What is Paddington Bear’s signature polite request?

Paddington Bear’s signature polite request is “Please look after this bear.” The wording appears on the label attached to him when the Brown family discovers him at Paddington station.

The message immediately explains why the Browns take responsibility for the small bear. It also establishes one of the central ideas of the stories: Paddington is vulnerable in an unfamiliar country, but kindness and hospitality give him a home.

The phrase is often linked with the character’s first appearance in A Bear Called Paddington, published in 1958. It is not simply a slogan added for later merchandise; it is part of the original setup of the story.

Paddington’s politeness is a recurring comic and moral feature. Even when his actions cause accidents, he generally tries to behave courteously and to do what he believes is right.