Paddington Bear Celebrates His 50th Birthday in 2008

Paddington Bear, created by Michael Bond, is happily celebrating his 50th Birthday in 2008. This loveable little bear is well-known for eating marmalade and wearing a floppy hat and Wellington boots. Many of us fondly remember how Paddington Bear comes to live with the Brown family when they happen across him at a train station and read the simple instructions on a tag around his neck - "Please look after this bear. Thank you."

For 50 years now, children of all ages have delighted in looking after this bear and watching him enjoy marmalade sandwiches, which he always keeps at least one close at hand just in case of an emergency.

While Paddington may have originally come from Darkest Peru, he can quickly and easily come into your home and continue to delight children of all ages. Since Paddington celebrates two birthdays every year - June 25th and December 25th - there is plenty of time and opportunity to celebrate with Paddington on either occasion!

Paddington Bear's 50th Birthday is a particularly great reason to celebrate, throw a special tea party with marmalade, or check out any great online finds!

Links to an assortment of activities and fun things, all related to Paddington Bear, appear at the bottom of this piece. Among the things you can do:

You can visit the official Paddington Bear Web site, which contains additional information all about Paddington and his 50th Birthday.There's also a special Web site dedicated specifically to Paddington Bear's 50th Birthday.

Celebrate Paddington Bear's birthday with 33, free, fun coloring pages. These are perfect activities for teachers to incorporate into the classroom as they introduce students to this wonderful bear!

Try playing a game of Marmalade Mayhem - it's kind of like the Atari Game Kaboom only instead of falling bombs it has falling marmalade, plates,

Send a postcard of Paddington Bear to your friends.

Enter a competition to win one of three autographed copies of a new novel by Michael Bond, entitled "Paddington Here and Now." In twenty words or less, tell why you like Paddington Bear. Entry form is located here. Hurry! Your entries must be received by June 30.