A Bear Called Paddington

I thought I'd remembered Paddington, the brown bear from darkest Peru found by the Browns on Paddington Station with his hat, duffel coat and marmalade sandwiches. However there are many other engaging details I'd forgotten: Mr Gruber and the Portobello Market, sniffy but kind-hearted Mrs Bird and Peggy Fortnum's delightful line drawings.

Paddington is a decidedly loveable, eccentric and his various sticky scrapes will strike chords of recognition with any child. Always with honourable intentions, his over-literal interpretation of situations means that 'things' inevitably happen, whether at birthday parties or on visits to the theatre or seaside.

With a blend of humour, theatricality and clear prose style, each chapter forms a stand-alone story, perfect for newly confident readers. First published in 1958, this is a truly British classic.