Michael Bond, the creator of the beloved children’s character Paddington Bear, has died aged 91.
Bond, who published his first book, A Bear Called Paddington, about the marmalade-loving bear from deepest, darkest Peru, in 1958, died at home after a short illness.
A statement from publisher HarperCollins said: “It is with great sadness that we announce that Michael Bond, CBE, the creator of one of Britain’s best-loved children’s characters, Paddington, died at home yesterday aged 91 following a short illness.”.
“In Paddington, Michael created a character whose enthusiasm and optimism has given pleasure to millions across the generations.
He was as kindly, dignified, charming & lovable as the immortal Paddington Bear he gave us.”.
Francesca Simon, author of the Horrid Henry series, said: “Michael Bond created that infinitely rare thing: an iconic, utterly original, instantly recognisable and memorable character.
The novelist Matt Haig, who worked on the Paddington film, said: “Michael Bond created an icon of children’s fiction. »
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