A Bear Called Paddington: questions to ask and activities to try
Please look after this bear. Thank you. A Bear Called Paddington is the very first Paddington book, about a bear from Peru, a kind family and a lot of marmalade-fuelled chaos.
What age is it for? A Bear Called Paddington is best for ages 5–8. Good for: Kindness to newcomers, and the first Paddington stories.
A Bear Called Paddington (Michael Bond and Peggy Fortnum)
- Age
- 5-8
- Best for
- Kindness to newcomers, and the first Paddington stories
Read one chapter a night. Talk about how the Browns welcomed Paddington, and how it feels to arrive somewhere new.
What it helps with
- Welcoming someone new
- Kindness and good manners
- Laughing at mishaps
- A first chapter book to read aloud
Comprehension and discussion questions
Pick two or three, not all of them. “I don’t know” is a fine answer, and you can always come back to it another day.
- “Where did Paddington come from?”
- “What did his label say?”
- “Who took him home?”
- “What went wrong in the bath?”
- “Why did the Browns keep him?”
- “How would you welcome a new friend?”
5-minute activities to try together
Marmalade sandwiches
Make marmalade (or jam) sandwiches together, Paddington-style.
Luggage label
Write a label for a teddy: who it is, where it's from and what it likes.
Free printables: A Bear Called Paddington worksheet and activity pack
This book’s one-page worksheet with the questions and activities above, plus our activity pack: printable scenario cards, three 5-minute activities and a “What could I try?” page for practising everyday skills together. Enter your email and download them straight away.
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If your child liked this, try
Noah's New Home (Zeshan Akhter and Nabila Adani)
- Best for
- Arriving somewhere new as a refugee
- Age
- 4-8
Lost and Found (Oliver Jeffers)
- Best for
- Loneliness, and the friendships we don't expect
- Age
- 3-7
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By the Growing Wise team · Last reviewed: 10 October 2026
Growing Wise offers educational ideas for parents and carers. It is not a substitute for professional medical, developmental or mental-health advice. As an Amazon Associate, Growing Wise earns from qualifying purchases.