New Releases by Michael Bond

''An astonishing adventure'' – Isabella Tree, author of Wilding ''Thrilling, effortlessly readable'' – Charles Foster, author of The Edges of the World ''Impeccably researched'' – Marc Bekoff, author of The Emotional Lives of Animals A mind-expanding deep dive into how animals have shaped us, from the palaeolithic to the present day. In Animate, science writer Michael Bond explores how animals have profoundly influenced our minds and cultures. Drawing on cutting-edge insights from psychology, anthropology, literature and neuroscience, Bond traces the varied ways their lives have affected ours, from our hunter-gatherer ancestors whose brains were rewired by the prey they hunted and the predators they feared, to the medieval and Enlightenment thinkers who used animals to promote notions of human supremacy. Scientists today are challenging the assumption that we are separate from and superior to animals, showing that they too possess intelligence, empathy, creativity and even the ability to use tools. If everything that supposedly makes us human is shared with other creatures, where does that leave us? And if we are not as exceptional as we thought, how should we be treating the animals we live alongside? A fascinating exploration of what it means to be both human and animal, Animate shows that to better understand ourselves, we must pay more attention to the other beings with whom we share our world.

Celebrate Christmas with everyone’s favourite bear, Paddington – now a major movie star!

''A celebration of human idiosyncrasy and of our talent for building shared meaning and solidarity out of the strangest material'' – TLS Fans takes the reader on a journey through a constellation of fandoms, and along the way demonstrates some fundamental truths about the human condition. Fascinating and thought-provoking, Fans is a story of communities, of what happens to us when we interact with people who share our passions. The human brain is wired to reach out, and while our groupish tendencies can bring much strife (religious intolerance, racism, war, etc.), they are also the source of some of our greatest satisfactions. Fandoms offer much of the pleasure of tribalism with little of the harm: a feeling of belonging and of shared culture, a sense of meaning and purpose, improved mental well-being, reassurance that our most outlandish convictions will be taken seriously, and the freedom to try to emulate (and dress like) our hero. But acclaimed science writer Michael Bond shows that despite these benefits, the world of fandoms is not without its dark underside, from the “copycat effect” fuelling mass shootings to the delusions that can accompany the parasocial relationships that fans feel they have with their heroes. In Fans, Michael Bond draws on the work of social psychologists and anthropologists to understand how people behave in groups and why such groups have such a profound effect on human culture.

A funny picture book about Paddington, the world’s favourite bear – now a major movie star!

''Beautifully written and researched.'' - Isabella Tree, author of Wilding The physical world is infinitely complex, yet most of us are able to find our way around it. We can walk through unfamiliar streets while maintaining a sense of direction, take shortcuts along paths we have never used and remember for many years places we have visited only once. These are remarkable achievements. In Wayfinding, Michael Bond explores how we do it: how our brains make the ‘cognitive maps’ that keep us orientated, even in places that we don’t know. He considers how we relate to places, and asks how our understanding of the world around us affects our psychology and behaviour. The way we think about physical space has been crucial to our evolution: the ability to navigate over large distances in prehistoric times gave Homo sapiens an advantage over the rest of the human family. Children are instinctive explorers, developing a spatial understanding as they roam. And yet today few of us make use of the wayfaring skills that we inherited from our nomadic ancestors. Most of us have little idea what we may be losing. Bond seeks an answer to the question of why some of us are so much better at finding our way than others. He also tackles the controversial subject of sex differences in navigation, and finally tries to understand why being lost can be such a devastating psychological experience. For readers of writers as different as Robert Macfarlane and Oliver Sacks, Wayfinding is a book that can change our sense of ourselves. ''A fascinating excursion into the very nature of exploration. Absorbing stuff.'' – explorer Benedict Allen

Paddington has warmed the hearts of generations of readers with his earnest good intentions and humorous misadventures. This brand-new digital edition of the classic novel contains the original text by Michael Bond and illustrations by Peggy Fortnum. What other bear but Paddington could find himself sent home on his first day of school? Or questioned as a prime witness in court? Or taking a crash course in water-skiing? Trust Paddington to follow his nose for adventure, with a suitcase full of marmalade sandwiches in tow! First published in 1970, Paddington Takes the Air is the ninth classic novel about Michael Bond’s beloved classic character, Paddington Bear.

Paddington has warmed the hearts of generations of readers with his earnest good intentions and humorous misadventures. This new edition of the classic novel contains the original text by Michael Bond and illustrations by Peggy Fortnum. What other bear but Paddington could find himself sent home on his first day of school? Or questioned as a prime witness in court? Or taking a crash course in water-skiing? Trust Paddington to follow his nose for adventure, with a suitcase full of marmalade sandwiches in tow! First published in 1974, Paddington on Top is the tenth classic novel about Michael Bond’s beloved classic character, Paddington Bear.

