One of my endearing memories of my childhood is the adventures that Christopher Robin and Winnie-the-Pooh shared together in A.A. Milne’s much-loved stories of Winnie-The-Pooh and The House at Pooh Corner.

Decades later, the profound warmth and gentle humor of Milne’s writing still resonate. Beyond the charmingly silly moments like Pooh’s “rumbly in his tumbly” or Tigger’s exuberant bouncing, lay timeless truths about friendship, kindness, and accepting each other’s quirks. Eeyore’s gloomy outlook, Piglet’s anxious courage, and Owl’s pompous pronouncements weren’t just funny; they felt surprisingly real. Revisiting those stories now isn’t just nostalgia; it’s a comforting reminder of the enduring power of simple virtues: loyalty, compassion, and finding joy in small things, like a jar of honey or a friend by your side.

The watercolour at the top of this page is my own painting of Christopher Robin and Pooh playing Poohsticks from a stone bridge above a gently flowing stream. It was created on Saunders Waterford watercolour paper, using Sennelier watercolour paint. I sold this artwork through the Courtyard Gallery in Lichfield. Looking back now, I somewhat regret selling it, as I became quite attached to it. However, I know feedback from the gallery owner that the buyer had an emotional reaction to it upon first viewing and wanted to buy it immediately.