I often miss the “viral” videos, since I’m not on social media. But I recently found this one of a high school student who took pictures of students and staff, telling them that she wanted to capture things that are beautiful. So amazing to see everyone’s reactions.
*If you do watch the video, there is one aggressive response and two curse words, FYI.*
Winnie-the-Pooh Day is celebrated every January 18th (author, A.A. Milne’s birthday). Here are some ideas for celebrating Pooh Day at home or with friends:
–Read Winnie-the-Pooh and House at Pooh Corner
–Find a stream and play a game of Pooh Sticks
–Build a house of sticks for Eeyore
–Follow animal tracks and see if you can catch a Woozle
–Play Pin-the-Tail on Eeyore
–Make honey cakes, honey lemonade, or pass out honey sticks
–Serve foods like carrots (for Rabbit), pita pockets (for Kanga and Roo), beverage labeled as “Roo’s Strengthening Medicine” (for Tigger), etc.
–Give guests “B” and “HB” pencils, standing, of course, for “Bear” and “Helping Bear”
–Go on an “expotition” to find the North Pole
–Decorate with a map of the “100 Aker Wood” and other illustrations from the books
–Decorate with at least one big blue balloon
–Wish everyone a “Very Happy Thursday!”
–Hang a sign on the bathroom door that reads, “BISY BACKSON”
–Hang an Eeyore tail by the door and this sign: “PLES RING IF AN RNSER IS REQIRD.”
–Hand out Winnie-the-Pooh quizzes to test people’s Pooh knowledge. The winner gets an empty pot with a broken red balloon inside.
If some of these don’t make any sense to you, re-read the books. =)
Winnie-the-Pooh (1926) and House at Pooh Corner
(1928)
stories by A.A. Milne, illustrations by E.H. Shepard
I grew up as a huge fan of Pooh. But, embarrassingly, I didn’t even touch the actual books until college, when I was able to visit Ashdown Forest. In reality, the books, like those of the precocious Eloise, are as much, if not more, for adults than kids anyway. Even still…How could I have gone so long without the real Winnie-the-Pooh?
Even though all the chapters in these books are their own stories, and they were written two years apart, I still think of the two books as one unit. If you’ve only been exposed to Disney’s Pooh, I highly recommend reading these. You’ll never go back. I can’t, of course, speak to these books from a child’s perspective (although I will say that our 3-year old sits and listens to a chapter every night), but the stories are so very entertaining. They may feel slower-paced than some modern children’s literature, but it’s the subtle humor of these books that makes them such treasures. Once I finally introduced myself to the books, I also found that my character favorites (and least favorites) changed. While Pooh had always been my Number One (Oh, boy, this could go very wrong…) as a child, Piglet is definitely my favorite in the books. I won’t go into least favorites, as I know how attached people become to these characters, but I do highly recommend giving these books a read or a re-read to see for yourself.
Winnie-the-Pooh (1926) and House at Pooh Corner
(1928)
Celebrate Pooh Day every January 18th! (A.A. Milne’s birthday)
The Forgotten Sisters (2015) by Shannon Hale
(third book in the series)
I’m usually a bit wary of sequels, but I couldn’t help my surprise and enthusiasm when I saw there was a 3rd book in the Princess Academy story. You know those books that suck you in from the very beginning? The ones you stay up too late reading, skipping over words (even though each word is so well-thought out) so you can see what happens next? Books you want to rush to the ending, but at the same time mourn the turning pages that are gone? Yup, that’s this one. Adventures, emotion, humor, suspense, surprises, and lots of girl power. A wonderful book to conclude the series. (Ms. Hale says it’s done, but does it have to be?) This one’s a definite re-read and a definite keeper.
Book quotes:
“Courage is not fearlessness. Courage is feeling justly afraid and yet still doing what is right.” ~remembered words of Master Filippus, Ch. 2
“Reading a book is like going on a great journey. You don’t know what’ll happen, but something is bound to change. And for me, that change has always been good.” ~Miri, ch.9
“The point of education is to learn other ways too. Don’t just assume that all you know is right. Learn more and then choose.” ~Miri, ch. 11
“All progress begins with education, and whenever war begins, education ceases.” Master Trundell’s theory, ch 24
~Bella at Midnight (2006) by Diane Stanley
I remember exactly where I was when I first read this, which I think is always a good sign of a great book. I must have read it (unknowingly) soon after it was published. I read the whole book on Christmas eve, unable to stop myself.
This is a wonderfully satisfying retelling of the Cinderella story. Each chapter is told from a different character’s viewpoint, unravelling the story of Bella, of two warring lands, of a friendly prince in need of rescue, and of a worthy knight who is prophesied to put an end to war.
This fairy tale has everything a reader could ask for—romance, adventure, evil stepfamily (although now we learn why), royal dances, glass slippers, heroes, and a little bit of magic. I’ve read this book too many times to count, and I get sucked in every single time. One of my absolute favorites.
~Bella at Midnight (2006)
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