Returning to the Hundred Acre Wood

As I step back into the familiar woods, I am immediately humbled by the beauty of friendship and the simplicity of laughter, life, and honey. I have been a fan of A.A. Milne since I was a little girl and as an adult I admire his work and his wise, witty lessons. His simple characters come to life and bring joy to your heart the minute you begin to read. Winnie-the-Pooh fills me with whimsy, joy, and plenty of giggles. The House at Pooh Corner pulls your heart strings as you witness the kindness of others and say good-bye to the dearest of all boys, Christopher Robin (a nickname my sister has called me since she was a little girl).

As I opened Return to the Hundred Acre Wood by David Benedictus, I was skeptical. Authors have continued the legacy of other writers for years......L. Frank Baum, Jane Austen, and Bram Stoker to name a few. I admire these writers who take on the task of proceeding with a work of art composed by another. I am always skeptical. But David Benedictus was a poet, a master....a writer. He continued the legacy of A.A. Milne with dignity, mastery, and poise. Who am I to judge? I am nothing but a humble admirer of a bear full of stuff-and-fluff.....a donkey with an attitude, and a genius owl who can't spell O-W-L!!! If you have never been to the Hundred Acre Woods, go there! Open the book and laugh with your children. Walk through the forest and listen for bees, jump over a babbling brook, and hunt for Woozles. You will not want to come home....but you will be so very satisfied when you leave!