'Paddington Bear' author Michael Bond dies

Michael Bond, one of the world's best children's authors and the creator of the beloved character Paddington Bear, has died. He was 91.

He died at his home on Tuesday after a short illness.

"It is with great sadness that we announce that Michael Bond, CBE, the creator of one of Britain's best-loved children's characters, Paddington, died at home yesterday aged 91 following a short illness," HarperCollins said in a statement on Wednesday, according to Guardian online.

Michael's first book was published in 1959 and was titled "A Bear Called Paddington", about the marmalade-loving bear from Peru.

He went on to release more than 200 other children's books, featuring a range of other characters from "Olga da Polga" and "A Mouse Called Thursday."
 

Paddington remains his biggest legacy, and something that lives on in movies, TV programmes and merchandise.

The story was transformed into CGI for the 2014 live action film "Paddington". Its sequel, "Paddington 2", featuring the voice of Ben Whishaw, Brendan Gleeson, Hugh Grant, Peter Capaldi and Hugh Bonneville, is set to be released later this year.

The last Paddington novel was "Paddington's Finest Hour" which Michael published just three months ago.

Tributes poured in from figures in the literary and entertainment industry.

Bonneville, who plays Mr Brown in the film adaptation and its sequel, said in a statement, "Michael will be greatly missed by his legions of fans and especially by his wife, Sue, his family and of course by his beloved guinea pigs. He leaves a special legacy: long live the bear from darkest Peru."

Presenter and writer Stephen Fry tweeted, "So sorry to hear that Michael Bond has departed. He was as kindly, dignified, charming & lovable as the immortal Paddington Bear he gave us."

Children's author and comedian David Walliams wrote, "I had the great pleasure of spending time with #MichaelBond A dazzling wit & perfect gentleman. On meeting him I realised he was #Paddington.