Published in the mid-1920’s, in the shadow of the First World War, “Winnie-the-Pooh” written by A.A Milne, tells the tale of a kind-hearted, honey-loving teddy bear and his adventures with his friends Piglet, Tigger, Eeyore, Rabbit, Owl, Kanga, Roo, and a young human boy named Christopher Robin. Winnie-the-Pooh was inspired by the author A.A Milne’s son, Christopher Robin, and his favorite stuffed toys, along with a real bear named Winnipeg at the London Zoo.  Winnipeg was tame and gentle, she had become hugely popular with the visitors at the zoo, especially children. A regular visitor was A.A Milne himself, and his son Christopher. Christopher loved Winnipeg so dearly that he eventually renamed his teddy bear Winnie. 

For 100 years, Winnie-the-Pooh has been an imaginary world for young kids to escape to, bringing joy, and a nostalgic feeling in every book, show, and movie. Because this milestone occurred before Walt Disney licensed the characters in 1961, Winnie-the-Pooh’s 25th anniversary  celebrations focused entirely on the legacy of the original literature by A.A Milne and Ernest H. Shepard’s iconic sketches of Winnie. By the 75th anniversary, Winnie-the-Pooh had major growth. Both Disney fans and classic literature lovers celebrated with gatherings, celebrity story readings, and a special edition book release which featured Ernest H. Shepherd’s original illustrations. Finally, 100 years after the first book was published, fans pause to soak in all the wonderful adventures of Winnie-the-Pooh, and the anniversary of the fictional characters’ beginning. 

Throughout the years Winnie-the-Pooh’s characteristics evolved from the simple, uncolored,  and somewhat threadborn stuffed bear, into the round, golden yellow bear wearing a short red shirt we know today. When the book was first published, Winnie’s looks were uncomplicated and bare, but somehow, had the most radiant presence a character could have. Now, Winnie is depicted in many ways, like in live action movies, he is seen as a mix of the old scruffy Winnie and the new and improved Winnie, and in animated TV shows, he is seen as a colorful character with golden fur and a bright red shirt. A lot has changed about him, except his love for sweet honey and his friendships, even though 100 years have passed, he still has his simple, fun, and loving friends. The 100th anniversary deserves a quote just as special, “If you live to be 100, I want to live to be 100 minus one day so I never have to live without you” (Winnie-the-Pooh).