This delightful new exhibition originating from the Victoria and Albert Museum tells the story behind the story. Over 200 works are featured in this exhibition captures the art, culture and playful side of Winnie-the-Pooh’s 100-year history in a soothing environment. Also featured front and centre, is a wonderful piece of  Canadian history tied to the globally recognized adorable bear. Considered the second most globally recognized children’s character, next to Mickey Mouse, Winnie-the-Pooh has humble Canadian roots!

The exhibition is featured in six “Chapters” beginning with an introduction to the real black bear from White River, Ontario that inspired the story. Winnie, who was named after Winnipeg, Manitoba, was adopted by her caregiver, Veterinary Officer, Lieutenant Harry Colebourn. Winnie was eventually relocated to the London Zoo. Colebourn’s  WWI diary is on display as an introduction alongside the timeline that includes a photograph of young Christopher Robin visiting Winnie at the London Zoo. We interviewed Toronto-based Children’s book author Lindsay Mattick, great grand-daughter of Lieutenant Colebourne, about her family’s treasured association here.

The Chapters in the exhibition continue with interactive spaces and features original sketches, photographs, hand-written notes, printer’s proofs, stuffed toys (including those used in the movie production), and other great memorabilia including various print editions and licensed goods. Dr. Julius Bryant, Keeper of Word and Image at the V&A Museum, tells us Winnie-the-Pooh’s global net worth is calculated to be worth more of the Queen of England. “According to Forbes, Winnie-the-Pooh also comes second to Mickey Mouse whose net worth is estimated at $6.3 Billion [Canadian].”

While the original exhibition at the V&A Museum was focused on the art and design aspects of A.A. Milne and E.H. Shepard to inspire visitors, the collaboration with the ROM invites families to share in the experiences and bring in a new audience. The space is designed for fans of Winnie-the-Pooh of all ages. “The show is designed to bring children and their families together,” said Dr. Julius Bryant, Keeper of Word and Image, Victoria & Albert Museum. “These books are not meant for children to be reading alone, they are very much meant to be read out loud. They are full of jokes. The exhibition encourages families to be together and we hope they continue when they go home.”

“There are also many social values in the books. We are talking so much about topics like climate change and tolerance. The characters in these books teach us about tolerance and the diversity through the characters. How they work together in the forest are big lessons not only for children but for adults alike,” said Dr. Bryant.

Aside from the treasured sketches and items on display, parents and caregivers are invited to interact with their children while exploring, reading, drawing and playing games in large scale spaces that fuels the imagination. Crawling into Eeyore’s house and sketching at the hunny dining table, and playing “Poohsticks” over a projected river are just a few of the highlights.

But it’s not just for kids! As an adult, revisiting the words and illustrations take on a different perspective and offer life lessons that continue to hold value in modern times. A. A. Milne and E.H. Shepard work were artforms are much needed reminders today. Their work was considered more of a partnership rather than separate talents of author and illustrator.

“It’s a name we can’t help but smile when we hear it. Winnie-The-Pooh’s story begins in the 1920s with Christopher Robin… But for Canadians it began 10 years before that,” said Dr. Justin Jennings, Presenting Curator, Winnie-the Pooh: Exploring a Classic, ROM.

This exhibition is about how this legend was born and the magical steps that brought Winnie-The-Pooh to where it is today. And yes, I went home with full intention to re-read the stories once again.

Entry to the Winnie-the-Pooh: Exploring a Classic is included with admission fees and memberships. For more information visit www.rom.on.ca

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Winnie The Pooh: Exploring a Classic Exhibition: Royal Ontario Museum: March 7 to August 3. Celebrate the magical world of one of the most loved literary characters of all time. The exhibition will explore the origins, creation and enduring legacy of the classic stories by A.A. Milne and illustrations by E. H. Shepard.

Winter Stations at Woodbine Beach: until March 30. The international design competition is designed to get locals and tourists out to Toronto’s “Beaches” area during the winter season and explore art installations that spot the water’s edge. Now in its sixth year, the exhibition draws all ages to this free event. This year’s theme “Beyond the Five Senses” with four installations constructed on existing lifeguard stations along the beach. Take note of the installation titled “Noodle Feed” where visitors are also invited to explore the structure with Augmented Reality.

Sugar Shack TO: Sugar Beach. March 14 & 15, 11 am to 5 pm daily. The sixth annual all things maple sugar fest returns to Toronto’s Waterfront at this weekend-long event. Sample maple sugar demonstrations, samples, infused foods, enjoy entertainment including the Great Canadian Fiddle Show, Lumberjack show, and ice activities. Warm-up at the fire pits. Furry friends welcomed on leash. Free admission.

