Rereading A Bear Called Paddington by Michael Bond

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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