A.A. MILNE’S BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS
National Winnie the Pooh Day:
Pre-Prep celebrate A.A. Milne on his birthday and the legacy his books and poetry left
“You’re braver than you believe,
Stronger than you seem,
And smarter than you think.”
– Winnie the Pooh by A.A. Milne
On the 21st August, a little boy, named Christopher Robin, received a bear on his birthday. Originally named Edward, after a trip to the London Zoo, young Christopher re-named his bear Winnie after a black bear he met at the Zoo. Milne witnessed the joy the bear brought to his son and wanted this to transpire to children all over the globe. So, five years later, A.A. Milne published “Winnie the Pooh”. The start of literary phenomenon.
100 years later and readers are still delighted by the witty comments and tender friendships of Pooh and his friends, who live together in the Hundred Acre Wood. On this national ‘Winnie the Pooh Day’, and the birthday of the beloved A.A. Milne, Pre-Prep are celebrating his legacy by indulging in Milne’s literature, watching Winnie the Pooh and of course making and eating honey sandwiches.
The tales of Pooh and his friends are not only delightful reads, but they also contain important messages, ones we can take inspiration from as we navigate the ups and downs of life.
Here are five life lessons we can learn from Winnie the Pooh:
1. Live in the moment
When Pooh asks Piglet what day it is, he is told by his friend that it is ‘today’. There is no time like the present, stop worrying about the future, appreciate the here and now!
2. Check up on your friends regularly
Just like Eeyore, we all feel a little blue sometimes, so it is important that we make a concerted effort to support those around us.
3. Celebrate your individuality
Tigger, the bounciest member of the group, knows he is different from his friends, but he embraces his uniqueness, he is confident in who he is, and he does not let other people’s opinions or beliefs influence the person he is.
4. Have patience and faith
“Rivers know this: There is no hurry. We shall get there some day.”
5. It’s ok to do nothing
Life can be overwhelming. With constant worries circling in our brains, sometimes it is important to take a step back. Pooh takes the time every day to relax and reminds his friends not to underestimate the importance of unwinding.
So, thank you Winnie for being prevalent in so many individuals’ lives. Not only have you entertained children for decades, but your voice is an exceptional example of love and friendship.
