Paddington Bear has charmed readers of all ages for almost 60 years! Now part of the I Can Read line, Michael Bond’s classic character will delight beginning readers with his curious nature and nose for adventure. Paddington discovers a love of painting when Mr. Gruber shows him just how fun it can be. But he’s not the only one―Mr. Brown has an artistic streak, too. So when a painting contest comes to town, the winning picture is a surprise to all. Because when Paddington is involved, the ordinary turns extraordinary! Paddington’s Prize Picture is a Level One I Can Read book, which means it’s perfect for children learning to sound out words and sentences. Join Paddington as his new love of painting leads to one big, happy accident. A Classic Character: The beloved, marmalade-loving bear from darkest Peru is back in an easy-to-read adventure. - Perfect for Beginning Readers: Part of the Level 1 I Can Read! series, this book uses simple sentences and familiar words for kids just starting their reading journey. - A Painting Adventure: When Paddington tries to “fix” Mr. Brown’s painting for a contest, the result is a surprising masterpiece! - Sweet Themes of Family & Friendship: Join Paddington, the Brown family, and Mr. Gruber in a gentle story about helping others and happy accidents. PreS-Gr 2—Paddington is a great helper for his foster family, the Browns. So when Mrs. Brown asks Paddington to go to the market, he happily complies. At the market, Mr. Gruber is always delighted to see Paddington, and on this particular occasion, he shows the bear a painting he was "washing" to uncover a surprise. Paddington's imagination sparks an idea, and he hastens home to use the "washing" technique on a painting that Mr. Brown has been working on to submit to a competition. Ironically, Paddington is unaware of this competition when he unleashes his artistic brushes. Will Mr. Brown recognize his own painting? And more importantly, will the painting have a chance at the competition? This easy-to-read story is told with simple sentences and a hint of new vocabulary beyond basic sight words. The appealing layout complements a natural flow between the humorous text and the pleasant pastel color illustrations. VERDICT An ideal choice for newly independent readers who are ready to read slightly longer paragraphs but need an easy-to-follow plot.—Kathia Ibacache, Simi Valley Public Library, CA When Mr. Gruber teaches Paddington about hidden paintings, Paddington can’t wait to unearth a new discovery. But what begins as an artistic experiment turns into a surprise for the whole family! This Level One I Can Read will have beginning readers charmed by Paddington’s creative spirit. Michael Bond began chronicling Paddington’s adventures in his first book, A Bear Called Paddington, published in 1958. Fortunately, bears don’t need much encouragement, and Paddington has since filled the pages of twelve further novels, a variety of picture books, and many other projects written for the young at heart. R. W. Alley has illustrated a number of books featuring Paddington Bear. He lives in Barrington, Rhode Island, with his wife, author Zoë B. Alley.