Pooh is officially 95 years old but he doesn’t look like he has aged at all during his 9 plus decades. He is still the tubby little cubby generations of kids and adults have adored. Along with his friends in the Hundred Acre Wood, Pooh has entertained families with his antics and good intentions, even though sometimes he gets in a sticky situation, literally.
Everyone has their favorite character from the Hundred Acre Wood: Pooh, Eeyore, Owl, Tigger, Piglet, Kanga, Roo, Christopher Robin, or even Lumpy, the newest member of the gang. And each of the characters is unique. Yet they are all adorable and loveable in their own right.
A.A. Milne, along with illustrator E. H. Shepard, published their first book in October 1926. And from there the legends of The Hundred Acre Wood grew with all the fun and fantasy of the characters. The center of the stories is always Pooh. Whether he’s trying to fly up (via a balloon) to get honey from a high branch, or overeating (honey, of course) and getting stuck, this little bear always has good intentions and is a good friend to everyone.
The stories of Pooh and his friends have transcended generations. In 1971 Kenny Loggins wrote his popular song “House at Pooh Corner.” And singer/songwriter Carly Simon wrote many of the songs for the recent films.
Who doesn’t know about Winnie the Pooh? This chubby little cubby all stuffed with fluff was the childhood friend of the author’s son, which is how these stories began. The magical tales of the residents of the Hundred Acre Wood always put a smile on viewers’ faces, whether they are one or one hundred. There is no doubt the spirit of love, friendship, and family shines through every branch and twig in that place. With all of these delightful characters, we all have a place to go when we need a smile, a giggle, or a pick-me-up. Forget the Xanax, just pop in a DVD of any of the Pooh movies and before the intro song is over your spirits are already soaring, much like Pooh when he takes off with the balloon.
The Disney Company has not let this birthday go by without a commemorative plush Pooh. And with this soft, cuddly, limited edition Pooh they know he will be a “must-have” for fans of the little bear.
Who knows if Owl is really as wise as he professes to be, Piglet is really as timid as he thinks he is, Eeyore is really as sad as he tries to be, Tigger is really as bouncy as he is, Rabbit is a little grumpy as he is at times, or Kanga and Roo have the best mother/son relationship? There is a character within this group that reflects our own personalities and inner demons. At times we all feel like Eeyore, “oh woe is me,” or like a frightened Piglet, or a frustrated Rabbit, or a devoted mother or son (or daughter). But we all have a little Pooh in us. This is the part of us that is friendly to others, means well even if we mess up, and makes the best of situations, even on “blustery days.”
Happy birthday, old pal. You have been my friend for my entire life.
About the Author
Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 25 years. She also writes about products and travel. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites. She has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists, is the entertainment correspondent for Good Day Orange County, and has her own TV show, Beyond the Red Carpet, on Village Television in Orange County. She is a longstanding member of the Los Angeles Press Club and the Television Critics Association and is accredited by the MPAA. Follow her on Twitter.
