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Dedicated to a writer who gave us a bear
IT was with great sadness that the world learned last month of the death of Michael Bond, CBE aged 91.
The creator of one of Britain’s best-loved children’s characters, Paddington, Michael passed away at home following a short illness.
Published by Harper Collins for almost 60 years, the publisher described the author as a ‘giant of children’s literature’. His first book A Bear Called Paddington was published in 1958. In his long and illustrious career he published over 200 books for children. As well as Paddington, he also created characters including Olga da Polga and A Mouse Called Thursday along with a series of adult novels, featuring the detective Monsieur Pamplemousse.
More than 35 million Paddington books have been sold worldwide and enjoyed by generations of children. The books went on to inspire toys, TV programmes and most recently a movie, Paddington. A second movie is eagerly awaited by Paddington fans of all ages, later this year.
Described by his peers as ‘a true gentleman, a bon viveur and the most enchanting of writers’, he will be forever remembered for his creation of Paddington, with his duffle coat and wellington books, which touched countless hearts and will be remembered for generations to come; whilst at the same time being a true tale of our times - a brilliant story about an immigrant bear trying to find a new home in a strange country.
Michael Bond leaves behind one of the great literary legacies of our time. May he rest in peace.
BOOK OF THE WEEK with Linda Jennings. A BEAR CALLED PADDINGTON, Michael Bond, ISBN 978-0007528622 (HARPER COLLINS) BD6.400 for Gulf Weekly Book Club members
Unabridged and illustrated in glorious full-colour throughout, this exquisite hard back gift edition of the original story of Paddington, the classic bear from Darkest Peru, is truly to be treasured.
“A bear? On Paddington station?” Mrs Brown looked at her husband in amazement. “Don’t be silly, Henry. There can’t be!”
For more than five decades, stories of Paddington Bear have delighted children all over the world. This is the classic story of the bear from Darkest Peru who arrived at Paddington Station with nothing but a suitcase, a half-empty jar of marmalade and a label that read, Please look after this bear. Thank you.’
Mr and Mrs Brown discovered him, named him Paddington and welcomed him to their home. Since then their lives have never been quite the same… for ordinary things become quite extraordinary when a bear called Paddington is involved.
READ IT NOW
OLGA DE POLGA, Michael Bond, Isbn 9780192737434 (OXFORD UNIVERSITY PRESS)
BD4.400 for Gulf Weekly Book Club members
Olga da Polga has left the pet shop to start a new life with her owners. Her home is now a large and airy hutch and it’s not long before she meets Noel the cat, Fangio the hedgehog, and Graham the tortoise. Her garden companions soon discover that Olga loves an audience and from the moment she arrives she tells them stories about her wild and exciting adventures.
Although they are not always sure whether to believe everything Olga says, one thing is certain-since Olga moved in, life is never dull! Whether she’s Olga the explorer, Olga the prize winner, or Olga the storyteller, she is always Olga da Polga!
Michael Bond’s work comes with wonderful colour illustrations by Catherine Rayner and a dazzling design, this small format hardback gift edition is perfect for young readers.
My favourite
read of the week
PADDINGTON’S COOKERY BOOK, Isbn 9780007423675 (HARPER COLLINS) BD6.400 for Gulf Weekly Book Club members
Get your paws sticky with Paddington in this fun-filled family cook book! From bear-shaped cookies to marmalade sausages, with treats from around the world, there is something for everyone in this unique collection of recipes. The perfect gift for Paddington fans of all ages!
Paddington has collected together all of his favourite recipes in this wonderful hardback family cookbook.Try your paw at bear-faced party pizzas, sticky marmalade sausages, fizzy jelly, Aunt Lucy’s guacamole, Mr Gruber’s chicken paprika and Mrs Bird’s beef stew.
Packed full of anecdotes of Paddington’s own hilarious kitchen experiences, along with memories of sampling various dishes, this book is every bit as fun to read as it is instructional!
Tie on your apron, and get stuck in!
