
Rereading A Bear Called Paddington by Michael Bond
From Rereading Our Childhood by Mary Grace McGeehan and Deborah Kalb
January 22, 2026 · 35 min · Season 3 · Episode 11
About this episode
Deborah introduces Mary Grace to A Bear Called Paddington, discussing its themes and cultural significance.
On this episode, Deborah introduces Mary Grace to A Bear Called Paddington, the first book in the beloved series about a bear from Peru who ends up living with a London family. We discuss Paddington’s timeless appeal to children, his status as a British icon, and how the book can be read as a refugee’s story. Mentioned on this episode: Paddington, the 2014 movie (trailer here) “Paddington Bear, Refugee,” by Rebecca Mead, The New Yorker, June 28, 2017 Olga da Polga series by Michael Bond Monsi...
People in this episode
Host: Deborah
Guest: Mary Grace
Topics covered
- children's literature
- refugee stories
- British culture
- iconic characters
- book discussions
Keywords
- Paddington
- children's books
- refugee narrative
- Michael Bond
- British icon
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: The New Yorker
Books & works: A Bear Called Paddington, Paddington, Paddington Bear, Refugee, Olga da Polga series, Paddington, the 2014 movie
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