Paddington Bear facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Paddington Bear
Paddington character
Statue of Paddington eating a marmalade 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 British children's books. He first appeared on October 13, 1958, in the book A Bear Called Paddington by Michael Bond. Bond wrote 29 books about Paddington, with the last one, Paddington at St. Paul's, published in 2018 after he passed away.

Paddington is a friendly spectacled bear from "darkest Peru". He always wears an old hat, carries a battered suitcase, and has a duffel coat. He absolutely loves marmalade sandwiches! Paddington is very polite, always using "Mr," "Mrs," and "Miss." He is also kindhearted, but he can give a serious "hard stare" to anyone who is rude. He often gets into funny trouble, but he always tries his best to do things right.

The Brown family found Paddington at London Paddington station and adopted him. They named him Paddington Brown because his real bear name was too hard for humans to say. Paddington is one of Britain's most loved characters. In 1994, a Paddington Bear stuffed toy was the first item to pass through the Channel Tunnel when British and French workers met. In 2022, Paddington even appeared in a funny video with Queen Elizabeth II for her Platinum Jubilee celebration. His books have been translated into 30 languages, selling over 30 million copies worldwide.

Paddington Bear has also appeared in TV shows, movies, and commercials. The TV series Paddington aired from 1976 to 1980. The popular movies Paddington (2014) and Paddington 2 (2017) were both nominated for important film awards. A third movie, Paddington in Peru, was released in cinemas in the United Kingdom on November 8, 2024.

How Paddington's Story Began

The Idea Behind Paddington

A Paddington Bear-themed bench at Paddington station in London. Michael Bond named the bear after this station.

Michael Bond got the idea for Paddington Bear from a lonely teddy bear he saw in a London shop on Christmas Eve in 1956. He bought it as a gift for his wife. Bond said the bear "looked rather forlorn."

The idea of Paddington being a refugee came from Bond's memories of World War II. He saw Jewish refugee children from Europe arriving in Britain and London children being evacuated to the countryside. These children often had labels around their necks, just like Paddington's "Please look after this bear" tag. Bond felt that Paddington, in a way, was also a refugee.

Bond wrote the first book in just ten days. He named the bear Paddington because he lived near Paddington station at the time. The first book, A Bear Called Paddington, was published on October 13, 1958.

The First Paddington Toy

Paddington Bear toys and gifts for sale at Paddington station.

The very first Paddington Bear stuffed toy was made in 1972 by Gabrielle Designs, a small family business. Shirley and Eddie Clarkson made a prototype as a Christmas gift for their children. Michael Bond gave the Clarksons the rights to make Paddington toys.

Shirley Clarkson put Wellington boots on the stuffed bear so it could stand up. Paddington himself received Wellingtons as a Christmas gift in the 1964 book Paddington Marches On. The family later sold the rights to Hamleys, a famous toy store.

Paddington's Adventures

Statue of Paddington Bear, by sculptor Marcus Cornish, at Paddington station

Platform 1 at Paddington station with the Paddington statue below the clock

In the first story, the Brown family finds Paddington at London Paddington station. He is sitting on his suitcase with a note that says, "Please look after this bear. Thank you." Paddington explains he traveled from "Darkest Peru" as a stowaway, sent by his Aunt Lucy. She had moved to a Home for Retired Bears in Lima. He also mentions, "I came in a lifeboat and ate marmalade. Bears like marmalade."

The Browns learn that his Peruvian name is too hard to say. So, they decide to call him Paddington, after the station where they found him. Michael Bond originally thought of Paddington coming from "darkest Africa," but his agent pointed out there are no bears in Africa. So, it was changed to Peru, where spectacled bears live.

The Browns take Paddington to live with them at 32 Windsor Gardens. Paddington often visits the nearby Portobello Road market. Shopkeepers there respect him because he is good at getting a fair price.

When Paddington gets annoyed, he gives people a special "hard stare." His Aunt Lucy taught him this stare, and it makes people feel embarrassed. Paddington's adventures usually happen because he misunderstands something. He tries to fix what he thinks is unfair, which often leads to funny messes. But in the end, things usually work out, and everyone can laugh about it. The only exception is the Browns' grumpy neighbor, Mr. Curry, who often ends up in trouble because of Paddington.

The stories also share bits about Paddington's past. For example, we learn he became an orphan in an earthquake. Aunt Lucy then took him in and raised him.

