In which trek reviews Return to the Hundred Acre Wood

I don't know if I have ever shared with you my love for a certain silly old bear. I can't help it and, quite honestly, I don't want to. I am in love with Winnie the Pooh.

He's my hero. He is happy with who he is. He is a loyal and trustworthy friend. He understands the value of Doing Nothing At All far better than I.

I wish I could be more like Pooh.

When I learned that there was going to be a new Pooh book, Return to the Hundred Acre Woodthis autumn, I raced to get my name on the request list at the local library. I wanted to be able to read it before I decided if I wanted to buy it. I love Pooh so much that I could not bear the idea of purchasing this sequel and being disappointed.

My fears were completely unfounded. David Benedictus has done a wonderful job remaining true to the tenor of Pooh's creator in tone and turn of phrase. Mark Burgess' drawings share the same touch of innocence and simplicity as the original illustrator.

I read the first chapter aloud to Neatnik yesterday morning over breakfast. She was entranced and is eager to read the whole thing herself.

Would you be surprised that I finished all 160 pages yesterday whilst on my late morning walk?

PS - Beware the bittersweet ending...