The Real Winnie: A One-of-a-Kind Bear. Val Shushkewich. Toronto, ON: Natural Heritage Books, 2003. 86 pp., pbk., $16.95. ISBN 1-896219-89-6. Subject Headings: Winnipeg (Bear). Colebourn, Harry, 1887 - 1947. Winnie-the-Pooh (Fictitious character). World War, 1914-1918-Canada. Grades 5 and up / Ages 10 and up. Review by Janice Foster. ***1/2 /4

excerpt:

Amazingly, the story of the real Winnie's origin remained buried, likely not even queried, for years. It was not until 1987 that the story made its way to public attention.

The Real Winnie: A One of a Kind Bear narrates the life story of a Canadian black bear that became the inspiration for the beloved story book character, Winnie the Pooh. It is the intriguing account of the journey of an orphaned cub from White River, a small railway town in Ontario, to the London Zoo. Against the setting of World War One, the reader experiences the interconnected stories of a young veterinarian, Lieutenant Harry Colebourn, a bear he purchased in White River, and the renowned author, A.A. Milne.

     Author Val Shushkewich captures the interest of the reader by skillfully incorporating Canadian history into an intriguing narrative about the story behind a popular literary character. She provides a well researched account of two lives, Harry Colebourn and a bear named Winnipeg. This account offers insight into Canadian military life during the war from the entertaining descriptions of Winnie as the regimental mascot to the factual descriptions of the horrors of trench warfare. This latter aspect of the book provides a better understanding of the roles of both the veterinarian officers and the horses who served their country. The variety of clearly captioned photographs and maps and excerpts from various sources, such as diaries and personal accounts, adds both authenticity and interest to the story. The Real Winnie: A One of a Kind Bear enables the reader to catch a glimpse of the real Winnie. Descriptions of her antics, such as those described by Jim Alldis, a London Zoo worker, and the chapter "Enter Christopher Milne," capture the real Canadian bear that has been immortalized by A. A.. Milne as Winnie the Pooh. Inclusion of current information on how White River, Winnie's birthplace, Winnipeg, the original name and home to Lieutenant Colebourn and the London Zoo recognize and celebrate their connection to this legendary bear complete this delightful story.

Highly Recommended.

Janice Foster is a middle years teacher in Pembina Trails School Division in Winnipeg, MB.

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Published by The Manitoba Library Association ISSN 1201-9364

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