“We should never have given Paddington a boomerang for his birthday,” said Mrs Brown as she gazed down at the figure lying on the lawn. “I knew no good would come of it.”

Paddington has got himself into trouble again, and this time he finds himself being whisked off to hospital in an ambulance. Full of the humorous misunderstandings and adventures that this lovable bear is famous for, this is a great story for the young Paddington fan who is apprehensive, or merely curious, about what goes on inside a hospital.

Children can recap Paddington’s experience in hospital through his letter to Aunt Lucy on pages 30–31, providing lots of speaking and listening opportunities.

Emerald/Band 15 books provide a widening range of genres including science fiction and biography, prompting more ways to respond to texts.

Ideas for Reading provide practical support and stimulating activities.

Praise for the Paddington series:

‘I’ve always had great respect for Paddington…He is a British institution.’ Stephen Fry

‘Paddington has joined Pooh as one of the great bears of English children’s literature.’ The Teacher

‘Michael Bond’s accident-prone bear…has become one of the most enduring of children’s characters.’ The Bookseller

Michael Bond was born in Newbury, Berkshire on 13 January 1926 and educated at Presentation College, Reading. He served in the Royal Air Force and the British Army before working as a cameraman for BBC TV for 19 years. In 2015, Michael was awarded a CBE for his services to children’s literature, to add to the OBE he received in 1997. Michael died in 2017, leaving behind one of the great literary legacies of our time.