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

Description

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

Lindsay Mattick, the great-granddaughter of Captain Harry Colebourn, grew up thinking of Winnie-the-Pooh as her owngreat-grandbear. She has shared Winnie's story as a radio documentary, spearheaded an original exhibition, and traveled to the UK to commemorate Harry and Winnie's experience in World War I. She works at Narrative Public Relations, and lives with her family in Toronto, Canada. Sophie Blackall is a celebrated artist whose work has appeared in the bestselling Ivy and Bean series; in multiple glorious, award-winning picture books; as part of a worldwide pro-vaccination campaign toeradicate measles; and on a renowned New York subway poster.

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 * Red Reading Hub * Winnie's incredible tale is brought to life by the great-grandaughter of Winnie's rescuer in this fascinating picture book. * The School Run * The gorgeous story of the friendship between a soldier ... and the real bear who inspired Winnie the Pooh. * The Guardian * The true story of a remarkable friendship and an even more remarkable journey * Good Reads * 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. * FT.com * Gorgeously illustrated ... delightful * The New York Times * 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 * Manchester Evening News * This is a beautifully inspired story for children * Western Morning News * Utterly captivating ... A perfect introduction to the Pooh Corner adventures for generations to come * Daily Mail * Beautifully illustrated, in effective muted tones * Parents in Touch *