Celebrate 100 Years of Wonder with 10 Magical Winnie the Pooh Day Facts 

January 18 is Winnie the Pooh Day, and if you’re looking for a simple, low-pressure way to make the day feel special, Pooh is your guy – or should we say, bear. Winnie the Pooh stories have a calming effect that’s rare in today’s fast paced world. They move slowly, focus on feelings, and celebrate friendship in ways preschoolers really get. For parents, they’re the kind of stories that feel just as comforting to read as they are for kids to hear. 

Winnie the Pooh Day is celebrated on January 18 because it’s the birthday of A.A. Milne, the author who created Pooh and the Hundred Acre Wood. This day is a great excuse to pull a book off the shelf or visit the library, sit close together, and enjoy timeless mini adventures. To help you celebrate, we’ve gathered 10 sweet facts and paired them with our favorite book recommendations for our favorite ‘silly old bear’. 

1. Winnie Was a Real Bear at the London Zoo 

One of the sweetest things about Winnie the Pooh is that he was inspired by real life. Pooh’s name came from a real bear named Winnie who lived at the London Zoo. She was gentle and friendly, which made her very popular with children. Christopher Robin, the author’s son, loved visiting her so much that he named his stuffed bear after her. 

Finding Winnie by Lindsay Mattick is a beautifully told story that explains the real life bear behind the name and is a wonderful way to connect history with imagination for young kids. 

2. Christopher Robin Was a Real Little Boy 

Christopher Robin wasn’t just a character in the stories. He was a real little boy and the author’s son! The adventures in the books were inspired by his real life playtime and imagination. His toys helped inspire characters like Pooh, Piglet, Eeyore, and Tigger. 

Winnie-The-Pooh: The Christopher Robin Collection is a wonderful collection to explore together, as it gathers stories and poems that specifically highlight the special bond between the boy and his bear, making it easy for preschoolers to see how their own toys might have “secret” lives too. 

3. The Hundred Acre Wood Was Inspired by a Real Forest 

The Hundred Acre Wood feels like a magical place, but it was inspired by real walks and outdoor play in Ashdown Forest. A.A. Milne used familiar paths, trees, and quiet spaces to build a world that feels safe and cozy. That’s part of why kids feel so comfortable there. 

4. Pooh Makes Mistakes and Keeps Going 

Pooh doesn’t spell everything right, doesn’t always understand big words, and sometimes gets confused. But he keeps trying. That’s a quiet but powerful message for young kids who are learning new things every day. If you have a little one who’s just starting to explore letters, Winnie-The-Pooh’s ABC Book is a great way to practice. It’s a sweet, pressure-free way to look at letters together, showing kids that learning to read and spell is just another fun adventure to take with a friend. 

5. Winnie the Pooh Really (Really) Loves Honey 

If your child already knows one thing about Pooh, it’s probably this. He loves honey. A lot. His search for honey often gets him into silly situations, which makes kids laugh while keeping the tone light and playful. Winnie the Pooh and the Honey Tree keeps things simple and silly, making it a great choice for preschoolers who enjoy humor and repetition. 

6. The Pooh Characters All Feel Things Differently 

One reason Pooh stories resonate so deeply is because every character feels familiar. Piglet worries. Tigger bounces nonstop. Eeyore feels sad. Pooh feels thoughtful and calm. Kids often see pieces of themselves in these characters, and that opens the door to talking about emotions. Winnie the Pooh, How Are You? is a great way to help your child name and understand their emotions. 

7. Winnie the Pooh Turns 100 This Year! 

The very first book, titled simply Winnie-the-Pooh, was published on October 14, 1926. While the “official” big birthday isn’t until this October, we are officially in the 100th anniversary year! That means for an entire century, generations of families have shared these same stories. There’s something deeply connecting about reading a book to your child that your own grandparents might have known, too. To keep that classic feel easy for small hands to hold, check out the original Winnie-the-Pooh book with original illustrations. 

8. Pooh Is Known for Saying Thoughtful Things 

Even though Pooh is simple and silly, he often says things that stay with you. His words about friendship and kindness are easy for kids to understand and meaningful for parents to read aloud. You can find many of these gentle thoughts in Positively Pooh: Timeless Wisdom from Pooh. It is filled with sweet reminders and “Pooh-isms” that work well for shorter attention spans and give both you and your child something happy to think about. 

9. Pooh Shows Us How to Be a Good Friend 

Pooh doesn’t try to fix everything. He listens. He shows up. He stays kind. That’s a powerful example for preschoolers who are still learning how friendships work. In Winnie the Pooh: Better Than Honey? the story focuses on loyalty and connection, showing kids that a good friend is the sweetest treat of all. 

10. Winnie the Pooh Stories Are Perfect for Slowing Down 

In a world that can feel loud and rushed at times, Pooh stories move at a child’s pace. A.A. Milne actually wrote these stories to celebrate the value of “doing Nothing”— which he always wrote with a capital N. He wanted Pooh to represent the pure peace of childhood, where you aren’t worried about being busy or productive, but just enjoying your friends and your “hunny.”  

This is why these books are so great for bedtime, rest time, or any moment when your child needs calm, closeness, and a chance to unwind. Goodnight Pooh is a perfect choice for ending Winnie the Pooh Day with a quiet, cozy routine that helps transition from a busy day to a peaceful night. 

Bring the Wonder of Curiosity and Connection To Your Child 

At Creative World, we love celebrating the joy of Winnie the Pooh because his inquiry-based approach is something we practice every day in our classrooms! Pooh is a natural explorer who isn’t afraid to ask questions, follow his curiosity, and learn through his adventures in the Hundred Acre Wood. We believe that childhood should be full of that same wonder, where children are encouraged to be curious, ask “why,” and discover the world at their own pace. 

Want to see how we bring curiosity and wonder to life every day? Find a Creative World School near you and schedule a tour today!