Lindsay Mattick, Author
Sophie Blackall, Illustrator
Little, Brown and Company, Oct. 20, 2015
Suitable for Ages: 4-8
Themes: Bear, True Story, Canadian Soldier, Mascot, London Zoo, Christopher Robbins
Opening: “Could you tell me a story?” asked Cole. “It’s awfully late.” It was long past dark, and a time to be asleep. “What kind of story?” “You know. A true story. One about a Bear.”
Book Synopsis: Before Winnie-the-Pooh, there was a real bear named Winnie.
In 1914, Harry Colebourn, a veterinarian on his way to tend horses in World War I, followed his heart and rescued a baby bear. He named her Winnie, after his hometown of Winnipeg, and he took the bear to war.
Harry Colebourn’s real-life great-granddaughter tells the true story of a remarkable friendship and an even more remarkable journey — from the fields of Canada to a convoy across the ocean to an army base in England…
And finally to the London Zoo, where Winnie made another new friend: a real boy named Christopher Robin. Here is the remarkable true story of the bear who inspired Winnie-the-Pooh.
Why I like this book:
This is an inspiring true story by Lindsay Mattick about the origins of the most famous bear ever — Winnie-the-Pooh. It will rekindle memories of adults who loved this bear and appeal to their children and grandchildren. It is a heartwarming story for the entire family.
It is a revelation for me to learn that there is a family connection to the endearing story about this globally well-loved bear. The author is the great-granddaughter of Harry Colebourn, the soldier-veterinarian who found the little bear and named him Winnie. Her storytelling is warm and friendly and filled with little-known details about the bear. It was a special treat to see the album of pictures of Winnie with Colebourn, the platoon members, at the London Zoo and with the original Christopher Robbins Milne. Children who love Milne’s classic Winnie-the-Pooh stories, will be captivated by the bear’s history. Sophie Blackall’s watercolor illustrations are warm and beautifully expressive. They compliment and add charm to this lovely story.
Resources/Activities: Read your favorite Winnie-the-Pooh book, whether Milne’s original stories or the Disney series. Encourage kids to draw a picture of Winnie and pick out a favorite quote. Check out the teacher’s guide for using Finding Winnie with students.
Pat, I love that the author has a connection to the real Winnie and Colbourne. This book has been on mu TBR list for a while. Loved this review!
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Yes, I loved the family connection and how the great granddaughter is telling her son about Winnie. Glad you enjoyed the review.
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I also featured this book on my blog today! I really enjoyed this — there’s so much to learn from about writing non-fiction that pulls in the reader, and just so interesting to see the impact of this story across generations.
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We are in sync today. I love the impact of this story on readers across many generations. I know I was unaware of the true story that inspired the original Winnie the Pooh series.
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I have always loved the fact that Winnie the Pooh was named after Winnipeg. This is a wonderful story and even more special as it is written by the great granddaughter of the real bear´s owner. Thanks for featuring it.
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I didn’t realize the bear was named after Winnipeg. This is a special book to read children along with the many Winnie the Pooh stories.
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Wonderful review – such an endearing book. I hope it builds the connection to the original Pooh for today’s young readers, and not the “Disney-fied” version that is more prevalent.
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Yes, I share your hope. Young readers need to know that true stories inspire books like Winnie the Pooh. Makes for a great discussion with children.
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It’s so interesting to learn the story behind a classic!
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I feel the same way. It adds something special since the author can pass the family history down to her children.
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This is a wonderful book. Better knowing it was written by a family member to preserve their history. A must read for all ages.
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Yes, I agree. I love that it was written by a family member!
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Great review of a much-loved book. I loved the family connection, too, and learning that Winnie really did live – and not just in the hearts and minds of Winnie-the-Pooh lovers.
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I’m happy you enjoyed the book. I think adults really love the real story due to so many memories.
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Thank you for this one Pat, definitely one for me! All of my children were brought up with Winnie the Pooh, in books and on film and he was a particular favourite of my second son, named Christopher, (now 34). Aged about 2 he appropriated my Pooh teddy bear, taking him everywhere, dragging the poor thing around by his arm. I still have the bear, elongated arms and all!
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I’m pleased you enjoyed the true story. Thank you for sharing the story about your son loving your Pooh teddy bear. Glad you still have him. You probably read the original books to your children.
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I read this to my class last year. Fabulous book!
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Yes, I imagine your class loved the true story. It’s a book that crosses generations and brings back memories.
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