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| Michael Bond with Paddington |
Except, of course, it's not the sturdy little bear from Peru with the floppy hat, the blue duffle coat, and the red wellington boots, who's gone - but his creator, Michael Bond. Here's a link to the Guardian's excellent obituary.
Do please share your thoughts and memories about Paddington and his creator!
6 comments:
A big loss. Michael Bond's Paddington was and still is a firm favourite in our family - with all ages! A home really isn't a home unless there is something of Paddington in it.
The books were great for sharing as a family, or reading aloud, and Michael Bond must have been pleased to see all his Paddington Bear stories gain new, young fans through the film which was quite charming. He sounds a very lovely man too.
I must add that, at one time, the Paddington titles caused problems on school "reading library" bookshelves. An analysis of the language & literacy level indicated the text was suitable for able/older children, ie nine years upwards.
This meant that the - then - upper infants, lower juniors and less able readers who wanted to read the Paddington books couldn't, and the top juniors (led by their parents) felt that tales about a fictitious bear were too childish to be included on the "top" shelves.
All of which, I think, goes to prove the importance of family reading times at home!
How wonderful to leave such a legacy of lovely books and happy children. I raise a virtual marmalade sandwhich to him in toast.
Thank you, Sue - a lovely tribute! I first discovered the Paddington books when I was at college, and loved them immediately. Also loved the TV series with Michael Hordern, but haven't seen the film yet (I wasn't sure whether it might spoil my memories.) Anyway, thank you, Michael Bond, and I'd like to join Diana in raising a virtual marmalade sandwich to him.
Lovely! Thanks, Sue. Paddington is special. I have seen the film (twice)and it is sensitively done with a subtle contemporary message xxxx
Thanks. It wasn't until yesterday that I saw one of the Paddington cartoons. I think I prefer the books. I read those to one of the special needs children I taught. He appreciated the gentle humour in them. My nephews and other children I know loved the books. And then, last year, a teen boy was going through my shelves looking for something to read and he saw a Paddington book he had not read. He grabbed it and then looked slightly embarrassed. "Go for it," I told him, "You are never too old for Paddington."
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