From my book review for "Paddington Helps Out":

Having known Paddington a year at the conclusion of this book makes me realize how much this bear saved me this year after having a miscarriage, my struggles with depression, and loss of a great deal of income this year.

I read the first book shortly after my loss and each book just seemed to get better. I love all the stories of this bear getting himself into trouble but never without a good intention in his heart. The Christmas chapter after the end of the second book made me immediately pick up this one. And I just couldn't put it down for long as I ran around this weekend.

I sat outside in the summer heat and read the opening chapter in which Paddington looses his hat on the river. It made me laugh and charmed me once his antics charm the other fellow river goers to find the hat for him.

The scene in which he wins a priceless preserves stand from stuffy auctioneers at a ridiculously cheap price made me hunger for marmalade sandwiches all weekend (I bought a jar of marmalade 4 weeks ago because this book series made me obsessed with Marmalade). I may not be able to afford to a great restaurant but I can find joy in a little treat like that.

All the others stories made laugh and smile but the end, oh my heart! It was dear Paddington's birthday! He got lots of gifts from his friend and fans (he's such a popular little guy in old London town. He also happens to go to a restaurant in which he meets a marmalade salesman.

These books are just full of great feel-good content. I am so ready to read them all during this tough year.