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Paddington Bear
Paddington character
A statue of paddington bear, sitting alone on a bench while looking happy eating his marmalade sandwich. The bear is a cub, and is wearing a raincoat and a big hat.
Statue of Paddington eating a sandwich in Leicester Square, London
Created by Michael Bond
Information
Aliases Paddington
Species Spectacled bear
Gender Male
Family
  • Aunt Lucy
  • Uncle Pastuzo
  • Mary Brown
  • Henry Brown
  • Jonathan Brown
  • Judy Brown
  • Mrs Bird
Origin Peru

Paddington Bear is a famous character from children's books. He first appeared on October 13, 1958. This was in the book A Bear Called Paddington by British writer Michael Bond. Michael Bond wrote 29 books about Paddington. The last one came out in 2018. Many artists have drawn pictures for the books.

Paddington is a kind spectacled bear from "darkest Peru". He always wears an old hat, a duffel coat, and carries a suitcase. He loves marmalade sandwiches! He is very polite and kindhearted. But he gives "hard stares" to people who are rude. Paddington often gets into funny trouble. But he always tries his best to do things right.

The Brown family found Paddington at London Paddington station in London. They adopted him and named him "Paddington Brown". His real bear name was too hard for humans to say.

Paddington has become one of Britain's most loved characters. A Paddington Bear stuffed toy was the first item to pass through the Channel Tunnel in 1994. In 2022, Paddington even appeared with Queen Elizabeth II in a funny video. The Paddington books have been translated into 30 languages. More than 30 million copies have been sold worldwide.

Paddington Bear has also been made into TV shows and movies. The TV series Paddington aired from 1976 to 1980. The movies Paddington (2014) and Paddington 2 (2017) were very popular. A third movie, Paddington in Peru, started filming in 2023.

Paddington's Story

How Paddington Began

Michael Bond got the idea for Paddington Bear from a lonely teddy bear. He saw it on a shelf in a London shop in 1956. He bought it as a Christmas gift for his wife.

Bond was also inspired by children during World War II. He remembered seeing Jewish refugee children from Europe arriving in Britain. He also saw London children being sent to the countryside. These children often had labels on them, like the one Paddington wears: "Please look after this bear."

This bear inspired Bond to write a story. He wrote the first book in just ten days. A Bear Called Paddington was first published on October 13, 1958.

Paddington Bear Toys

The first Paddington Bear stuffed toy was made in 1972. It was created by Gabrielle Designs, a small family business. The first toy was a Christmas gift for their children. Michael Bond gave this family the right to make Paddington toys.

Shirley Clarkson, who made the toys, put Wellington boots on them. This helped the bears stand up. Paddington even got Wellingtons for Christmas in a later book.

The Adventures of Paddington

Statue of Paddington Bear, by sculptor Marcus Cornish, at Paddington Station
Platform 1 at Paddington Station with Paddington statue below the clock

In the first story, the Brown family finds Paddington at London Paddington station in London. He is sitting on his suitcase. A note is attached to his coat saying, "Please look after this bear. Thank you."

Paddington arrived as a stowaway from "Darkest Peru." His Aunt Lucy sent him. She went to live in a home for retired bears in Lima. Paddington tells the Browns, "I came in a lifeboat and ate marmalade. Bears like marmalade."

He explains that no one can understand his Peruvian name. So, the Browns decide to call him Paddington. They name him after the railway station where they found him.

Michael Bond first wanted Paddington to come from "darkest Africa." But his agent told him there were no bears in Africa. So, it was changed to Peru, where spectacled bears live.

The Browns take Paddington home to 32 Windsor Gardens. This is a made-up address near Notting Hill. Paddington often visits the nearby Portobello Road market. Shopkeepers there respect him for being good at bargaining.

When Paddington gets annoyed, he gives a special "hard stare." Aunt Lucy taught him this. It makes people feel embarrassed. Paddington's adventures usually happen because he misunderstands something. He tries to fix what he thinks is unfair. This often leads to funny messes. But he usually ends up okay, and everyone can laugh about it.

Their next-door neighbor, Mr. Curry, is often the victim of Paddington's mishaps. The stories also share bits about Paddington's past. For example, he became an orphan in an earthquake. Then Aunt Lucy took him in.