Main Characters

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

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

• Paddington Bear: A friendly, polite, and charming bear from Darkest Peru. He was adopted by Aunt Lucy and Uncle Pastuzo after his parents died in an earthquake. He moves in with the Browns when Aunt Lucy goes to a home for retired bears. Paddington often finds himself in funny situations. He is always polite but uses "hard stares" when people are rude. Mrs. Brown names him after Paddington station.

• Mr. Henry Brown: A kind but sometimes clumsy man who works in insurance. In the movies, he first doesn't want Paddington to live with them. But after some funny accidents, he grows to love Paddington and even builds him a bedroom.

• Mrs. Mary Brown: Henry's wife, who is more serious but very friendly. In the movie, she is an author and illustrator. She is the first of the Browns to truly welcome Paddington.

• Judy and Jonathan Brown: The energetic and friendly children of the Brown family. They meet Paddington for the first time at Paddington Station. In the movies, they are with their parents when Paddington gets his famous name.

• Mrs. Bird: The Browns' housekeeper. She is strict but also very kind and wise. She often gets annoyed by Paddington's antics but is also very protective of him.

• Mr. Samuel Gruber: Paddington's best friend. He owns an antique shop on Portobello Road. Paddington and Mr. Gruber have their "elevenses" (a mid-morning snack) together every day. Mr. Gruber is a Hungarian immigrant and often takes Paddington and the Brown children on fun outings. He calls Paddington "Mr. Brown."

• Mr. Reginald Curry: The Browns' mean, nosy, and bad-tempered next-door neighbor. He is very cheap and always wants something for free. He often tricks Paddington into doing errands for him. Mr. Curry usually gets what he deserves as a result of Paddington's mishaps.

• Aunt Lucy: Paddington's aunt from Darkest Peru. In the movies, she and Uncle Pastuzo rescued Paddington when he was young. She was his guardian until she moved into the Home for Retired Bears in Lima, Peru. In Paddington 2, the people of Windsor Gardens arrange for her to visit London.

• Uncle Pastuzo: Paddington's rich uncle who traveled a lot. In the movie, he is killed by a falling tree during an earthquake, and Paddington keeps his hat.

Paddington Books

The first of Michael Bond's 29 original books, A Bear Called Paddington, was published in 1958. The books are divided into chapters, but each story can be read on its own. Many of these stories were used in the TV series.

Here are some of the main book titles and a few stories from them:

A Bear Called Paddington (1958)

• "Please Look After This Bear" – The Browns meet Paddington.
• "A Bear in Hot Water" – Paddington's first bath is a disaster.
• "A Shopping Expedition" – Paddington gets lost while shopping.
• "A Disappearing Trick" – Paddington tries magic at his birthday party.

More About Paddington (1959)

• "A Family Group" – Paddington takes a family photo.
• "A Spot of Decorating" – Paddington tries to help decorate a room.
• "Christmas" – Paddington enjoys his first Christmas with the Browns.

Paddington Helps Out (1960)

• "A Picnic on the River" – Paddington's boat trip has surprises.
• "Something Nasty in the Kitchen" – Paddington cooks dinner when the Browns are sick.

Paddington Abroad (1961)

• "Paddington Prepares" – The Browns plan a holiday in France.
• "Trouble at the Airport" – Airport officials suspect Paddington has no passport.

Paddington at Large (1962)

• "Paddington Breaks the Peace" – Paddington causes chaos mowing Mr. Curry's lawn.
• "Paddington Hits the Jackpot" – Paddington wins a TV quiz show.

Paddington Marches On (1964)

• "A Most Unusual Ceremony" – Paddington visits a marmalade factory.
• "Paddington Makes a Clean Sweep" – Paddington makes a mess cleaning the chimney.

Paddington at Work (1966)

• "A Bear at Sea" – Paddington sails back from Peru.
• "A Visit to the Stock Exchange" – Paddington tries to sell a share in a business.

Paddington Goes to Town (1968)

• "A Day to Remember" – Paddington is an usher at a wedding.
• "Paddington Goes to Town" – Paddington and the Browns visit Christmas lights in London.

Paddington Takes the Air (1970)

• "A Visit to the Dentist" – Paddington's first dentist visit doesn't go as planned.
• "Riding High" – Paddington enters a horse riding competition at Judy's school.

