Winnie the Pooh

Written by A.A. Milne and first published in 1926, I have certainly heard of the characters and was familiar with many of the stories in this book from their Disneyfication.  I had never read the original book so as it hit #22 on Radcliffe’s Rival list I snatched it up onto my list of books to read.  If you have never read the original it is certainly worth the short amount of time it would take you to read it. 

SPOILER ALERT!  Tigger does not actually appear anywhere in this book
but I like this picture 

Milne was admittedly influenced by Kenneth Grahames’ Wind in the Willows and certainly strives for the same kind of charming characters.  I would have to say he falls a little short in that effort and at times tends to be trying too hard for preciousness, but overall it is an enjoyable read.  It is definitely something to share with the kiddies if their only exposure to Christopher Robin and company is the Disney cartoon versions.  The version I read had illustrations by Ernest H. Shepard, colored by Hilda Scott and they enhanced the story a great deal.  They are all shown there, Piglet, Rabbit, Owl, Kanga and Roo, and poor pathetic Eeyore. 

This was a nice break from some of the heavier reading we’ve been doing and I enjoyed  reading it just for fun, not expecting to get the  meaning of life out of it or anything!  It is filled with stories of friendship and silly excursions in the forest.  I would categorize it as a great book for children, although there are also many adults who could learn a thing or two by reading it.