A brand-new title from Michael Bond chronicling new and exciting adventures of Paddington Bear! Somehow Paddington always finds himself in extraordinary situations, so it is no surprise when he appears in a popular TV cooking show, finds himself on a stage giving one of his hard stares to a hypnotist, and performing some precarious tricks at Mr. Gruber’s birthday party. For nearly sixty years, Paddington has enchanted readers around the world with his numerous misadventures and earnest good intentions. From master storyteller Michael Bond, and with interior illustrations by R. W. Alley, this new Paddington adventure will charm and delight readers of all ages.

Ever eager to expand the influence of France's leading gastronomic guidebook beyond her native shores, the Director of Le Guide has been cultivating a useful transatlantic connection in the form of a certain Mrs Van Dorman. Ex-parfumier, presently a publishing magnate and, in her spare time,a fan of private-eye novels, Mrs Van Dorman has deserted the relative safety of La Grande Pomme to accompany a group of crime writers to a recreation in Vichy of a banquet given by Alexandre Dumas before he started work on yet another sequel to The Three Musketeers. And who better to escort her than Monsieur Pamplemousse, Surete sleuth turned top-rank gourmet? Monsieur Pamplemousse himself could think of a number of more suitable candidates, especially when it becomes apparent that the assignment involves a grand entry dressed as d'Artagnan, mounted on an uncomfortably rampant black charger. But when cyanide turns out to be a surprise ingredient of the murder tour it is soon clear that Monsieur Pamplemousse - aided by the unerring nose of bloodhound Pommes Frites - is the only man for the job...

Only a bear like Paddington could find himself taking a driving test by mistake, becoming a model at an art school, or being sawed in half at a magic show. No matter what adventures await, Paddington always comes through with flying colors. First published in 1979, Paddington Takes the Test is the seventh novel by Michael Bond chronicling the adventures of this classic character. Paddington has warmed the hearts of generations of readers with his earnest good intentions and humorous misadventures. This edition of the classic novel contains the original text by Michael Bond and illustrations by Peggy Fortnum.

When the Brown family meets a bear on Paddington Station, their lives are never the same again, as ordinary things become extraordinary when a bear called Paddington is involved.

Originally published in English in 1971 by Oxford University Press.

When one of five restaurant-owning brothers vanishes into thin air, Monsieur Pamplemousse's detective skills are called into play. A delicious blend of gastronomic delight, teasing mystery, and pure comedy.

A brand-new novel from Michael Bond, celebrating Paddington''s many adventures! Told through Paddington''s letters to his aunt Lucy back in Peru, this new novel offers Paddington''s own special view on some of his most famous tales. Filled with Paddington''s signature charm and with black-and-white illustrations throughout, this paper-over-board keepsake is a celebration of this beloved character.

The classic novel about Paddington—who''s now a major movie star! Paddington Bear had traveled all the way from Peru when the Browns first met him in Paddington Station. Since then, their lives have never been quite the same . . . for ordinary things become extraordinary when a bear called Paddington is involved. First published in 1958, A Bear Called Paddington is the first novel by Michael Bond, chronicling the adventures of this lovable bear. Paddington has charmed readers for generations with his earnest good intentions and humorous misadventures. This brand-new edition of the classic novel contains the original text by Michael Bond and illustrations by Peggy Fortnum.

Monsieur Pamplemousse finds himself in deep water when an unfortunate collision with a Mother Superior is caught on camera. To avoid media attention, he is sent to report on Chef André Dulac, currently in line for Le Guide''s top award, and opens a can of worms which threatens the very sanctity of France''s premier gastronomic bible. Being on the verge of haute cuisine takes on a whole new meaning, and his attempt to get at the truth by harnessing a state-of-the-art TV camera to his ever-faithful hound Pommes Frites, ensures that outside broadcasting will never be quite the same again. Beloved worldwide for Paddington Bear, Bond has been busy this past year with the release of Paddington Races Ahead as well as the official Paddington app. Rejacketed into a fresh new style, Michael Bond''s culinary crime capers are a joy to read.

Monsieur Pamplemousse is looking forward to a well-earned break in the South of France courtesy of his employer - all he has to do is collect a piece of artwork for Le Guide's Director. But when his contact fails to show and a dismembered body is washed up outside the hotel, the holiday mood evaporates. As Pamplemousse struggles with the case (and with modern technology) his ever-faithful bloodhound Pommes Frites is on hand offering proof why, during his time with the Paris Sûreté, he was one of their top sniffer dogs.

The garlic-laden winds of change are blowing through the vineyards of Burgundy. Under threat from the increasing use of pesticides is the helix pomotia: the humble snail, the main ingredient for escargot Bourgignon. Meanwhile, on the Canal de Bourgogne, Monsieur Pamplemousse is lecturing a group of international wine buffs on the fruits of the region, a task from which he is distracted by a Marilyn Monroe look-alike. It turns out that skulduggery among the vines will be the least of Monsieur Pamplemousse's worries.

