Michael Bond wrote the Paddington Bear books, about the creature from ‘darkest Peru’ who is found at the railway station. This polite bear was actually inspired by refugee children that his family housed during the Second World War. He was the original illegal immigrant!
Mrs Brown says that in London everyone is different. And that means anyone can fit in. I think she must be right. Because although I don’t look like anyone else, I really do feel at home.
Michael remembered seeing the children all with labels with their names and addresses, carrying a tiny bag or parcel with favourite items (the inspiration for the jar of marmalade).
Based on the South American spectacled bear, which is now endangered, due to habitat loss.
A wise bear always keeps a marmalade sandwich in his hat, in case of emergency. Paddington Bear
