Born and raised in Newbury, Bond's passion for writing began during his service in the British army in the Middle East. Whilst stationed in Egypt he wrote his first published work, a short story that sold to the magazine 'London Opinion. This marked the beginning of his prolific writing career that spanned over six decades. However, it was his creation of Paddington Bear that would become his most important influence on the world of Children's books.
Almost in the fashion of a children's story, it all started one Christmas Eve when a toy bear that was literally left on the shelf of a London Store caught Michael's eye. He thought it would make another sweet Christmas gift for his wife. He took the bear home with him and it earned a place on their mantelpiece. One day, sat at his typewriter he saw the little bear sat there, and was inspired to start typing. Soon his few paragraphs of typing became a chapter and then one of our greatest loved vintage children's books was born.
The first book in the series, "A Bear Called Paddington," was published in 1958 and introduced readers to the charming and accident-prone bear from Peru. The story was accompanied with charming line drawn illustrations by Peggy Fortnum. The story follows Paddington's adventures after he arrives at Paddington Station in London and is adopted by the Brown family. The book's success led to numerous sequels and spin-offs, captivating generations of readers with Paddington's gentle humour, curious nature, and penchant for getting into delightful mischief. There quickly came around thirteen original novel length books and a charming animated series was made in 1976 by Ivor Wood narrated by the late, great Sir Michael Hordern.
The lovable and mischievous Paddington character quickly endeared himself to the heart of young and old alike. Bond's Paddington Bear series has sold over 35 million copies worldwide, making it one of the most beloved and successful children's book franchises. The stories have been translated into numerous languages and have inspired various adaptations, including television series and feature films, which have further sealed Paddington's place in popular culture especially the hearts of children.
Beyond Paddington, Bond also authored other notable works, such as "The Tales of Olga DaPolga," one of my very favourite stories as a child, that is an amusing collection of stories about a lively guinea pig, showcasing his talent for creating endearing animal characters. His storytelling prowess and ability to capture the imaginations of young readers earned him widespread acclaim and recognition. He also created a delightful series for television 'The Herbs' as well as a very sweet book about a mouse called Thursday; although nothing ever surpassed his beloved creation of the little lost Bear from Peru.
In addition to his literary accomplishments, Bond received several honors throughout his career. He was made an OBE in 1997 and became Commander of the Order of the British Empire CBE for his services to children's literature in 2015. Reflecting his significant contributions to the genre.
Bond's impact on children's literature is immeasurable, as his stories continue to inspire and entertain readers of all ages. Paddington sits next to Winnie the Pooh by A.A. Milne as one of the all time great bears in children's fiction.
As Paddington Bear books continue to delight generation after generation of children, of course, the first edition and vintage Paddington Bear books become more sought after and collectable with the wonderful nostalgia of the first times this famous bear appeared in print.
On June 27th 2017, this great children's author Michael Bond died in Paddington, London, he was 91 years old. Tributes were left at the statue of Paddington Bear at Paddington station London, a touching memorial to the life of this much loved children's author.
In 2017 the second of the blockbuster Paddington Bear Movies was dedicated to his memory. Paddington also became intrinsically linked with our late Queen Elizabeth II. Michael Bond and the Queen were both born in the same year and it is a little known fact that Michael Bond actually worked as a cameraman for her coronation in 1953. His daughter recounts his remembrance of having a great view on this important day. Endearingly, the Queen involved Paddington Bear in an adorable sketch filmed with her for her Platinum Jubilee celebrations in June 2022 wherein Paddington eats his iconic Marmalade Sandwich whilst having tea with her much to the delight of the audiences worldwide.
When the Queen died it seemed quite fitting that hundreds of Paddington Bear toys were left in tribute to her that were then later believed to be donated to charity. This little Lost Bear from Peru had by the become an entirely British institution and loved by all.
In a final note, there could probably never have been a more fitting epitaph for this wonderful children's author, the inscription on his gravestone asks:
"Please look after this bear. Thank you."
