Around third grade I became fairly obsessed with a series of books about a bear not called Winnie. This bear came from Darkest Peru and wound up in London, and A Bear Called Paddington lays out this stowaway’s first adventures there.

Mr. and Mrs. Brown know their children will never forgive them if they pass up the opportunity to bring home this curious bear that’s so fond of marmalade. Besides, the strange little bear is so innocent and sweet that they can’t simply let him stay in the middle of Paddington Station.

And that’s where the disasters begin. You see (for I’m always saying you see), Paddington is a bear, and London’s full of humans. Bears don’t always know human ways and aren’t the best at following those ways.

Although I would personally devour most of the Paddington books in one go, if you’re going to start anywhere, A Bear Called Paddington is the place to begin. Go read this book!