Main Characters

Here are some of the main characters in Paddington's stories:

  • Paddington Bear: A friendly, polite bear from Darkest Peru. Aunt Lucy and Uncle Pastuzo raised him after his parents died. Paddington moves in with the Browns when Aunt Lucy goes to a home for retired bears. He often gets into funny trouble. He is very polite but uses "hard stares" when people are rude.
  • Mr. Henry Brown: A kind but sometimes clumsy man. He works in insurance. At first, Henry isn't sure about Paddington living with them. But he soon grows to love Paddington.
  • Mrs. Mary Brown: Henry's wife. She is friendly and often the first to welcome Paddington. In the movies, she is an author and illustrator.
  • Judy and Jonathan Brown: The energetic and friendly Brown children. They meet Paddington at Paddington Station. In the movie, they are with their parents when they first meet him.
  • Mrs. Bird: The Browns' housekeeper. She is strict but very kind and wise. She often gets annoyed by Paddington's antics. But she is also very protective of him.
  • Mr. Samuel Gruber: Paddington's best friend. He owns an antique shop on Portobello Road. Paddington has a snack with him every day. Mr. Gruber is from Hungary. He often takes Paddington and the children on fun outings.
  • Mr. Reginald Curry: The Browns' mean and nosy next-door neighbor. He is the opposite of Mr. Gruber. Mr. Curry is very cheap and often tries to get Paddington to do things for free. He usually ends up in trouble because of Paddington's mistakes.
  • Aunt Lucy: Paddington's aunt from Darkest Peru. In the movies, she and Uncle Pastuzo rescued Paddington. She was his guardian until she moved to the Home for Retired Bears in Lima, Peru.
  • Uncle Pastuzo: Paddington's rich uncle who traveled a lot. In the movie, he gives Paddington his famous hat.

Paddington Books

The first book, A Bear Called Paddington, came out in 1958. The books are divided into chapters. Each book has a timeline, but the stories also work on their own. Many were used for the TV series.

Here are some of the main books in order:

