LANDMARK YEAR FOR NATIONAL TREASURE ~ PADDINGTON BEAR IS 50!

HarperCollins Children’s Books Celebrate Paddington’s 50^th anniversary with a brand new novel!

Paddington Here and Now by Michael Bond

Published 2^nd June 2008, £10.99 hardback

As Paddington Bear approaches his half-century, ahost of anniversary events will be taking place across the country to celebrate 50 years of Britain’s favourite marmalade-loving bear, who first began as a children’s book character and has gone on to become a national icon, even having starred in his own TV series!

Paddington Bear first appeared from Darkest Peru in October 1958, in A Bear Called Paddington, written by Michael Bond. This cheerful bear has delighted generations of readers with his warmth and good intentions – and the hilarious sticky situations these intentions tend to result in. To date Paddington books have sold more than 35 million copies worldwide and are available in more than 40 languages.

HarperCollins Children’s Books are extremely proud to have been publishing Paddington stories from the very beginning, and to celebrate this landmark year are delighted to be releasing the first new Paddington novel for thirty years, by original creator Michael Bond OBE. Paddington Here and Now maintains the usual blend of mishap and hilarity that Paddington has come to represent, but life at Number 32 Windsor Gardens is considerably enlivened by the arrival, out of the blue, of a mysterious stranger, who not only disturbs the normal peace and quiet but forces Paddington to consider where his ‘home’ really is. Long-awaited and much-anticipated, this brand new book celebrates the enduring charm of the world-famous bear, and is sure to be a hit with old fans and new readers alike. In addition,

HarperCollins Children’s Books will be publishing a variety of Paddington re-issues and new formats to celebrate the anniversary year.

Paddington’s actual birthday will be celebrated on 25^th June, while first publication of A Bear Called Paddington is marked on 13^th October, but it is World Book Day that signals the beginning of the 50^th anniversary celebrations. Michael Bond has been chosen as one of WBD’s £1 Reads authors to highlight this nationwide celebration of books and reading that reaches over 13 million school children across the UK and Republic of Ireland. To honour the event, which takes place on Thursday 6^th March, Michael has created yet another brand new Paddington story, Paddington Rules the Waves, a counting picture book for young readers.

Other exciting anniversary events include a one-off special on BBC Radio 4, in which children’s author Michael Morpurgo talks to the public about the history of Paddington Bear and invites listeners to phone in with their memories.  Please Look After This Bear will air on BBC Radio 4 on Saturday 1^st March at 10.30am.

A range of anniversary products will be launched throughout 2008, including clothing, footwear, toys, stationery, gift confectionary treats, garden accessories, aprons and even rugs, for fans young and old.  Rainbow Designs are marking Paddington’s 50^th anniversary with a new range of products styled in the classic, nostalgic look of the 1970s Paddington Bear TV series.

A special website has been created to keep everyone informed about this very special anniversary year: visit www.paddington50th.com for more information on Paddington, media news and updates on anniversary events and activities.