Olga Da Polga

Michael Bond (1926-2017) was a beloved British author best known for creating the iconic Paddington Bear character. Born in Newbury, Berkshire, he served in the Royal Air Force during World War II. After the war, Bond worked as a BBC cameraman before becoming a writer. His first Paddington Bear book, "A Bear Called Paddington," was published in 1958 and became an instant success. The series has since sold over 35 million copies worldwide. Bond received numerous awards for his work, including the British Book Awards Children's Fiction Award (1997) and the Order of the British Empire (2015). He was also a recipient of the Carnegie Medal and the Nestlé Children's Book Prize. Bond's enduring legacy lies in the creation of Paddington Bear, a compassionate and endearing character adored by generations of readers. His stories continue to inspire and charm audiences around the world.