A life in books: The late Paddington author Michael Bond on his earliest reading memories
The author of the stories about the world’s most famous bear, Paddington, has died aged 91.
Michael Bond was still dreaming up new adventures for his most famous creation – Paddington Bear – right up until his death at the age of 91.
His publisher HarperCollins announced that the author died at home on Tuesday after a short illness.
In his latest and final book, Paddington’s Finest Hour (the 15th featuring Peru’s furriest export, who turns 60 next year), which was published in April, the hapless bear stars in a TV cookery show and has a run-in with the police.
As the world pays tribute to the remarkable writer, in one of his last interviews – conducted by the Press Association in April, he shared his earliest reading memories and favourite books with book reviews editor, Kate Whiting:
What are your early memories of reading as a child?
I never went to bed without a story.
Did you have a favourite place to read?
Under the bedclothes, with the aid of a torch.
What was your favourite children’s book growing up?
The Swiss Family Robinson. I loved it because of all the practical things they did in the way of making boots from what they found, and the mother’s bottomless handbag.
What was the last book you read?
A Room In Paris by Peggy Mann.
What is your most treasured book and why?
My photograph album, because it has all the family photographs over the years.
