Hi everyone! Today we are excited to participate in the creative blog tour for MORE THAN MARMALADE: Michael Bond and the Story of Paddington Bear by Rosanne Tolin organized by MTMC Tours! An incredible true tale, More than Marmalade is the first biography about the writer behind the beloved series.
More than Marmalade: Michael Bond and the Story of Paddington Bear by Rosanne Tolin
Published by Chicago Review Press Genres: Middle Grade, Biography
Pages: 176
Format: Hardcover
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Buy on Amazon|Book Depository
Source: MTMC Tours, Author
I received this book for free from MTMC Tours, Author in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Michael Bond never intended to be a children’s writer. Though an avid reader, he was by no means a model student and quit school at 14. He repaired rooftop radio transmitters during the bombing of Britain in World War II and later joined the army. He wrote about the war and more, selling stories here and there.
One day, while searching for inspiration at his typewriter, hoping for a big story that would allow him to write full time, a stuffed bear on top of the shelf—a Christmas present for his wife—suddenly caught his eye. Bond poured his personal feelings about the events of his era—the refugee children his family had hosted in the countryside, a war-torn country in recovery, the bustling immigrant neighborhood where he lived—into the story of a little bear from Peru who tries very, very hard to do things right. The result was A Bear Called Paddington.
An incredible true tale, More than Marmalade: Michael Bond and the Story of Paddington Bear is the first biography about the writer behind the beloved series. Author Rosanne Tolin reveals how world history, Bond’s life, and 1950s immigrant culture were embedded into Paddington’s creation, bringing middle-grade readers a delightful, informative, and engaging book with a timely message of acceptance.
… The Reader’s Review …
More than Marmalade is such a PRECIOUS book. It’s rare that I read a book in one sitting nowadays (due to lack of time!) but I managed to get some free time earlier today and decided to start this biography — and what a perfect read it was!
I learned so much about Michael Bond, the author of Paddington Bear. I appreciated the insight about his early life, how he grew up and the things that came to inspire him later on to create the beloved Paddington Bear. His childhood home was warm and he was lucky to have “aunties” that were happy to look after him. He was a reader and grew up surrounded by books.
But while his early childhood was a happy one, Michael Bond also got to witness the chaos of World War II. Refugees, mostly children, came from other countries and Michael’s family even welcomed two into their home. Seeing people lose loved ones or being forced to live with strangers left a strong impression, which is something that is later on reflected in his works, most importantly, in Paddington Bear, who is also an immigrant looking for someone to take him home.
Oh but Michael Bond’s publication journey is such a long one and it’s both inspiring and relatable to so many writers. To quote Michael Bond’s grandfather: “You can do anything with your life but you must stick with it. Never give up. Keep going, and one day you’ll find yourself doing exactly what you want.”
And that’s how Paddington Bear came to be. Drawn part from life & from a lonely bear sitting in a toy shop on Christmas day. Michael Bond created a wonderful character that is very much alive to this date.
I am feeling pretty nostalgic now and all I want to do is to watch Paddington Bear episodes & eat some toast with orange marmalade!
Rosanne Tolin wrote a beautiful biography about the story behind Paddington Bear and it’s a great read for Middle Grades & Adults alike.
… The Chef’s Review …
I feel so emotional right now! After reading More Than Marmalade, I realized how little I knew of the story of Paddington Bear. When I was little, I used to watch the show all the time and back then my kid mind only saw a cute bear with his adventures. But now, after reading this book, I can see that it was so much more than that. It talks about migration, difficult times after WWII, learning to live in another place, among other topics. I enjoyed reading about the life of Michael Bond and his hardships both as an author and living through his period of time.
Favorite Quote:
“Unless an author believes in his character,” Michael said, “no one else is going to. Paddington isn’t me, but I wouldn’t mind being him.”
*cries* Very much recommended to all of Michael Bond’s fans and to anyone who wants to know about the background of Paddington Bear. Now if you”ll excuse me, I will go watch many episodes of Paddington bear while eating an orange marmalade sandwich!
Check out our tik tok featuring More than Marmalade!
@thereaderandthechef #PaddingtonBear appreciation post! ❤️🐻 | Inspired by More than Marmalade: Michael Bond and the Story of Paddington Bear by Rosanne Tolin! #books
@thereaderandthechef ##PaddingtonBear appreciation post! ❤️? | Inspired by More than Marmalade: Michael Bond and the Story of Paddington Bear by Rosanne Tolin! ##books
INTL Tour-Wide Giveaway!
Enter the rafflecopter below for a chance to win one of two hardcover copies of More than Marmalade: Michael Bond and the Story of Paddington Bear! And stop on by all the other creative tour stops for more amazing content & extra chances to win!
Tour Schedule:
April 27
Paperfury
April 28
Kirstyn Reviews
April 29
Bookish Connoisseur
April 30
Shannon A. Jade Books
May 1
A Beauty and Her Books
May 2
Adventurous Bookworm
May 3
The Caffeinated Reader
May 4
Indie Asian Reads
May 5
Descendant of Poseidon Reads
May 6
The Paperback Voyager
The Reader and The Chef
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About Rosanne Tolin
Born and raised in St. Louis, MO, Rosanne Tolin is a wife, mother of four, avid runner and author. While studying law abroad in London, she subsisted mainly on a diet of tea and toast, and frequented Paddington Station. An experienced and well-respected journalist, she has focused her work primarily on children’s publications. She was the former creator and editor of an ALA notable children’s website, managing editor of Guideposts for Kids magazine, and a Hoosier State Press Award-winning features writer. When not writing, she can be found hiking with her dogs in the Indiana Dunes.
MORE THAN MARMALADE: MICHAEL BOND AND THE STORY OF PADDINGTON BEAR is her book debut.
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