My favourite storybook is Winnie-the-Pooh by A.A.Milne. It is a collection of stories about group anthropomorphic characters. There is a bear called Pooh, a character named Piglet, a tiger named Tigger, and a donkey named Eeyore. They are all good friends of a boy called Christopher Robin.
The reason why I love this storybook is that it discusses real-life issues in childish terms. Beyond the superficial storybook plot, it teaches values which make us human. Pooh is typically presented as a slow-witted character but he depicts many heroic traits. For instance, Pooh helps his friends by rescuing Piglet from a flood, or by encouraging Piglet to weather a storm in order to summon help.
His kind-hearted nature is apparent in his consistent reaching out to a depressed friend, Eeyore by making him feel welcome. Pooh cheers up Eeyore through his bad moods. Pooh displays all the qualities of a good friend and person. By choosing to present this character A.A.Milne wanted children to learn and adopt these values.
I read and re-read the stories of Pooh many times as a child. There were no villains in these storybook-like most collections. The characters had to survive circumstances which are a part of life, like loss, guilt, mistakes, anger, helplessness and bad weather. They taught that strength lies in unity and this is apparent in the way they come together to help each other out.
All the characters in this book behave just like any normal person would. They deal with emotions in a healthy way. This is very important to learn as a child. It is no wonder then that these stories have remained popular for nearly 100 years, with countless movie adaptations, merchandise production and games based on it. Pooh teaches resilience, honesty, compassion, optimism and overcoming adversity. These are all very necessary traits for children to learn while growing up. I learned these lessons myself by reading this book and was able to adjust to my situations as better as a child could. Therefore, it’s my favourite storybook.
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