Paddington Picture Books Series
Paddington in the Garden
What’s inside...
There is nothing that Paddington Bear loves better than living with the Browns...except maybe marmalade! But now Mr. and Mrs. Brown have given him something else to love at number thirty-two Windsor Gardens -- his very own garden. Paddington sets to work in an attempt to create the most interesting garden he can. In typical Paddington style, hapless mischief leads to blind luck, and his garden turns out to be a most unique site indeed! Paddington Bear has charmed readers for more than forty years. Now another generation of fans can Join the beloved bear from Darkest Peru on a variety of adventures written by Michael Bond and illustrated by artist R. W. Alley
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-8
Length
40 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think Paddington felt when he first saw the garden? Can you describe a time you discovered something new?
How did Paddington and Mr. Gruber work together in the garden? Why is teamwork important?
What challenges did Paddington face while gardening, and how did he overcome them?
If you were to create a garden with Paddington, what would you grow and why?
How do you think taking care of a garden helps Paddington and his friends feel?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to share personal experiences similar to Paddington’s, enhancing their connection to the story.
Discuss the importance of teamwork as illustrated by Paddington and Mr. Gruber's collaboration, relating it to the child’s everyday activities.
Prompt your child to think creatively by asking what they would grow in their own garden, and why those particular items.
Reflect on the emotions depicted in the book, asking your child to interpret characters’ feelings and relate them to their own emotions.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: Paddington takes on the task of maintaining a garden, demonstrating the responsibilities involved in nurturing and caring for living things.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by taking care of their own plants or pets, learning about the dedication required to maintain and nurture something.
Example Lesson: Creativity
Explanation: Paddington uses his imagination to transform a simple garden into a wonderful space, showing the power of creativity in problem-solving and making something unique.
Real-World Application: Kids can engage in creative activities such as drawing, building, or gardening to express themselves and bring their unique ideas to life.
Example Lesson: Teamwork
Explanation: Throughout the story, Paddington works with the Browns and other characters to improve the garden, highlighting the importance and effectiveness of working collaboratively.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to participate in group activities, learn to cooperate with others, and understand the value of teamwork in achieving common goals.
Example Lesson: Respect for Nature
Explanation: Paddington shows a deep respect for the garden and its inhabitants, teaching the importance of environmental stewardship.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and care for their natural surroundings, fostering a lifelong respect and responsibility towards the environment.
Example Lesson: Problem Solving
Explanation: Paddington faces various challenges in the garden but finds inventive solutions, showcasing effective problem-solving skills.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children approach their own challenges with optimism and creativity, looking for constructive solutions in difficult situations.