A Bear Called Paddington (1958)
Stories in this book include:
  • "Please Look After This Bear" – The Browns meet Paddington.
  • "A Bear in Hot Water" – Paddington's first bath is a mess.
  • "Paddington Goes Underground" – His first subway ride causes trouble.
  • "A Shopping Expedition" – Paddington gets lost while shopping.
  • "Paddington and 'The Old Master'" – Paddington tries painting.
  • "A Visit to the Theatre" – Paddington thinks a play is real.
  • "Adventure at the Seaside" – Paddington enters a sandcastle contest.
  • "A Disappearing Trick" – Paddington puts on a magic show. This story introduces Mr. Curry.
More About Paddington (1959)
Stories in this book include:
  • "A Family Group" – Paddington takes a family photo.
  • "A Spot of Decorating" – Paddington tries to decorate Mr. Brown's room.
  • "Paddington Turns Detective" – He investigates a missing squash.
  • "Paddington and the Bonfire" – The Browns have a Guy Fawkes Night party.
  • "Trouble at No.32" – Paddington gets sick after a winter prank.
  • "Paddington and the Christmas Shopping" – He buys presents.
  • "Christmas" – Paddington enjoys his first Christmas with the Browns.
Paddington Helps Out (1960)
Stories in this book include:
  • "A Picnic on the River" – Paddington's boat trip has surprises.
  • "Paddington Makes a Bid" – Mr. Gruber takes Paddington to an auction.
  • "Paddington and 'Do It Yourself'" – Paddington tries to make gifts.
  • "A Visit to the Cinema" – Paddington helps out at a cowboy film.
  • "Something Nasty in the Kitchen" – Paddington cooks dinner.
  • "Trouble at the Launderette" – Paddington takes Mr. Curry's laundry.
  • "Paddington Dines Out" – The Browns celebrate Paddington's birthday.
Paddington Abroad (1961)
Stories in this book include:
  • "Paddington Prepares" – The Browns plan a trip to France.
  • "A Visit to the Bank" – Paddington causes a stir at the bank.
  • "Trouble at the Airport" – Officials think Paddington has no passport.
  • "Paddington Saves the Day" – Paddington helps with a flat tire.
  • "Paddington and the 'Pardon'" – Paddington takes part in a festival.
  • "A Spot of Fishing" – The Browns get stranded on a fishing trip.
  • "Paddington Takes to the Road" – Paddington joins the Tour de France.
Paddington at Large (1962)
Stories in this book include:
  • "Paddington Breaks the Peace" – Paddington tries to mow Mr. Curry's lawn.
  • "Mr Gruber's Outing" – Mr. Gruber takes the children to the park.
  • "Goings-On at Number Thirty-two" – Paddington mistakes a TV installer for a burglar.
  • "Paddington Hits the Jackpot" – Paddington wins a TV quiz show.
  • "A Sticky Time" – Paddington tries to make toffee.
  • "Trouble in the Bargain Basement" – Paddington goes Christmas shopping.
  • "Paddington and the Christmas Pantomime" – Paddington helps at a local play.
Paddington Marches On (1964)
Stories in this book include:
  • "Paddington and the Cold Snap" – Paddington tries to defrost pipes.
  • "A Most Unusual Ceremony" – Paddington visits a marmalade factory.
  • "Paddington Makes a Clean Sweep" – Paddington cleans a chimney.
  • "Mr Gruber's Mystery Tour" – Paddington and Mr. Gruber tour London.
  • "Paddington Saves the Day" – Paddington plays cricket.
  • "A Day by the Sea" – Paddington and the Browns go to the beach.
  • "An Unexpected Party" – The Browns have a party for Paddington.
Paddington at Work (1966)
Stories in this book include:
  • "A Bear at Sea" – Paddington sails back from Peru.
  • "Anchors Away" – Paddington attends a party on a ship.
  • "Paddington Buys a Share" – Paddington buys a share in a business.
  • "A Visit to the Stock Exchange" – Paddington tries to sell his share.
  • "Paddington in a Hole" – Paddington helps Mr. Curry fix his house.
  • "Too Much off the Top" – Paddington works in a barber's shop.
  • "Paddington Steps Out" – Paddington and the Browns see a ballet.
Paddington Goes to Town (1968)
Stories in this book include:
  • "A Day to Remember" – Paddington is an usher at a wedding.
  • "Paddington Hits Out" – Paddington goes to a golf competition.
  • "A Visit to the Hospital" – Paddington visits Mr. Curry in the hospital.
  • "Paddington Finds a Cure" – Paddington finds a cure for Mr. Curry.
  • "Paddington and the 'Finishing Touch'" – Paddington helps with Mr. Gruber's patio.
  • "Everything Comes to Those Who Wait" – Paddington tries carol singing.
  • "Paddington Goes to Town" – Paddington and the Browns see Christmas lights.
Paddington Takes the Air (1970)
Stories in this book include:
  • "A Visit to the Dentist" – Paddington's first dentist visit is tricky.
  • "A Stitch in Time" – Mr. Curry tests Paddington's sewing skills.
  • "Riding High" – Paddington enters a horse riding event.
  • "Paddington Strikes a Bargain" – Paddington helps Mr. Gruber with his car.
  • "The Case of the Doubtful Dummy" – Paddington tries being a detective.
  • "Paddington Recommended" – Paddington visits a department store.
  • "The Last Dance" – Paddington shows off his ballroom dancing.
Paddington's Blue Peter Story Book (1973)
This book collects stories that appeared in the Blue Peter annuals. Michael Bond wrote these when he worked as a cameraman on the show. The stories include the show's presenters.
Paddington on Top (1974)
Stories in this book include:
  • "Paddington Goes to School" – Paddington goes to a local school.
  • "Paddington Cleans Up" – Paddington meets a vacuum cleaner salesman.
  • "Paddington Goes to Court" – Paddington becomes a witness in court.
  • "A Birthday Treat" – The Browns visit Brightsea for Paddington's birthday.
  • "Keeping Fit" – Paddington orders a home body-building kit.
  • "Paddington in Touch" – The Browns go to a rugby match.
  • "Comings and Goings at Number Thirty-two" – The Browns host a visitor from Peru.
Paddington Takes the Test (1979)
Stories in this book include:
  • "Paddington at the Wheel" – Paddington ends up taking a driving test.
  • "In and Out of Trouble" – Paddington tests Mr. Curry's new hammock.
  • "Paddington and the Stately Home" – Mr. Gruber takes Paddington to a grand house.
  • "Paddington and 'Bob-a-Job'" – Paddington helps with a scout "bob-a-job" week.
  • "Paddington Gets a Rise" – Paddington tries to earn money for a gift.
  • "Mr Curry Lets Off Steam" – Mr. Curry tries Mr. Brown's new sauna.
  • "Pantomime Time" – The Browns and Mr. Gruber enjoy a Christmas play.
Paddington on Screen (1980)
This book collects more stories from the Blue Peter annuals.
Paddington Here and Now (2008)
This book was published for Paddington's 50th anniversary. Stories include:
  • "Parking Problems" – Paddington's shopping basket gets towed.
  • "Paddington's Good Turn" – Paddington's crime prevention efforts have surprising results.
  • "Paddington Strikes a Chord" – A special piano leads to a memorable concert.
  • "Paddington Takes the Biscuit" – Paddington and the Browns celebrate Halloween.
  • "Paddington Spills the Beans" – Paddington talks to a reporter.
  • "Paddington Aims High" – Paddington plans a trip.
  • "Paddington's Christmas Surprise" – Paddington's visitor plans a trip for the Browns.
Paddington Races Ahead (2012)
Stories in this book include:
  • "Mr Curry's Birthday Treat" – Paddington helps with Mr. Curry's birthday list.
  • "A Fishy Business" – A new artwork inspires Paddington to make a collage.
  • "Spring Cleaning" – Paddington's room cleaning leads to a discovery.
  • "A Chance Encounter" – Paddington meets a sports journalist.
  • "Paddington in Training" – Paddington visits a new health club.
  • "Paddington Flies a Kite" – A picnic leads to unexpected noises at a play.
  • "Paddington on Track" – News of Paddington's sports skills reaches Peru.
Paddington's Finest Hour (2017)
This book is the last in the main series. Stories include:
  • "Parking Problems" – Paddington's attempt to mail a letter attracts police.
  • "A Bird in the Hand" – Paddington checks his garden rockery.
  • "Curry's the Name" – Paddington helps Mr. Curry in his garden.
  • "Paddington's Magical Moments" – Paddington's magic tricks annoy Mr. Curry.
  • "Dinner for One" – Paddington enters a TV cooking show.
  • "A Visit to the Cleaners" – Paddington tries to fix clothes.
  • "Paddington's Finest Hour" – The Browns go to the theater.

