Reader response to The house at Pooh corner

¶ … Milne has charmed young readers with his lovable characters, Pooh Bear, Christopher Robin, and company. In the course of several novels, children met and fell in love with Pooh and his friends. Children were transported to the magical forest and carried along on all of Pooh's grand adventures, which culminate in Milne's final Pooh novel, The House at Pooh Corner. Although Pooh will not embark on any new adventures, he remains a favorite character in children's literature. In the final episode of Pooh, Milne leaves his readers with many fond memories. More importantly, he weaves an important message into the final adventures of Winnie the Pooh.

As with the other Winnie the Pooh stories, Milne sets his final novel in the forest. Unlike other forests in children's literature though, Pooh's forest is bright and happy. There are no dark shadows or frightening noises here. Everyone, even Eyeore, has a cozy home with an inviting fire sending out a warm and welcoming message. Pooh and his friends are serenaded by singing birds and a gurgling stream while they go about their adventures. Even in the cold and snow, Pooh is compelled to make up little songs and poems. It is the sort of forest in which all children would love to frolic.

While the scenery is pleasant, it is the nurturing atmosphere that makes the forest a magical place. When Pooh and Piglet realize Eyeore does not have a home, they build him one. When Rabbit cannot find his relative, they all join in on the search until Small is found. Pooh and his friends are concerned about one another and work together to make sure everyone is happy. Milne has created the ideal world for any child: warm, happy, loving. This forest is home.

While home is always warm and cozy, a person must leave sooner or later. In The House at Pooh Corner, Milne writes about the moment your childhood turns a corner. For the first five years of a child's life, he or she is ensconced in a warm, nurturing home. The home is a wonderful and safe place to learn these first life lessons. Mother or father is always nearby with a hug, a kiss, or a kind word to smooth out any unhappiness. If a child falls, someone is there to help the child back on his or her feet.

In this nurturing environment, a child begins by crawling. Soon he or she is walking and talking. A child begins to understand how to interact with parents, siblings, and other family members. A child experiences a rainbow of emotion: happy, sad, funny, scared. Each lesson a child learns at home creates the base on which he will build and perceive all future lessons.