A.A. Milne’s Winnie-the-Pooh has been a beloved story for almost 100 years since its original publication in 1926 with its charming characters and earnest humor enchanting kids of all ages. Here’s a list of some of our favorite quotes, moments, and lessons that have stood the test of time.
“Pooh felt that he ought to say something helpful about it, but didn’t quite know what. So he decided to do something helpful instead” (47).
Pooh’s decision to help Eeyore find his missing tail just goes to show that when we don’t have the right words to express our sympathy to someone, actions can have a huge impact in their place.
“And then this Bear, Pooh Bear…said something so clever that Christopher Robin could only look at him with his mouth open and eyes staring, wondering if this was really the Bear of Very Little Brain whom he had known and loved so long” (144).
Throughout the story, it is often joked about that Pooh is the silly one of the group with very few thoughts about anything other than honey. But, when his friends are in a time of need, Pooh steps up and defies all expectations. He becomes the hero of the day and proves himself to be smarter than anyone thought.
“A little consideration, a little Thought for Others, makes all the difference,” (122).
This quote, from Eeyore, speaks for itself.
“‘It’s hard to be brave,’ said Piglet, sniffing slightly, ‘when you’re only a Very Small Animal.’ Rabbit, who had begun to write very busily, looked up and said: ‘It is because you are a very small animal that you will be Useful in the adventure before us.’” (94).
This is one of my favorite quotes from this book. Piglet’s small size, which he sees as a weakness, is seen by Rabbit as a strength. Their differences do not make one weaker than the other, but rather give each of them unique abilities to help everyone around them. It took a little encouragement from a friend for him to realize it, but Piglet is strong in his own way!
In two chapters, “We are Introduced to Winnie-the-Pooh and Some Bees, and the Stories Begin” and “Eeyore has a Birthday and Gets Two Presents,” balloons make shockingly useful tools for saving the day. In the first, a balloon helps Pooh’s attempt to get honey from a beehive. In the second, it is given to Eeyore as a gift! Just some food for thought—creativity is key!
PRR Writer and Editor, Bethany Harrison
“‘Pooh hasn’t much Brain, but he never comes to any harm… Owl hasn’t exactly got Brain, but he Knows Things…There’s Rabbit. He hasn’t Learnt in Books, but he can always Think of a Clever Plan…’” (131).
All of our pals in the forest are very different from one another, and that’s what makes them such good friends. While Pooh may not know how to read and write as well as Owl, and Piglet may not have as much life experience as Rabbit, they all respect each other’s strengths and work together to put their various types of knowledge and talents to good use.
“How sweet to be a Cloud
Floating in the Blue!
Every little cloud
Always sings aloud.
How sweet to be a Cloud
Floating in the Blue!
It makes him very proud
To be a little cloud.” (17)
One of Pooh’s most charming characteristics is his skilled lyricism and impressive ability to create an original song at any given moment. These songs typically feature eloquent rhymes and word play (very advanced for a Bear of Very Little Brain). Pooh has a song for any situation, using his creativity to share experiences with his friends and express his feelings. A song a day keeps the Heffalump away!
“‘I have been Foolish and Deluded,’ said he, ‘and I am a Bear of No Brain at All.’
‘You’re the Best Bear in All the World,’ said Christopher Robin soothingly.
‘Am I?’ said Pooh hopefully’” (43).
We all get blue every now and then, and may find it hard to remember the best things about ourselves. In times like these, turn to your closest friends and let them help you see your true self. Good friends—like Christopher Robin—provide encouragement when you need it most.
Pooh and his friends in the Hundred Acre Wood are a friendly bunch, but they’re not always excited about change. When Kanga and Roo come to live in the woods, Piglet believes a rumor that Kanga is
“One of the Fiercer Animals” (93).
But once they all get to know each other and after a very elaborate kidnapping scheme (not recommended), they realize that Kanga is a Very Kind and Nurturing Animal indeed. This just goes to show the importance of getting to know someone before you make your mind up about them.
Like, say, honey. Just a small pot of honey, when it’s time for a little something. And maybe some more a bit later, when you get another rumbly in your tumbly. If there’s one thing Winnie-the-Pooh believes in, it’s treating yourself.
PRR Writer and Editor, Chloe Penna