Title: More Than Marmalade: Michael Bond and the Story of Paddington Bear

Author: Rosanne Tolin

Genre: Middle Grade Non-fiction Biography

Publisher: Chicago Review Press

Publication Date: March 3, 2020

Links: Goodreads | Amazon* | Book Depository*

Rating: 5 / 5 Stars

Source: Digital ARC provided by author via MTMC Tours

More Than Marmalade is the story of Michael Bond and how Paddington Bear came to be. I’ve always loved Paddington, he’s such an adorable little bear and I always wanted a bear like him to dress up and take everywhere on adventures with me. Though I’ve read some of the stories and watched the Paddington movie, I didn’t know much about the author before reading this book. This is such a wonderful tale, showing just how kind, spirited, and determined Michael Bond was. I loved learning about his childhood; his father sounds like he would have been wonderful to grow up with. The story follows Michael from childhood through adulthood, showing his determination to become a writer.

As the original Paddington stories are middle grade books, so is this biography. It reads like a story, rather than giving cold hard facts, which I think would be perfect for a child who has fallen in love with Paddington and wants to learn more about the life of their favorite author. It touches on some subjects like the World Wars that may raise some questions for curious minds, but it does not give any graphic details. I truly think this would be a great book to pick up and read as a family after reading some of Paddington’s adventures.

Thank you so much to the team at MTMC Tours, Chicago Review Press, and Rosanne Tolin for the opportunity to read and review this book! If you’d like a chance to win a copy of this book, check out the giveaway below!

Enter the rafflecopter 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!

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 “‘The world is filled with grief, ‘ Michael said. ‘I have seen quite a bit of it in my life. Whatever sorrow you have felt, please share it with me. Sharing it might make you feel a bit better.'”

–More Than Marmalade: Michael Bond and the Story of Paddington Bear, Rosanne Tolin

Author: 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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