Sweet Water Season: Crawford Lake Conservation Park (Milton). Weekends, March Break from February 29 to April 5. Visit the reconstructed 15th-century Longhouse Village and learn how maple sugar was discovered and made by the Indigenous people of the land 600 years ago. Enjoy sweet samples and take in a nature walk.

Illusions: The Art of Magic: Art Gallery of Ontario until May 18, 2020. Curious about the world of magicians? This unique cleverly reveals the “art” behind the mysterious and very curious world. This collection of posters and magic items takes a look at not only the magicians of the Golden Era but also how they marketed themselves to draw the crowds. March Break will include pop activities throughout the AGO. Lots to explore including Yayoi Kusama’s permanent installation worthy of a selfie (be sure to reserve your time slot when you arrive) Don’t forget there’s free admission to the AGO for visitors under 25 years old.

Winter Light Festival: Ontario Place (West Island) until March 29. Free admission. The third annual night festival lights up the shoreline at Ontario Place. This year’s theme “Cocoon” features outdoor installations by Ontario creators. On Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays will offer up community bonfires and paint classes. Need to warm up? Check out what’s showing at the iconic Cinesphere theatre (entry fee applies).

March Break Activities at the Ontario Science Centre: March 14 to 22. Exhibitions, films, demonstrations and live shows are planned for this week off for all ages. Check out the Mind-bending Magic: The Science of Perception with magician Jay Sankey. AMD Gaming Showcase (March 17 to 21)features over 40 gaming PCs and two VR stations at this ultimate gaming experience. Keep your eye on the skies and learn about the stars, planets, and moons through song. And much more.

Get creative! at Apple’s Video Lab: Small Screen Magic Co-created with Zach King: Apple Store (various dates/times). Tweens and teens may have heard of Zach King from his amazing YouTube videos. He’s created some pretty amazing videos using his iPhone. Register for a free “Today at Apple” hands-on learning session at your nearest Apple Store to learn a few of his video content tricks that will impress friends and family. Other free workshops worth exploring include photography walks and making movie trailers (great for kids!)

Dino Dana The Movie stomps into Cineplex Theatres March 21 for a one-day-only prehistoric event. This family-friendly screening and interactive Dino Dana experience is based on the popular kids’ series. The movie follows a 10-year-old paleontologist in training Dana on an epic action-packed dinosaur adventure. Young fans will become certified Dino Dana paleontologists in training at the event. Tickets go on sale on February 21 at Cineplex.

Toronto ComiCon: Metro Toronto Convention Centre March 20-23. There’s always something for everyone at this fun fest! Meet your favourite superheroes, princesses, voice actors, comic book creators, and artists. There are meet and greets with celebrities including Brian Herring (Star Wars), Craig Parker (Lord of the Rings), Austin St. John (Power Rangers), and others. Visit the Family Zone. Feel free to dress up in costume.

Skate The Bentway: until March 22. In partnership with CBC Sports, this popular outdoor figure-8 skating rink located near Fort York will remain open all the way until March 22. CBC will be installing screens around the ice and will live broadcast the World Figure Skating Championships under this innovative public space. Bring your own skates or rentals available. Check the site for times and other activities planned.

March Break at Ontario’s Legislative Building: March 16 to 20

This free two-hour program invites families to explore this historic Ontario’s Legislative Building through a scavenger hunt activity. Make arts and crafts, dress up in traditional robes worn in Parliament, and learn about the history. Pre-registration is required, Children must be accompanied by an adult.

WANT A QUICK GETAWAY?

Four Seasons Hotel Toronto: If a mini getaway exploring the city is on your family’s radar, this luxury hotel is centrally located within walking distance to several great attractions including the ROM. But what caught our attention is the hotel’s in-house experiences created for families. “Mini Master Chefs” invite kids into the kitchen and learn how to recreate one of the Hotel’s signature desserts. We loved our family movie night complete with popcorn and treat buffet, and swimming of course!

Hockley Valley Resort is a pretty and quick drive out of the city and offers outdoor activities. The ski hill is mere steps away from your hotel room. March Break is full of family activities from family movie screenings, bonfire & s’mores, cookie decorating, craft rooms, a magician and more. Buffet breakfasts offer up something for everyone. A quick drive down the country road leads you to the Adamo Winery with a cafe and restaurant. Shuttle service also available.