Other Paddington Books

There are also many single-story picture books for younger readers. These include:

  • Paddington's Garden (1972)
  • Paddington at the Tower (1973)
  • Paddington at the Zoo (1984)
  • Paddington at the Palace (1986)
  • Paddington Goes to Hospital (2001)
  • Paddington Goes for Gold (2012)

TV Shows and Movies

Early TV Readings

The first TV show about Paddington was a reading of The Adventures of Paddington Bear. Thora Hird read it for Jackanory in 1966. Later, Ian Carmichael read stories for Once Upon a Time in 1968 and 1970.

Paddington (1976)

One of the most famous Paddington TV shows was a stop-motion animated series. It was made by BBC and first aired in 1976. Michael Bond wrote the stories for the show.

This series looked very special. Paddington was a stop-motion puppet. He moved in a 3D space. But the backgrounds were flat, 2D drawings. All other characters were also 2D drawings. The show was narrated by Michael Hordern. He also did all the character voices.

The series won an award in 1979. It was the first British animated series to do so.

Paddington Bear (1989)

In 1989, Hanna-Barbera made a new Paddington TV series. This one used traditional 2D animation. Charlie Adler voiced Paddington. Tim Curry voiced Mr. Curry. A new character, an American boy named David, was added. He was Jonathan and Judy Brown's cousin.

The Adventures of Paddington Bear (1997)

Canadian company Cinar Films made a third animated series. It was also traditional 2D animation. This show was called The Adventures of Paddington Bear.

The Adventures of Paddington (2019)

StudioCanal made a new computer-animated TV series. It is based on the live-action Paddington movies. Ben Whishaw voices Paddington, just like in the movies. The series started in 2019.

Paddington in Special Events

Paddington has appeared in other TV events:

  • Children's Party at the Palace (2006): Paddington appeared with other British children's characters. This was for Queen Elizabeth II's 80th birthday party.
  • "The Official BBC Children in Need Medley" (2009): Paddington appeared in a music video with Peter Kay. Many other famous British children's TV characters were there too. The song reached number one on the UK music charts.

Paddington Musical

In December 2023, it was announced that Paddington: The Musical is being made. It will be based on the books and movies. McFly's Tom Fletcher will write the music and lyrics. The musical is planned to open in the UK in 2025.

Images for kids

  • Paddington waits at Paddington (41799978930 cropped)

    Paddington Bear-themed bench at Paddington station in London. The character's creator, Michael Bond, named the bear after the station.

  • Paddington Bear at Paddington Station

    Paddington Bear merchandise, including stuffed toys, on sale at Paddington station.

  • "Paddington", Paddington Bear, Paddington Station - geograph.org.uk - 4268824

    Statue of Paddington in his classic look, blue duffel coat and red hat, at Paddington station.

  • Paddington "Paddington" at Opening Ceremony of the 28th Tokyo International Film Festival (22241813459) (cropped)

    A Paddington Bear at the Tokyo International Film Festival in 2015.

  • "Paddington Bear" London (15925013020)

    Two of the 50 Paddington Bears along 'The Paddington Trail' in London. The Union Jack design was by TV presenter Davina McCall. The butterfly design was by actress Emma Watson.

  • London, England (15753498599)

    Paddington stuffed toys featured in the Christmas shop window at Selfridges department store in London. This was for the release of the 2014 film Paddington.

  • GER Heidelberg, Eppelheimer Straße 001

    Paddington in Germany.

  • "Bear Necessities" Paddington Bear, Great Russell Street - geograph.org.uk - 4262782

    This marmalade-themed Paddington statue was designed by actor John Hurt. Paddington's love of marmalade sandwiches led to him appearing in ads for Robertson's golden shred.

  • Paddington MirafloresLima

    Statue of Paddington, donated by the British Embassy in Lima, in Parque Salazar, Miraflores, Lima.

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Oso Paddington para niños

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