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Finding Winnie: The Story of the Real Bear Who Inspired Winnie-the-Pooh

On sale

11th August 2016

Price: £6.99

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Selected: Paperback / ISBN-13: 9781408340240

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Before there was Winnie-the-Pooh, there was a real bear named Winnie . . .

Here begins the moving true story of a real bear adopted by soldiers during World War One. The inspiration behind the nation’s best-loved bear, Winnie-the-Pooh.

In 1914, Harry Colebourn, a vet on his way to tend horses in World War One, followed his heart and rescued a baby bear. He named her Winnie and he took her to war. In this very special book, Harry Colebourn’s great-granddaughter tells the true story of this remarkable friendship, and an even more remarkable journey. From the fields of Canada to an army base in England, and finally to London Zoo, where Winnie made another new friend. A boy called Christopher Robin . . .

Finding Winnie was the winner of the 2016 Caldecott Medal

Reviews

Red Reading Hub
How deftly and magically the author weaves this historical story: it's one that includes not only history but geography too. Equally magical are Sophie Blackall's watercolour illustrations...A winning combination through and through
The School Run
Winnie's incredible tale is brought to life by the great-grandaughter of Winnie's rescuer in this fascinating picture book.
The Guardian
The gorgeous story of the friendship between a soldier ... and the real bear who inspired Winnie the Pooh.
Good Reads
The true story of a remarkable friendship and an even more remarkable journey
FT.com
This fascinating true story is brought delightfully to life in Finding Winnie. Mattick's lilting narrative is complemented by Sophie Blackall's dreamily soft ink-and-watercolour drawings.
The New York Times
Gorgeously illustrated ... delightful
Manchester Evening News
This is one of the sweetest tales I've read in a long time -- and it's based on a true story, which makes it all the more poignant ... The story is utterly enchanting from start to finish and beautifully illustrated too
Western Morning News
This is a beautifully inspired story for children
Daily Mail
Utterly captivating ... A perfect introduction to the Pooh Corner adventures for generations to come
Parents in Touch
Beautifully illustrated, in effective muted tones