Michael Bond, author of the Paddington series, has passed away at 91.
He wrote other stuff too, including a mystery series about the chef Aristide Pamplemousse. But it’s the earnest little bear from Darkest Peru that we all remember him for.
I’m glad that he got to see his creation done so well on the big screen (and had a cameo as a cafe patron who raised a glass to Paddington). I’m sure the upcoming sequel will be dedicated to him.
It’s just a shame that he decreed no one else would be allowed to write Paddington stories–not even his daughter who collaborated with him on some. I’d love to see Paddington continue on immortally and it’s not always a bad thing when new authors tackle old characters (for example, Emma Thompson’s lovely take on Peter Rabbit, or all the excellent Holmes pastiches out there like The Seven-Per-Cent-Solution or Dust and Shadows).
Anyway, RIP to a man who gave me lots of terrific childhood moments.