Great Novels: Winnie the Pooh

I've been reading Winnie the Pooh by A. A. Milne to my almost 2 year old daughter over the last couple of months. I'm not sure if you could so much call Pooh a novel as a series of short stories (though the stories are connected somewhat). One thing I did not know before reading the book was that it is a series of stories that Milne wrote for his son Christopher Robin. Reading the book knowing this gives a perspective making the book even sweeter than just some cute, whimsical stories being written for just any child.

I really liked the book. I can not say for sure that the book is great for children or anything. I mean my daughter liked it but I think right now she just likes it when I read anything to her. But the stories are definitely simple and entertaining. There are some bits of the book that I think might go over the head of children, the subtle arrogance of some of the characters some of the strangeness in the humor. Milne seems to be writing for the adults reading to their children at times, which I think makes for any great children's book (or cartoon).

You are probably familiar with the Disney's interpretation of Winnie the Pooh. I had always heard that the Disney version is nothing like the original book. I was a little surprised to find that they are at least similar. The characters are similar and many of the plots for the movies are at least based on some of the stories in the book. The new Winnie the Pooh movie even has dialog that is taken completely out of the book.

One thing that isn't in the book that you may miss if if you are a fan of the Disney movies is Tigger but never fear there is a sequel to Winnie the Pooh, The House at Pooh Corner, which I am planning on getting eventually...

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