Paddington -- a classic found!

This week, we're slowly winding down the official school year. (I'm a firm believer in learning all year, but formal "school time" ceases around here and I just "sneak" learning in during the glorious summer months.) We're doing this and that, finishing up and honing our skills learned through the year -- including awesome building of log cabins with Lincoln Logs (the original all-wood which, unless my dh vetoes, WILL BE going with us to Austria) which remind us of our wonderful reading of Laura Ingalls Wilder's books (we got through five of the nine this year!).

But we've also started a new book this week. One of those books I picked up at a library book sale for a pittance and on a whim. One of those books that has the library-rebinding and the heavy creamy pages that are the hallmarks of a well-loved book. One of those books that is fast becoming a classic and a "don't stop reading; read another story" kind of book.

The book? More About Paddington by Michael Bond. Our copy has the line drawings reminiscent of Ernest Shepard's Pooh-Bear drawings. And Paddington is a bear like Pooh-bear -- one the kids can really relate to.

Paddington gets into the most marvelous scrapes and always comes out fine. His family, the Browns, love him for all the things he is -- mischievous, loving, carefree, cuddly, boisterous, independent, and just plain wonderful. Paddington is a joy to be around -- he's not sassy or disrespectful. He's always trying to help, and often succeeds (but sometimes doesn't succeed in actually "helping").

I see my children in this little bear. I think they love this book because they see themselves in Paddington, too!