Book Review of
Bibliography
Mattick, L., & Blackall, S. (2015). Finding Winnie: the true story of the world's most famous bear (First edition.). Little Brown and Company. ISBN 9780316324908
Plot Summary
Snuggled up with his mother, young Cole listens to a bedtime story about a very special bear. His mother tells a story of a bear, named Winnie, who becomes part of the Canadian army and travels the world. The caregiver, Captain Harry Colebourn, soon decides that war is no place for a bear to live safely. Sadly, he makes the tough decision to take Winnie to live in the London Zoo where she will be cared for and loved properly. But, as the story says, “Sometimes…you have to let one story end so the next one can begin”. Soon Winnie finds an unlikely companion and friendship blossoms. Many take notice of this unique pair and a new story begins…one that has become famous for decades.
Critical Analysis
Lindsay Mattick ingeniously crafts a true story of her great-grandfather’s experience in the army while caring for bear cub. She intertwines the real life story with a fictional depiction of a storytelling time with her son Cole. Carefully crafted with factual information from her great-grandfather’s past, along with fictional conversations with the young boy Cole listening intently to the story, Mattick draws the reader in. The story reveals that while sometimes it is hard to make the best decision or let things go, it is only then that the next “story” may begin. This heartwarming adventure will be loved by all age-levels and readers whom take great pleasure in reading Milne’s Winnie-the-Pooh books.
Sophie Blackall’s Caldecott Medal-winning illustrations are true pieces of artwork. Realistically and beautifully designed pictures in Chinese ink and watercolor amplify the beauty of the story being told. From the colorful, realistic depictions of the soldier on the train to the bear crossing the ocean atop a military ship, there is no denying the effect of the artistry and its captivating appeal to the reader.
Review Excerpt(s)
"The sum total is as captivating as it is informative, transforming a personal family story into something universally resonant."—Horn Book, starred review
"Little ones who love Milne's classic stories will be enchanted by this heartening account of the bear's real-life origins."—Booklist, starred review
"A perfect melding of beautiful art with soulful, imaginative writing, this lovely story, penned by Colebourn's great-great-granddaughter, is ideal for sharing aloud or poring over individually."—School Library Journal, starred review
Connections
For additional activities related to the book:
Have children look back into the text and try to determine how many miles Winnie traveled.
Ask children what makes a good story. Have children discuss and write their own story with their favorite animal.
Discuss character development with the children, in particular that of Captain Harry Colebourn. Have the children draw a picture (or provide an outline of to color in) and write down words or phrases that describe him.
Other recommended books if you liked this one:
Henry’s Freedom Box by Ellen Levine
Locomotive by Brian Floca
Wolf in the Snow by Matthew Cordell
No comments:
Post a Comment