Winnie

Author:

Sally M. Walker

Illustrator:

Jonathan Voss

Published by:

Henry Holt and Co.

First Published:

20 Jan 2015

Ideal for readers aged

6-9y

My Review

A gentle introduction to World War One, which is the backdrop for this story, but not the focus. Instead, Walker tells the heartwarming tale of Winnie the bear whose soldier owner gives her to London Zoo when he goes to war, where he meets Christopher Robin.

A lovely book in its own right, with gorgeous watercolour illustrations that depict the context of war without its violence, it also introduces children to the involvement of America in World War One - as well as being a great jumping off point for talking about storytelling, and how as writers we can be inspired by the world around us; the people - and the bears - we meet!

Heads Up!

Like 'The Bear Who Went To War', this story raises the question of animals taken from the wild and kept in captivity - be ready to discuss this with children!

Publisher Review

Who could care for a bear? When Harry Colebourn saw a baby bear at a train station, he knew he could care for it. Harry was a veterinarian. But he was also a soldier in training during World War I. Harry named the bear Winnie, short for Winnipeg, his company's home town, and he brought her along to the military 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 went to battle? Harry found just the right place for Winnie - the London Zoo. There a boy named Christopher Robin played with Winnie-he could care for this bear too!