
By Sally M. Walker, Jonathan D. Voss (Illustrator)
A soldier's bear becomes a beloved mascot, but who will care for her when duty calls?
Veterinarian and soldier Harry Colebourn buys a bear cub, Winnie, during World War I. As Winnie becomes the regiment's mascot, Harry faces a dilemma: who will care for her when he goes to war? Discover how Winnie finds a new friend in a boy named Christopher Robin at the London Zoo, sparking the tale of Winnie the Pooh. This heartwarming story reveals the origins of a beloved classic, exploring themes of friendship and responsibility.
Who could care for a bear?
When Harry Colebourn saw a baby bear for sale at the train station, he knew he could care for it. Harry was a veterinarian. But he was also a soldier in training for World War I.
Harry named the bear Winnie, short for Winnipeg, his company’s home town, and he brought her along to the training camp in England. Winnie followed Harry everywhere and slept under his cot every night. Before long, she became the regiment’s much-loved mascot.
But who could care for the bear when Harry had to go to the battleground in France? Harry found just the right place for Winnie while he was away – the London Zoo. There a little boy named Christopher Robin came along and played with Winnie – he could care for this bear too!
Sally Walker’s heartwarming story, paired with Jonathan Voss’s evocative illustrations, brings to life the story of the real bear who inspired Winnie the Pooh.
5.4
out of 7
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