This is a read-along edition with audio synced to the text, performed by Stephen Fry. A brand new picture book featuring Paddington, the classic bear from Darkest Peru, as he takes part in a local family sports event, with hilarious results!

The Browns are going abroad, and Paddington considers a holiday in France is not to be taken lightly, So he packs a disguise outfit, his magic set and a map of France printed on a tea towel.

Le Guide, France's premier gastronomic guide, is failing to whet the appetite of its audience in America. Bribed by the Director with offers of some time off, Monsieur Pamplemousse agrees to flex his literary muscles in a bid to address the problem by writing a play. The result is the ex-detective's directorial debut, complete with walk-on part for faithful bloodhound Pommes Frites. Everything rests on their special guest, Jay Corby, the acclaimed American food-critic, whose good opinion could change their transatlantic fortunes. But disaster strikes on opening night when a manoeuvre with a trapdoor causes Corby to storm out in a rage. Monsieur Pamplemousse must find him before he ruins everything for Le Guide. Once again he can rely on star sniffer dog Pommes Frites, who is hot on the trail of their only lead: a flimsy undergarment belonging to an exotic dancer they came across in a state of undress before the start of the show.

When Monsieur Pamplemousse got an urgent summons from the Director of Le Guide, he knew that there was trouble at the top. His faithful canine companion, Pommes Frites, noticed it too. But neither of them expected that the trouble would involve a nun who was in the habit of joining the Mile High Club or a full-scale smear campaign targeting Le Guide's credibility as France's première restaurant and hotel guide. Someone has been spreading worrying rumours among the staff and infiltrating the company files - awarding hotels prizes for bedbugs and praising egg and chips signature dishes. Even Pommes Frites has become a victim of the assault. It could all spell the ruin for Le Guide, but Pamplemousse is on the case.

During his time as an inspector with the Paris Sûreté Monsieur Pamplemousse had been 'in at the death' on more than one occasion, but even he had to admit that the phrase took on an entirely new meaning when, seated in the front row of Cuisine de Chavignol, the eponymous host uttered a strangled cry and sank from view behind a kitchen worktop. Pommes Frites, sniffer dog extraordinaire, has his own views on the matter: Claude Chavignol was a bad egg if ever he'd seen one. Subsequent events prove him right, and as soon as he and his master find themselves caught up in a bizarre world of unrequited lust, murder and blackmail in high places.

Enjoy eight delightful Paddington story books in this special gift edition suitcase. Children''s favourite, Paddington Bear is a distinguished small bear of earnest good intentions who gets drawn into mishap and adventure at every turn. thankfully his great sense of logic and determination manage to get him out of most scrapes, albeit in perhaps some rather unconventional ways. Find out what happens when Paddington gets all the wrong kind of attention at the zoo, how he skyrockets on a funfair ride and how he ''helps out'' around the house...with messy results! the Paddington books contained in the suitcase are: Paddington and the Busy Day Paddington and the Marmalade Maze Paddington and the tutti Frutti Rainbow Paddington at the Fair Paddington at the Palace Paddington at the Zoo Paddington Minds the House Paddington the Artist

Paddington – the beloved, classic bear from Darkest Peru – is back in this fantastically funny, long-awaited, brand new illustrated novel from master storyteller Michael Bond!

Paddington Bear had traveled all the way from Darkest Peru when the Brown family first met him on Paddington Station. Since then their lives have never been quite the same ... for ordinary things become quite extraordinary when a bear called Paddington is involved. Read by Stephen Fry

Here’s Paddington once more, just returned from a visit to Darkest Peru and his Aunt Lucy’s birthday celebration at the Home for Retired Bears. Now that Paddington is home with the Browns, he’s free to cause his usual kind of trouble: dabbling in the stock market, trying a career as a barber, even taking a turn at the ballet. But the promise of international fame doesn’t turn this bear’s head. Not for long, at least. Indeed, readers will agree, it’s far better to be simply a bear called Paddington.

There''s been no end to the chaos at 32 Windsor Gardens since Paddington, that irresistible bear from Darkest Peru, joined the Brown family. Even Mrs. Bird, the housekeeper, has learned that there''s no knowing what''s likely to happen when he''s around. Well meaning as ever, Paddington''s at it again, and this time he really goes to town. If a boulder rolls down the aisle of a bus, sending the entire carload careening; if a visitor to the hospital leaves even the staff psychiatrist baffled; or if a hostess discovers her surprise dessert is "baked elastic," you can be sure that Paddington is somewhere close at hand. Paddington fans will be delighted as, once more, that bear turns things merrily, unpredictably topsy-turvy in this revised edition of Paddington Goes to Town.

With his suitcase packed full of marmalade sandwiches and Mrs. Bird''s umbrella (in case it rains), Paddington sets out for a day of sightseeing with his friend, Mr. Gruber. How could he know that the tourists will think he''s their tour guide? And how is he to guess that they will follow him everywhere?