Somewhere, a Boy and a Bear: A.A. Milne and the Creation of Winnie-the-Pooh

Winnie-the-Pooh author A.A. Milne had “uncanny access to the secrets of the human heart,” contends journalist Brandreth (Elizabeth) in this affectionate account of the children’s classic. Born in London in 1882, Milne had early success with his novels and plays, including the 1919 comedy Mr. Pim Passes By. But it was his son, Christopher Robin, who inspired Milne’s best-known work. After Christopher received a teddy bear for his first birthday in 1921, it quickly became his ever-present companion. Milne fictionalized Christopher’s relationship with the bear and his other stuffed animals (Eeyore, Piglet, and Owl) in a series of children’s stories, which were compiled and published as Winnie-the-Pooh in 1926. Filled with puns, nonsense, and “a touch of poetry,” the stories of a boy, his bear, and their search for honey in the enchanting Hundred Acre Woods captured the mystery and magic of childhood. Their immense success brought fame and fortune to the Milne family, but also caused rifts. Christopher grew to resent his father for using him to achieve fame, but his views mellowed later in life, according to Brandreth, who interviewed Christopher before his death in 1996. Through extensive archival research and his own pleasant memories of the Pooh books, Brandreth successfully demonstrates why millions continue to find joy in that “silly old bear.” Fans will be delighted. (Dec.)