Who doesn't know and love this bear? He has to be one of the most favourite bears about, and it's his day today, so let's celebrate! 
It is celebrated every year on the birthday of A.A. Milne and I can't think of anybody that would want to give this a miss. 

Winnie the Pooh first appeared in the 1920s, together with all his mates, Piglet, Tigger and Eeyore. They were based on toys owned by the author's son, who was also in the stories and called Christopher Robin. 

The name Winnie was taken from the author's teddy bear, and the Pooh part was the nickname of a swan he met on holiday. The rest of the names, apart from those mentioned, were just pure figments of his imagination. 

The stories are set in the ancient Ashdown Forest in East Sussex, and the illustrations in the book are often of scenes in the forest. It is an area of outstanding natural beauty

 The first Pooh stories were in a special edition of the Evening Standard at Christmas in 1924 and the first book about a year later. 

The brand stayed in the Milne family until 1930 when Stephen Slesinger bought the rights and Milne got a $1,000 payment plus 66% of the income generated by Slesinger's efforts.  During the next 30 years, it became a $50 million-a-year franchise!

Pooh stopped being a storybook character and grew into a film star, musician, and toy brand. And he had a presence all over the world. Fortunately, Slesinger and the Milne family stayed true to the original character of Winnie the Pooh. 

Thankfully, today, there are lots of ways to celebrate this wonderfully fun day. You can read some of the books, watch some of the films, or even recreate his favourite recipes from the books!  Or if you really want to celebrate, why not visit Pooh Corner in Hatfield, East Sussex, where the books were written, pick up a map and follow in his footsteps, and even play a game of Poohsticks on the original bridge. What a great day out that would be!

Well, however you celebrate it, have fun and let's have our own fun with "a bear of very little brains" so please post anything Winnie the Pooh related, and enjoy the day!

All are welcome.
And please feel free to share all discussions you enjoy.