Paddington Bear Stars in His First Film!

Michael Bond, the author of A Bear Called Paddington, shares the history of this beloved bear and explains what he thinks has contributed to Paddington’s enduring appeal.

It’s an extraordinary level of success for a British children’s book character who doesn’t play quidditch – one matched only perhaps by that other endearingly bumbling bear, Pooh. So to what does Bond attribute the great affection his creation inspires? “Paddington is eternally optimistic and always comes back for more, no matter how many times his hopes are dashed,” says Bond.

With 56 episodes of BBC animated films, a stage play, picture books, a strip cartoon, a cook book, merchandising and more, Paddington’s been a huge success over the years. And now that the feature film is hitting the theaters, Paddington is expected to be back on children’s holiday “wish lists” this year.

To read more about Michael Bond and his Paddington, check out the story in The Guardian!