Library Screens Animalistic Animated Adventure

By TRILBY BERESFORD | Reporter

Paddington Bear first came into our lives via the 1958 children’s book “A Bear Called Paddington,” written by Michael Bond and illustrated by Peggy Fortnum.

Books appeared at rapid speed from then on, all the way until Harper Collins published the final story in 2018. Yes, there have been 60 years of this charming, fashion-forward bear.

Hailing from Peru, he has a dark past. Like Batman, his parents died when he was young, so a well-meaning family in London adopted him.

Paddington doesn’t fight crime, though he does get into trouble. His various mishaps have made him as lovably famous as Winnie the Pooh, Harry Potter, Thomas the Tank Engine, Fred Flintstone and Donald Duck.

Numerous television adaptations have emerged during Paddington’s tenure that involve stop-motion animation and puppetry, most notably the 1975 BBC animated series and the 1989 American/British co-production that featured prolific voice actor Charlie Adler as Paddington.

The first major film version—computer-animated, of course—was made in 2014 by British director and writer Paul King. Ben Whishaw voices Paddington, and Imelda Staunton—one of the greatest living actresses—voices Aunt Lucy.

It was nominated for Best British Film and Best Adapted Screenplay at the 2015 BAFTA awards. The following year, Fortnum passed away at the age of 96.

On the back of the film’s success, “Paddington 2” was green lit for production. King returned to direct this sequel, with Whishaw and Staunton reprising their roles. During post-production, Bond died at age 91. The film was dedicated to his memory.

Reviews praised its “warm heart” and “razor-sharp wit,” declaring it an “all-ages triumph.” Again it was nominated multiple times at the 2018 BAFTAs.

Clearly on a roll, director King is now attached to a live-action adaptation of Disney’s “Pinocchio” and “Untitled Willy Wonka Project.”

To explore the wonder that is Paddington Bear, visit Palisades Branch Library at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 8, and experience “Paddington 2” in all its glory.