Author to Speak About The Real World of Winnie-The-Pooh

Bernardsville Public Library and The Bookworm are pleased to announce a book signing by Kathryn Aalto, author of The Natural World of Winnie-the-Pooh: A Walk Through the Forest that Inspired the Hundred Acre Wood on Monday, November 30 at 7:00 pm at the Library. Here is a chance for readers who loved Winnie-the Pooh as children to figuratively walk in the real landscape in which the books by A.A. Milne were set. Ms. Aalto will speak about her book, how she came to research and write it, and then sign books which will be available for purchase at the event.

The Wall Street Journal review described the book as “Lavishly illustrated with superb photographs as well as reproductions of the delightfully familiar Shepard illustrations ... an affectionate book written with enthusiasm.”
The Natural World of Winnie-the-Pooh explores the magical landscapes where Pooh, Christopher Robin, and their friends live and play. The Hundred Acre Wood—the setting for Winnie-the-Pooh’s adventures—was inspired by Ashdown Forest, a wildlife haven that spans more than 6,000 acres in southeast England. In the pages of Ms. Aalto’s enchanting book, readers can visit the ancient black walnut tree on the edge of the forest that became Pooh’s house, go deep into the pine trees to find Poohsticks Bridge, and climb up to the top of the enchanted Galleons Lap, where Pooh says goodbye to Christopher Robin. They can discover how A.A. Milne’s childhood connection with nature and his role as a father influenced his famous stories, and how his close collaboration with illustrator E. H. Shepard brought those stories to life. The book also serves as a guide to the plants, animals, and places of the remarkable Ashdown Forest.

Kathryn Aalto is a landscape designer, historian, writer, and speaker living in Exeter, England. American by birth, she has master’s degrees in garden history and creative nonfiction with a particular interest in literary landscapes. Passionate about walking and natural history, she recently completed the Coast to Coast Walk across England with her family.

There is no charge to attend the program, but advance sign-up is requested. Register online at www.bernardsvillelibrary.org and follow the link from Adult Programs, or call the library at 908-766-0118 to sign up.