There are very few characters in the delightful realms of children’s literature that evoke as much warmth, curiosity and gentle mischief as Paddington Bear. Since his arrival at London Paddington Station in October 1958, this marmalade-loving bear from “Darkest Peru”, with his duffel coat and battered old hat, has charmed generations with his polite manners, boundless optimism and knack for stumbling into, and out of, comic mishaps. Found and taken home by the Brown family, he now resides at 32 Windsor Gardens. Paddington embodies kindness, empathy and an irresistible sense of awe that lets him marvel at everyday wonders. With Halloween approaching, Paddington is experiencing this spooky night for the very first time in Paddington’s Trick or Treat.
In Paddington’s Trick or Treat, Paddington is experiencing the fun of Halloween for the first time: from dressing up in a costume to go Trick or Treating to having his very first Halloween party. It is supposed to be a party for family only but Paddington’s very grumpy next door neighbour, Mr Curry, invites himself to the party and ruins all the fun, but the young bear has a Halloween “trick” up his sleeve that might just save the day… and future Halloween parties!
Overall, Paddington’s Trick or Treat is a fun Paddington story that captures the greatest pleasures of Halloween Trick or Treating and party games. This gentle story captures Paddington’s trademark earnestness, allowing young readers to share in his wonder of Halloween, while anticipating the mishaps only this endearing bear could inspire.
The story follows the polite and eager Paddington as he prepares for Halloween, doing chores and making his costume before evening arrives and he slips into a kindly witch’s costume, complete with a tattered hat that is far too large for his round head. He then proceeds to embark on a Halloween tour of Windsor Gardens collecting tasty sweet treats. That is, until he accidentally tells Mr Curry about the party he is going to and the grumpy neighbour invites himself along – but Paddington is fully into the Halloween spirit and offers Mr Curry a “treat” he will not like, which saves the day.
The story is very gentle reading and lots of fun. But the illustrations by R. W. Alley bring each moment to life with warm colours and expressive artwork, perfectly capturing the essence of Halloween fun. The illustrations perfectly convey the story and give great visual cues and talking points to expand on the story.
For young children experiencing their very first Halloween Trick or Treating and Halloween party, Paddington’s Trick or Treat is a simple seasonal tale to ease them into it. With its enjoyably light-hearted storytelling, paired with bright, colourful imagery, it isn’t too spooky or scary, making it ideal gentle Halloween reading for young readers age 3+. Parents, guardians, carers and teachers will appreciate the book’s underlying lessons in empathy and helpfulness, all wrapped in a festive, child-friendly package.
A very gentle introduction into Halloween, not just for Paddington but for young page turners too!
Rating: 5/5
RRP: £12.99 (Hardback) / £7.99 (Paperback) / £3.99 (Kindle)
Available to buy from Amazon here.
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