Finding Winnie

Winner of the 2016 Caldecott Medal, “Finding Winnie” is an exemplary and distinguished picture book for more than Sophie Blackalls’ stunning watercolor illustrations which so accurately place the reader in the setting, incorporating them as a being within the plot. These artistically excellent illustrations are a magnificent work on their own, however, when paired with the story behind the World’s most-loved Bear, Winnie-the-Pooh, this story is sure to grab all readers (children or adults) attention and hearts remarkably and deservedly fast. Together, author Lindsay Mattick and illustrator Sophie Blackall composed a true tale surrounded by stunning representational watercolor illustrations and filled with peritextual features, beautifully used design elements, and synergy that triggers universal emotions and pulls the heart strings of every reader.Focusing on the illustrations role in the peritextual features, when viewing the opening of this book the viewer is instantly drawn into the journey by the initial full-bleed double spread that provides a glimpse into the woods that contain the adventures ahead. Both the author and the illustrator provide dedications that are short and sweet yet still encompass the importance of the very action behind the origin of Winnie-the-Pooh by stressing the “impact that one small, loving gesture can have” (L.M. Dedication). This meaning becomes clearer after reading the story; with out the loving gesture of main character, veterinarian Harry Colebourn who buys the bear cub from a trapper, there would have been no Winnie-the-Pooh to fill children’s minds with enchanted stories for years to come.The design elements in this story are extremely varied, making it appealing to practically any viewer. As the story begins as a narrative told hundred years after the time of Harry Colebourn to a his great grandson, a boy named Cole, Mattick and Blackall exemplify what is the present and past in a clear and innovative way, utilizing italics and pencil sketches in order to indicate what is the bedtime conversation between Cole and his mother and what is the tale of Harry Colebourn’s finding Winnie. Just when one is becoming lost in the past tale which takes place during WWII, Mattick incorporates mid-text interjections from Cole asking relevant questions that bring the reader back to this being a bedtime narrative shared between mother and son. The text is placed in such a way that it separates individual scenes being depicted, making the story easy to follow. The composition is continuous with the use of patterns in soft washes and realistic landscape sketches throughout the picture book. Blackall utilizes continuous narration and illustrational sequence which provide the reader with a sense that they are partaking in the journey of hearing Harry Colebourn’s story along with Cole. As the story progresses from Harry Colebourn’s home of Winnipeg to Valcartier, Canada and then to Salisbury Plain, England and finally ending at London Zoo, the reader sees notable landmarks depicted in the background such as the Stonehenge of England, allowing for prime opportunities to teach about such locations.The illustrations combine with the text with such synergy due to Blackall’s use of color and wash accurately depicting and portraying Mattick’s words, allowing the reader to really understand and feel a part of the scenes and events. As the story of Harry Colebourn and his bear cub Winnie winds to a close with Harry’s being sent to France to help with horses in the War, the illustrations display the hardship of War in a way that is accurate yet careful(this is a bedtime story after all) by utilizing bright hues and washes unlike that of the rest of the book. With Harry’s leaving, he relinquishes Winnie to the London Zoo where she is visited by a young boy named Christopher Robin. The bond between Christopher Robin and Winnie grows to be one similar to what Winnie shared with Harry Colebourn. Christopher Robin names his stuffed bear, whom he had owned for the entirety of his life but had remained unnamed: Winnie-The-Pooh. Here, the real-life story of Winnie-the-Pooh began as Christopher Robin’s father, Alan Alexander Milne, started writing stories about Christopher Robin’s and Winnie-the-Pooh’s adventures that they had together in their back woods.Together, Mattick and Blackall have put together a story that is guaranteed to resonate and stay with the reader long after the initial time through. The book ends with fascinating war-time pictures and notebook passages that provide evidence to prove the story of Harry Colebourn and Winnie. Key details stand out when re-reading that one would not notice the first time through, such as the album in Cole’s bedroom on the first page being the same as the story’s ending page. This not only reiterates Mattick’s own truth that this is a family story passed down through generations, it also is an example of the keen attention to detail that Blackall paid to Mattick’s words and used through out the story in her illustrations. With the utilization of peritextual features, key design elements, and synergy through out the story, “Finding Winnie” is a picture book that adds a heartwarming background and origin to the adored character of Winnie-the-Pooh.

Simple story, but as someone whose childhood was deeply impacted by A.A. Milne books, it was so moving to learn about and see actual documentation of the original Winnie. Beautiful illustrations. This should be a mandatory companion to any sales of Milne’s books.

A beautiful story about the Bear Winnie and how she became the model for Winnie-the-Pooh bear. The illustrations are interesting and informative.

I ordered this book to be used when I was the "mystery reader" in my grandson's third grade classroom. It sounded interesting, and it didn't disappoint. Although it is the true story of Winnie the Pooh, it wasn't the least bit childish or 'dry'. In fact, there were two fifth grade students who were unexpectedly part of the group, and they were as interested as the younger children. The book is a story within a story--a mother telling a bedtime story to her son. Through her tale, we learn about how a young bear cub travels from Canada to England during WW I and is ultimately placed in the zoo for safekeeping while his soldier/owner/friend goes off to war. Since the cub was raised around people, it has been socialized and soon befriends a frequent zoo visitor, a young boy named Christopher Robin Milne. And with that bit of information, I'm sure you can guess the wonderful connection. The books ending has a warm-hearted twist.The book contains not only has this delightful, true story but includes actual pictures of people and supporting documents that take this book from storytelling to reality in a way that children can easily understand and accept. I definitely recommend this book...well written, interesting, and has a few surprising facts that will inform a few adults as well!

I spent my summer reading dozens of children's books and this was in my top three favorites. If you love Winnie-the-Pooh, it's an absolute must read. But even if you don't, it's a wonderful story about family and war heroes and animal heroes. There is a little something inside for everyone no matter their age or interests.

A lovely book for a 4 year old and her 2 year old sister. They love it, and Mumma was so touched while reading it, she got quite teary.

This is a darling book for all those who love Winnie the Pooh. It tells the TRUE story of the origin of the fictitious bear we all love. Well done! I especially like the end where it gives actual photos and time frame of events that led up to the writing of the Winnie the Pooh stories.

Parents and caregivers, don’t expect to make it through this book with dry eyes the first time you read it. The story is fascinating, moving, and so sweet. It is one we re-read often, a true favorite in our house. It’s a hit with my 3yo even though she has not been into Winnie the Pooh series…actually I think she has become more interested in WTP after reading this book!