Paddington Bear is my all-time favorite storybook bear (shh! don’t tell Winnie the Pooh). I loved Michael Bond’s Paddington books as a child and shared them with my children and students. I’m in a foment of anticipation over the Paddington movie, premiering December, 2014. Are you excited too? While we wait, how about free printable Paddington Bear coloring pages to keep us busy?
Let us begin our quest at Paddington Bear’s very own website. Start with the books–that’s where the best adventures originate. Mr Bond’s books recount the escapades of a young bruin, mailed from Darkest Peru by his Aunt Lucy and discovered by the Brown family at London’s Paddington Station–ergo the eponymous name. The children persuade Father that the bear should be adopted. Father is reluctant. And rightly so. Paddington is bombastic and precocious, at once child-like and fusspot-ish. And whilst he gets into many scrapes, it’s mostly accidental, owing to an inordinate penchant for marmalade. Follow and interact with Paddington on his Adventure Diary.
Next, we’ll trot to Educational Coloring Pages for 10 free printable Paddington Bear coloring pages. He’s featured in his shapeless hat and duffle coat (which never come off, rain or shine), with his ubiquitous jam jars and in various situations. These are based on Peggy Fortnum’s original book illustrations and show the sterner-featured Paddington giving his signature “hard stare.”
Now let’s stroll over to Coloring-Book.info for 33 more Paddington Bear coloring pages to print. These show a less-disapproving Paddington actually smiling (I prefer him cantankerous, personally). He’s shown doing things he loves and in several silly situations. Free Kids Color Pages has 24 free printable Paddington Bear coloring pages to round out your Paddington Bear coloring book.
As to the movie, Colin Firth voices Paddington while Hugh Bonneville (of Downton Abbey) charmingly portrays Henry Brown. Peter Capaldi (the 12th Doctor) has a role as well. Here are downloadable Paddington posters from the film.
You could do a Paddington-themed birthday party using these free printables. Print coloring pages, color and make them into invitations, writing information on the back. Or use them for party decorations. Print and have guests color them to use as placemats–craft plus decorations–both free! Be sure to serve orange marmalade.
Now if only December would hurry and get here so we could see Paddington Bear!
