. I have gathered up postcard images of some of my favourite Fortnum illustrations but it is wonderful to finally have them in one place. Now you can learn how to be more like the much-loved bear from Darkest Peru in this uplifting collection of inspiring – often hilarious – quotes from the enduringly popular books by Michael Bond, with beautiful illustrations by the original Paddington illustrator, Peggy Fortnum.I’m thoroughly embarrassed to admit that this was my first experience of reading about Paddington bear. A collection of Paddington’s thoughts, other people’s comments about him, and general words of wisdom from our favourite Peruvian bear. In 1997 Michael Bond was awarded an OBE for services to children’s literature and this was followed by a CBE in the Queen's Birthday Honours in 2015. Tiny books of potted quotes from various pieces of classic literature are ten a penny, particularly if the characters originate from the Hundred Acre Wood.

He served in the Royal Air Force and the British Army before working as a cameraman for BBC TV for 19 years. She graduated from the Central School of Art in London after the war interrupted her studies at Tunbridge Wells Art School, then worked as an art teacher, painter and textile designer before becoming a full-time book illustrator.This book is a sweet compilation of gentle thoughts and words to live by from the books, reminding us to be innocently wise and kind and well-intentioned just like Paddington Brown, even though the results may be mixed.

From winning the hearts of the Brown family, to sharing elevenses with Mr Gruber and lending a paw around the neighbourhood, Paddington always tries to do his very best for others…even if there are a few well-intentioned mishaps along the way!

How to Be More Paddington is more celebration of this fantastic character's warmth than sincere self-help but it is incredibly special nonetheless. My son has a 'My First Paddington' gifted by some lovely friends and a Paddington car seat toy which he has found variously amusing and terrifying. Because of that, Michael Bond's description of Paddington as a 'built-in resident guru' is a very apt one. This lovely hardback book all about the adorable paddington bear is wonderful, the pictures some in colour some just sketches and little phrases and sayings from the sweet bear himself little words of wisdom, I highly recommend this book for all paddington fans! Confronted by a problem, I often find myself wondering how he would deal with it, and mentally take note of his advice.

He was the creator of Paddington Bear and wrote about the adventures of a guinea pig named Olga da Polga, as well as the animated BBC TV series The Herbs. In 2015, Michael was awarded a CBE for his services to children's literature, to add to the OBE he received in 1997. Featuring the wonderful words of Michael Bond and beautifully illustrated by Peggy Fortnum, every page contains an uplifting message or lesson that everybody could do well to learn from.Paddington was brought up to show good manners and he will not engage with those who fail to treat him with the same - he knows how to employ a good Hard Stare. This wonderful book is nothing less than absolutely delightful and I believe that everybody could afford to Be More Paddington. Biography: Michael Bond was born in Newbury, Berkshire on 13 January 1926 and educated at Presentation College, Reading.