Finding Winnie: The True Story of the World's Most Famous Bear
What’s inside...
Finding Winnie: The True Story of the World's Most Famous Bear tells the incredible true story of a real bear named Winnie and her journey with Captain Harry Colebourn, a Canadian veterinarian, during World War I. Rescued as a bear cub in Ontario, Winnie travels with Colebourn to Europe and eventually to the London Zoo, where she inspires A.A. Milne's iconic character, Winnie the Pooh. The story, recounted by Colebourn's great-granddaughter Lindsay Mattick, is brought to life with evocative illustrations by Sophie Blackall and enriched with photographs and ephemera from the Colebourn family archives.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-7
Length
56 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think made the bond between Harry and Winnie so special?
Why do you think people were so drawn to Winnie's story?
How did Winnie’s journey from Canada to the London Zoo make you feel?
What can we learn from the way Harry took care of Winnie?
If you could ask Winnie one question, what would it be and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings about the story, highlighting both the happy and sad moments.
Discuss the concept of friendship and care shown in the book, relating it to the child’s own experiences with friends or pets.
Ask your child to imagine alternative endings or adventures for Winnie, encouraging creative thinking.
Use a globe or map to trace Winnie’s journey from Canada to England, making the discussion educational and interactive.
Highlight the historical aspect of the book by discussing the time period in which Winnie’s story took place, to give your child context.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Value of Compassion
Explanation: The story demonstrates compassion through the care and love that Harry Colebourn shows to Winnie, the bear cub he rescued.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of showing kindness and empathy towards animals and people.
Example Lesson: History Appreciation
Explanation: Winnie's journey from a pet to an inspiration for the character Winnie-the-Pooh introduces children to historical events and personal stories from the past.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to explore and show interest in their own family histories and the wider historical events around them.
Example Lesson: Importance of Responsible Decision-Making
Explanation: The narrative covers Harry's difficult decision to leave Winnie at the London Zoo, prioritizing her well-being over his own feelings.
Real-World Application: Teaches children the significance of making choices that consider the welfare of others, promoting a sense of responsibility.
Example Lesson: Strength of Bonds and Relationships
Explanation: The book illustrates the enduring bond between Harry and Winnie, showing how strong relationships can form under unusual circumstances.
Real-World Application: Helps children understand and value the deep connections they can make with those around them, regardless of the situation.
Example Lesson: Courage in New Beginnings
Explanation: Winnie's story begins with her adapting to new environments, first with Harry and later at the zoo.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to embrace change and new experiences, helping them to grow and learn confidently in unfamiliar situations.