Children's Web Magazine

The first Paddington Bear book was published 50 years ago this month. Paddington was discovered two years before by his owner Michael Bond on Christmas Eve in London. He went into a shop and saw the small rather lonely looking bear there. He bought it for his wife as a Christmas stocking present. He named it Paddington as they lived near Paddington Station. Later on with his duffle coat, large hat and Wellington boots he became a very distinctive bear. His luggage label “Please look after this bear, Thank You.” came about as it reminded Bond of refugee children during the Second World War. In the story he was found at Paddington Station by Mr and Mrs Brown. He now has his own kiosk at the station where Paddington Bear books, toys and other memorabilia are sold. Also there is a wonderful bronze statue with him sitting on his suitcase.
Michael Bond was born on the 13th January 1926 in Newbury, Berkshire. He had already been writing short stories and radio plays since 1945 in his spare time. He worked as a BBC cameraman before he became the author of the Paddington books.
He began writing about the bear just for enjoyments sake. He and his wife had a daughter and Paddington was to become very much apart of their lives. To them he is very real. Having grown up with a Paddington Bear myself it is easy to see why.
The books have sold millions all over the world and have been translated into many different languages. Paddington Here and Now is the latest book and was published in June to celebrate his 50th birthday. It is the first novel about Paddington for 30 years. There have been lots of events throughout the year to celebrate Paddington's 50th birthday.