Paddington, the affable clumsy bear from British children's books ... and airports are never far from a flood of Paddington soft toys, replete with his signature red hat and blue duffle coat ...

Like many children in Britain, I had a stuffed Paddington Bear, but he was a B-team toy. Cultural background noise. I enjoyed the first Paddington film, and I enjoyed the second one even more.

I did prepare; I bought the soft Paddington rattle ... down the perfect Paddington bear—they really do seem to be only available in London. Paddington Toys ...

For anyone who's ever read a Michael Bond book about Paddington Bear (he wrote 29) or purchased a Paddington stuffed toy or engaged in Paddington cosplay for Halloween (it can't just be me ...