Hotel X Toronto: located on the CNE grounds is a mini-escape located at the waterfront (within walking distance to Ontario Place) with family-friendly programming including family movie screenings at the hotel’s cinema, complimentary 60-minute family pass to 10xTO’s Golf Swing Suite, complimentary 2 hours of professional caregiver services (for up to two kids), and complimentary Library Club Lounge Access that includes daily continental breakfast, afternoon wine & cheese reception, and all-day refreshments. Families can also enjoy the heated, year-round rooftop pool. From March 11 to March 26 you can also book your family in for the “ultimate night in” at the NINTENDO SWITCH SUITE — all proceeds from the booking will be donated to the Starlight Children’s Foundation. Nintendo will transform the luxury hotel’s Presidential Suite for a fun and immersive gaming stay for Nintendo fans! The suite will be complete with Nintendo “touches”. Can’t wait!

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When did you first learn about your great grandfather’s diaries?

Lindsay: I recall being about eight years old when my grandfather Fred (Harry’s son) showed me his father’s 1914 diary where Harry recorded his purchase of Winnie. I remember from a very young age thinking how remarkable it was to have this moment in time – that went on to have a huge ripple effect – captured in time.

What was his role in the army?

Lindsay: Harry was a Canadian veterinarian and soldier with the Royal Canadian Army Veterinary Corps. Harry was part of Winnipeg’s Fort Garry Horse regiment. Harry trained in Valcartier, Quebec before embarking for overseas duty in Salisbury Plain. He served three years in France, attaining the rank of Major.

He purchased this bear cub for $20. Did you know how or why that happened?

Lindsay: The truth is we don’t know for sure why he bought her. Harry may have wanted to buy a mascot for his regiment, he may have wanted to rescue the sweet cub he met. Whatever it was, it was definitely fate.

In your first book, Finding Winnie, it tells the story about how Winnie became famous after inspiring author A.A. Milne to name his classic children’s book Winnie the Pooh? Tell us how that came about?

Lindsay: I first conceived of the idea of telling my family story as a picture book a decade before I had children. I thought it would be an incredible way to share my family story to my own kids. When I found out I was pregnant with my first child (Cole) I realized that if I didn’t write it then, it would take me another decade… in short this book was FOR my son Cole, but also BECAUSE of him.

Tell us what inspired you to write a second book?

Lindsay: Winnie’s Great War is a middle grade novel that takes off in many ways where Finding Winnie left off. I offer to tell my son Cole, who is much older now, the real story of Winnie and his great, great grandfather. He assumes he knew the whole story but of course he didn’t. I think the novel allows us to explore a lot of themes we could not in my first book – bravery, self-sacrifice, courage and communication are all ideas we have a chance to explore in a more fulsome telling. In my experience traveling the world to share Finding Winnie, kids want to understand more about this story and what it all meant. Winnie’s Great War answers many of their wonderful questions.

This book is told through the eyes of Winnie – what made you decide to take that whimsical approach?

Lindsay: The novel is anchored by my great grandfather’s real wartime diaries which is a constant reminder to kids that much of what they are reading is of course, true. I think by having the story told through Winnie’s perspective, it allows kids to see the events unfold through a unique and innocent perspective – in a way, the way Winnie as a young cub views the events unfolding in front of her is not dissimilar from how a child would view the events.

This book also takes into accounts some of the events that took place during the war. Your research included experiences as told through your great grandfather’s diaries. What’s one part of this history really was important for you to tell?

Lindsay: From the outset, including the real diary entries in the book was very important. We (Josh Greenhut and I) wanted kids to understand that while Harry recorded happier moments – like purchasing Winnie –he also wrote about more difficult days – like getting sick crossing the Atlantic en route to war, witnessing mass shelling and casualties, etc. I wanted kids to get the full picture of that experience and why those realities made Harry and Winnie’s story all the more remarkable.

What happened to your grandfather’s diaries? Will they ever be published?

Lindsay: They are currently on display as part of an original exhibition I worked on with Ryerson University called Remembering the Real Winnie which also exists online http://therealwinnie.ryerson.ca/collection/ On that site people can read all of Harry’s entries.. It’s something I’m very proud of.

Your favourite Winnie the Pooh Quote?

Lindsay: “As soon as he saw the Big Boots, Pooh knew that an Adventure was going to happen, and he brushed the honey off his nose with the back of his paw, and spruced himself up as well as he could, so as to look Ready for Anything.”

Winnie’s Great War is now available in bookstores and online. Link here for more details.

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