Today is (well–it should be) an official Paddington Bear holiday!

Why? Because the Paddington movie is in theaters today.

Michael Bond, author:

 

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http://www.action.org.uk/sites/default/files/downloads/bring_your_bear/school/byb_paddington_extract.pdf

 

While you’re at it–pull out that beloved copy of Winnie-the-Pooh.

Actually, in the U.K. there is a Winnie-the-Pooh day:

Winnie the Pooh, the “Bear of Very Little Brain,” continues to be a bear with lots of fame. In fact, Pooh is honored every January 18th, otherwise known as Winnie the Pooh Day. That particular date was chosen because it’s the birthday of Alan Alexander Milne (A.A. Milne), author of Winnie-the-Pooh (1926) and The House at Pooh Corner (1928).

This photo shows the real Pooh and the real Christopher Robin.

The best thing about this story is how it sounds when it is read aloud. Try it:

*******

CHAPTER I

IN WHICH WE ARE INTRODUCED TO WINNIE-THE-POOH AND SOME BEES, AND THE

STORIES BEGIN

HERE is Edward Bear, coming downstairs now, bump, bump, bump, on the back of his head, behind Christopher Robin. It is, as far as he knows, the

only way of coming downstairs, but sometimes he feels that there really is another way, if only he could stop bumping for a moment and think of it.

And then he feels that perhaps there isn’t. Anyhow, here he is at the bottom, and ready to be introduced to you. Winnie-the-Pooh.

*******

 

It amazes me how these stories transcend age.

I suggest you pour yourself a fresh cup of tea and read some more.