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.

What Kind of Book is Finding Winnie

Reviews

Lemony Snickers

4.00

Finding Winnie is a surprisingly interesting book about where the name for Winnie the Pooh comes from. The entire story was brand new for me. I don't think children will appreciate the book or finding it as interesting as adults might, but it's fun, if a little sad, to learn the story about the real bear named Winnie. The book includes some interesting facts about World War I and also includes illustrations of recovered soldiers, including an amputee. It's a worthwhile read, but not likely a book that young readers will be interested in re-reading often.

The Goodfather

6.50

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The Creatives Behind the Book

Author

Lindsay Mattick

Lindsay Mattick, great-granddaughter of Harry Colebourn, has shared Winnie’s story around the world. She lives with her family in Toronto, Canada.

Illustrator

Sophie Blackall

Sophie Blackall (www.sophieblackall.com) is the illustrator of several award-winning picture books, including Meet Wild Boars by Meg Rosoff, Pecan Pie Baby by Jacqueline Woodson, Big Red Lollipop (by Rukhsana Khan), and the Ivy and Bean books by Annie Barrows. Her many honors include a BCCB Blue Ribbon, Ezra Jack Keats New Illustrator Award, Society of Illustrators Founders Award, Publishers Weekly Best Children’s Book, Book Sense 76 Pick, and New York Times Top Ten Picture Book. Her artwork has also appeared in murals as part of the New York City MTA’s “Arts for Transit” program. Previously she has had jobs in a shoe shop and a robot factory. She lives in Brooklyn, New York.

Awards Given to Finding Winnie

Caldecott Medal

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