The Extraordinary Journey of Winnie & Great War - A Tale by Sophie Blackall

Once upon a time, in the midst of one of the world's most devastating wars, a little bear named Winnie captured the hearts of soldiers and civilians alike. This is not just any bear, but a bear with a remarkable story, a story that has inspired generations and served as a symbol of hope and resilience. Join us on a journey through history as we unravel the extraordinary adventure of Winnie and her connection to the Great War.

A Chance Encounter at a Train Station

It all began in 1914, when a young veterinarian named Harry Colebourn bought a small bear cub from a trapper in White River, Ontario. Little did he know that this cub, whom he named Winnipeg, would become an icon in the years to come. Harry was on his way to participate in the war effort and decided to bring the bear along.

During a stopover at a train station in Ontario, Harry and Winnipeg met a young soldier who instantly fell in love with the adorable cub. The soldier, named Lieutenant Harry Colby, would later become known as the inspiration behind A. A. Milne's beloved character, Christopher Robin. Sensing a special bond between the bear and the soldier, Harry Colebourn decided to leave Winnipeg in the care of the London Zoo before heading off to war.

Winnie's Great War

by Sophie Blackall (Kindle Edition)

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	37004 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	257 pages

FREE

A Symbol of Comfort and Respite

Winnie soon became a beloved resident at the London Zoo, attracting numerous visitors who were enchanted by her gentle demeanor. Among her many visitors were a young boy named Christopher Robin Milne and his father, A. A. Milne. Inspired by their interactions with the bear, A. A. Milne wrote a series of stories centered around the character Winnie-the-Pooh, which eventually became a timeless classic.

But Winnie's impact didn't stop there. She also provided a sense of comfort and respite to soldiers during the war. Many soldiers would visit her at the zoo, finding solace in her presence and drawing strength from her unwavering spirit. Winnie became an emblem of hope amidst the chaos, reminding people of the innocence and joy that could still be found even in the darkest of times.

An Unforgettable Legacy

Today, Winnie's legacy lives on through the tales of Winnie-the-Pooh and the countless lives she touched. Sophie Blackall, a renowned children's author and illustrator, has beautifully captured Winnie's story in her book, "Finding Winnie: The True Story of the World's Most Famous Bear." Through her detailed illustrations and captivating narration, Blackall takes readers on a poignant journey back in time.

Blackall's book serves as a testament to the enduring power of Winnie's story and the capacity it has to inspire and educate. It beautifully encapsulates the bond between humans and animals, the importance of kindness, and the impact individuals can make in times of adversity.

In

Winnie and her connection to the Great War remind us of the resilience and hope that can be found even in the most challenging circumstances. Her story continues to be celebrated and cherished by individuals of all ages, highlighting the enduring legacy of this extraordinary bear.

Winnie's Great War

by Sophie Blackall (Kindle Edition)

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	37004 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	257 pages

FREE

From the creative team behind the bestselling, Caldecott Medal--winning Finding Winnie comes an extraordinary wartime adventure seen through the eyes of the world's most beloved bear.

Here is a heartwarming imagining of the real journey undertaken by the extraordinary bear who inspired Winnie-the-Pooh. From her early days with her mama in the Canadian forest, to her remarkable travels with the Veterinary Corps across the country and overseas, and all the way to the London Zoo where she met Christopher Robin Milne and inspired the creation of the world's most famous bear, Winnie is on a great war adventure.

This beautifully told story is a triumphant blending of deep research and magnificent imagination. Infused with Sophie Blackall's irresistible renderings of an endearing bear, the book is also woven through with entries from Captain Harry Colebourn's real wartime diaries and contains a selection of artifacts from the Colebourn Family Archives. The result is a one-of-a-kind exploration into the realities of war, the meaning of courage, and the indelible power of friendship, all told through the historic adventures of one extraordinary bear.