大象传媒

Some of the most enduring characters in English children's literature are bears.

Paul Vaughan explores the stories behind their stories - and the hidden messages that bears can carry.

He begins with the behind-the-scenes creation of Paddington Bear based on author Michael Bond's memories of young Second World War evacuees and his experiences of people displaced during wartime.

With:

Julia Eccleshare
Marina Warner
Zookeeper - Ray Charter

First published in the UK in 1958, extracts of 'A Bear Called Paddington' are read by Jonathan Keeble.

Author Michael Bond died aged 91 in 2017.

Producer: Beaty Rubens

First broadcast on 大象传媒 Radio 4 in December 2003.