Michael Bond
“I think the most precious thing you can give a child is your time. And, I think the next most precious thing you can give a child is an interest in books. If you’re brought up with books being part of the furniture, with a story being read to you when you go to bed at night, it’s a very good start in life. I never went to bed without aMichael Bond
story when I was small.”
Michael Bond was born Thomas Michael Bond on January 13, 1926, in Newbury, England. He was destined to become a renowned British author best known for his iconic series of children's books featuring the lovable character Paddington Bear. His character 'Paddington Bear' named after the Paddington Train Station in London, has become deeply embedded in British culture and even our late Queen loved him. There is now a statue of' Paddington Bear' at Paddington station loved by everyone who visits there.
Michael Bond's imaginative storytelling and memorable characters of this lovable bear Paddington and the 'Brown' family whom he moved in with, captured the hearts of millions of readers worldwide...
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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."
Books by this Author
Timeline of Books and Series by Michael Bond.
1958: A Bear Called Paddington.
1959: More About Paddington.
1960: Paddington Helps Out.
1961: Paddington Abroad.
1962: Paddington at Large.
1964: Paddington Marches On.
1966: Paddington at Work.
1968: Paddington Goes to Town.
1970: Paddington Takes the Air.
1972: Paddington's Garden.
1973: Paddington's Blue Peter Story Book
1974: Paddington on Top.
1975: Paddington at the Tower.
1979: Paddington Takes the Test.
1980: Paddington on Screen.
1984: Paddington at the Zoo.
1986: Paddington at the Palace.
1987: Paddington's Busy Day.
1992: A Day by the Sea.
2001: Paddington in the Garden.
2003: Paddington and the Grand Tour.
2008: Paddington Rules the Waves.
2008: Paddington Here and Now.
2012: Paddington Races Ahead.
2012: Paddington Goes for Gold.
2014: Love From Paddington.
2017: Paddington's Finest Hour.
2018: Paddington at St Paul's.
2018: Paddington Turns Detective and Other Funny Stories.
Olga da Polga series
1971: The Tales of Olga da Polga.
1973: Olga Meets Her Match.
1976: Olga Carries On.
1982: Olga Takes Charge.
1987: The Complete Adventures of Olga Da Polga
1993: The Adventures of Olga Da Polga
2001: Olga Moves House.
2002: Olga Follows Her Nose.
2002: The Best of Olga Da Polga
Picture books
1975: Olga Counts Her Blessings.
1975: Olga Makes a Friend.
1975: Olga Makes a Wish.
1975: Olga Makes Her Mark.
1975: Olga Takes a Bite.
1975: Olga's New Home.
1975: Olga's Second House.
1975: Olga's Special Day.
1983: The First Big Olga da Polga Book
1983: The Second Big Olga da Polga Book
Monsieur Pamplemousse series
1983: Monsieur Pamplemousse.
1985: Monsieur Pamplemousse and the Secret Mission.
1986: Monsieur Pamplemousse on the Spot.
1987: Monsieur Pamplemousse Takes the Cure.
1989: Monsieur Pamplemousse Aloft.
1990: Monsieur Pamplemousse Investigates.
1991: Monsieur Pamplemousse Rests His Case.
1992: Monsieur Pamplemousse Stands Firm.
1992: Monsieur Pamplemousse on Location.
1993: Monsieur Pamplemousse Takes the Train.
1998: Monsieur Pamplemousse Omnibus Volume One.
1999: Monsieur Pamplemousse Omnibus Volume Two.
1999: Monsieur Pamplemousse Afloat.
1999: Monsieur Pamplemousse Omnibus Volume Three.
2000: Monsieur Pamplemousse on Probation.
2002: Monsieur Pamplemousse on Vacation.
2003: Monsieur Pamplemousse Hits the Headlines.
2006: Monsieur Pamplemousse and the Militant Midwives.
2007: Monsieur Pamplemousse and the French Solution.
2011: Monsieur Pamplemousse and the Carbon Footprint.
2015: Monsieur Pamplemousse and the Tangled Web.
Other books
1966: Here Comes Thursday.
1968: Thursday Rides Again.
1969: Thursday Ahoy!
1971: Thursday in Paris.
1971: Michael Bond's Book of Bears
1972: The Day the Animals Went on Strike.
1975: Windmill.
1975: How to Make Flying Things
1975: Mr. Cram's Magic Bubbles
1980: Picnic on the River.
1980: J. D. Polson and the Liberty Head Dime.
1981: J. D. Polson and the Dillogate Affair.
1983: The Caravan Puppets.
1986: Oliver the Greedy Elephant
1987: The Pleasures of Paris
1988: A Mouse Called Thursday
1992: Something Nasty in the Kitchen
1996: Bears and Forebears: A Life So Far- autobiography
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Here Comes Thursday Michael Bond First Edition 1960s Vintage Childrens Book
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The Giant Paddington Story Book by Michael Bond Paddington Bear First Ed. 1989
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Paddington Takes the Air Vintage Book First American Edition scarce with Dust Jacket
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