Collection of anniversary publishing created with celebrations beginning in June.
HarperCollins Children’s Books has created a range of anniversary publishing and a special programme of events to mark the 60th anniversary of Paddington Bear this year.
A Bear Called Paddington was first published in October 1958, with illustrations by Peggy Fortnum, and went on to become one of the best-known children’s books of all time.
The anniversary celebrations will begin in June and continue until Christmas.
The publishing launches with Paddington at St Paul’s, the last title written by Michael Bond, and a new edition of the first picture book Paddington.
In October, comes a lavish new hardback edition of the original A Bear Called Paddington, illustrated in full-colour by Peggy Fortnum, plus a new compendium of classic stories The Complete Adventures of Paddington.
Throughout the summer, Paddington will be celebrated across the country with a host of parties, storytelling events and appearances by the bear himself.
HarperCollins Children’s Books will also be launching a nationwide Paddington schools campaign to introduce the next generation of children to the delights of reading the Paddington stories.
Speaking about the anniversary, Ann-Janine Murtagh, executive publisher, said: “We are proud to have been the home of Paddington Bear for the last 60 years and most especially feel privileged to have been the publisher of his creator the late Michael Bond.
“[The stories] are as relevant to readers today as they were when he first wrote them nearly 60 years ago. We look forward to the most joyful of literary celebrations across the nation as we mark 60 years of publishing Britain’s most beloved bear.”
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