Michael Bond, author of the beloved Paddington Bear, was born on January 13th in Newbury, Berkshire, England. He served in the British army from 1944-1947. After his military service, Bond worked for the British Broadcasting Corporation as a writer, an engineer's assistant, and a television cameraman. Paddington Bear was born on Christmas Eve when he spotted a small, solitary bear in a large London store. He bought it for his wife and they called it Paddington. Bond started to write about the bear in 1958 and A Bear Called Paddington was published. Paddington immediately charmed young readers with his earnest intentions and humorous misadventures. He became a full time writer in 1965.

Bond also authored some tales based on guinea pigs he had as pets as a child, and The Tales of Olga da Polga was selected as an ALA Notable book in 1971. Bond is currently serving as director of Paddington and Company Ltd.