Paddington on Top (1974)

• "Paddington Goes to School" – Paddington attends a local school.
• "Paddington Goes to Court" – Paddington is called as a witness in court.

Paddington Takes the Test (1979)

• "Paddington at the Wheel" – Paddington ends up driving during Mr. Brown's driving test.
• "Paddington and the Stately Home" – Mr. Gruber takes Paddington to visit a grand house.

Paddington Here and Now (2008)

• "Parking Problems" – Paddington's shopping basket is towed away.
• "Paddington's Christmas Surprise" – Paddington's visitor organizes a surprise trip for the Browns.

Paddington Races Ahead (2012)

• "Mr Curry's Birthday Treat" – Paddington tries to help with Mr. Curry's birthday list.
• "Paddington on Track" – News of Paddington's sports skills reaches Peru.

Paddington's Finest Hour (2017)

• "Parking Problems" – Paddington's attempts to post a letter attract police attention.
• "Dinner for One" – Paddington enters a TV cooking competition.

Paddington at St. Paul's (2018)

This picture book is the last of the original 29 stories. It is set in St Paul's Cathedral and was finished just before Michael Bond passed away. It was released on June 27, 2018, marking the anniversary of Bond's death and 60 years since A Bear Called Paddington was published.

Special Books

• The Adventures of a Bear Called Paddington; A play for children (1974)
• Paddington on Stage – Plays for children (1974)
• Paddington Rules the Waves (2008)
• Paddington's Cookery Book (2011)

TV Shows About Paddington

Paddington (1976)

One of the most famous TV versions of Paddington Bear is the stop-motion animated BBC series Paddington. It was written by Michael Bond and first aired on January 5, 1976. The show used funny incidents from the books.

This series had a unique look: Paddington was a stop-motion puppet moving in a 3D space. The backgrounds were often simple black-and-white drawings. All other characters were 2D drawings. The series was narrated by Michael Hordern, who also did all the character voices.

Paddington Bear (1989)

The 1989 TV series was the first made by a North American company, Hanna-Barbera. This series used traditional 2D animation. Charlie Adler voiced Paddington, and Tim Curry voiced Mr. Curry. A new character, an American boy named David (Jonathan and Judy Brown's cousin), was added to the stories.

The Adventures of Paddington Bear (1997)

Canadian Cinar Films produced the third series, which aired in 1997. It was also traditional 2D color animation.

The Adventures of Paddington (2019)

StudioCanal created a new animated TV series based on the live-action Paddington movies. Ben Whishaw, who voiced Paddington in the movies, returned to voice him in this series. It first appeared on December 20, 2019.

Paddington Movies

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

In 2007, StudioCanal announced a film adaptation of Paddington Bear. The film would feature an animated Paddington Bear interacting with a live-action world. Ben Whishaw was chosen to voice Paddington.

The first movie, Paddington, was released on November 28, 2014. It was praised by critics for its humor, story, and visual effects. It was nominated for a BAFTA Award for Outstanding British Film.

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

To celebrate the movie's release, the Paddington Trail was launched. From November 4 to December 30, 2014, 50 Paddington statues were placed around London. Artists, designers, and celebrities like Kate Moss, Nicole Kidman, and Emma Watson created these statues. The statues were later auctioned to raise money for the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) charity.

Following the success of the first movie, a sequel, Paddington 2, was released on November 10, 2017. It received huge praise from critics. The movie's message, "If we're kind and polite, the world will be right," was taught to Paddington by Aunt Lucy. New actors in the film included Hugh Grant and Brendan Gleeson. On January 18, 2018, Paddington 2 became the most-reviewed film ever to remain at 100% on Rotten Tomatoes, a website that collects movie reviews.

The comedian and later President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, voiced Paddington in the Ukrainian versions of both Paddington (2014) and Paddington 2 (2017).

A third film in the series, Paddington in Peru, began filming in July 2023. It stars Emily Mortimer, Antonio Banderas, and Olivia Colman alongside the returning cast. The film premiered in London on November 3, 2024, and was released in cinemas on November 8, 2024, in the United Kingdom.

Stage Shows About Paddington

Paddington The Musical (2025)

In December 2023, it was announced that Paddington: The Musical is being created for the stage. McFly's Tom Fletcher is writing the music and lyrics. The musical is set to open in the UK in 2025. It will premiere at the Savoy Theatre in London's West End on November 1, 2025.

See also

In Spanish: Oso Paddington para niños