Do we like them?

Do we like Paddington Bear?

A character from A Bear Called Paddington (1958)

Our score: 10 out of 10. Yes, without hesitation. He is unfailingly kind and polite, and he brings out the best in people. He causes a lot of chaos, but never on purpose.

Paddington is a small, well-mannered spectacled bear from Peru. He first appeared in Michael Bond's 1958 book A Bear Called Paddington, and he has since been in dozens of books, TV series and films. He turns up at London's Paddington Station with a suitcase, an old red hat and a label asking someone to look after him. The Browns find him there and take him home. He is named after the station.

He is polite and sincere, and he believes in good manners. His marmalade sandwiches are kept under his hat for emergencies. His 'hard stare' is the strongest weapon he has. His good intentions often go wrong in slapstick ways. A trip to the barber, a bath or a shopping trip can turn into a disaster.

He scores a 10 because his flaws are harmless and his kindness is real. He is honest, and he is loyal to the Browns and to friends such as Mr Gruber. He treats everyone with the same courtesy and usually wins them over. The mess he makes is a small price for having him around.