If you're like a lot of kids, you probably grew up with Winnie-the-Pooh. The silly old bear's adventures in the Hundred Acre Woods with his friends are timelessly charming, and have delighted kids — and adults — for nearly a century.
But did you know that all those great characters are actually based in real life?
Kids everywhere form special bonds with their toys, creating memories that last a lifetime — like these nostalgic toys that can bring you back to childhood with one simple look.
But in the 1920s in England, one little boy's toys were about to create memories for millions of children.
That boy was Christopher Robin Milne, son of author A. A. Milne, who created the now-beloved Winnie-the-Pooh series. Christopher became the character of Christopher Robin in the books, and his teddy bear became Winnie the Pooh.
His other stuffed animals, a tiger, a donkey, a kangaroo, and a small pig, were also incorporated. Take a guess who they became!
Today, the beloved stuffed animals from so long ago can be seen on display in the New York Public Library. They've actually been there since 1987, and they draw admirers from all over the world.
But if you can't make it to see them live, check out the photos below!
[H/T: Twisted Sifter]
Pooh and his friends in the Hundred Acre Woods have been cherished for years — but few might know their historical roots!
The sweet little characters were originally brought to life in the classic books by A. A. Milne, illustrated by E. H. Shepard.
(Pooh wouldn't get his now-iconic red shirt for many, many years.)
But before the iconic books, Winnie-the-Pooh was actually inspired by a real bear!
The real-life Winnie, seen here in 1914, was a Canadian black bear that Christopher Robin Milne often saw at the London Zoo.
Milne, pictured above, also drew inspiration from his son's favorite childhood toy: a stuffed and much-beloved bear named Winnie.
His son's name? Christopher Robin!
Milne's stories take place in the Hundred Acre Wood, which was based on the real-life Ashdown Forest, near where the Milne family lived.
These are the original stuffed toys that inspired A. A. Milne to write his famous series.
Clockwise from the bottom left, we can see Tigger, Kanga, Winnie-the-Pooh, Eeyore, and Piglet.
The original Pooh was well-loved not only by Christopher Robin, but also by the family dog, which is part of the reason for his worn appearance.
But that's how you can tell a stuffed animal is a true favorite!
Kanga's baby, Roo, was also a toy, but was sadly lost many years ago.
The characters of Owl and Rabbit were created by Milne and not based on toys.
Gopher was a later creation for the Disney series.
The toys, including Eeyore, were all given as gifts to Christopher Robin Milne between 1920, when he was born, and 1928.
As new toys were added to Christopher Robin's collection, they were introduced as characters in the Pooh books. Tigger, for example, appears in the second book.
At only four-and-a-half inches, Piglet is the smallest of the surviving toys.
Today, Winnie-the-Pooh is a beloved staple of children's literature and has generated TV shows, movies, and countless toys.
He's also evolved to have a brighter, more modern style.
He's even got his own star in Hollywood!
Now nearing 100 years old, the original toys will remain on display at the New York Public Library, where they've lived after being donated by the editor of the Pooh books, who in turn received them from Christopher Robin himself.
You're not the only one with memories of Pooh, so be sure to SHARE this adorable piece of history with others!
