Winnie the Pooh Day

January 18 is Winnie the Pooh Day. The day marks the anniversary of the birth of Pooh creator, A.A. Milne in 1882. Milne, a noted British novelist and playwright, penned a voluminous body of work, including 25 plays, 7 novels, and a number of non-fiction works. He is, however, best known for his two children’s novels, Winnie the Pooh (1926) and House at Pooh Corner (1928), which he wrote for his son, Christopher Robin.

The books feature a loveable teddy bear, named Pooh, and his friends, Tiger, Eyeore, Owl, Rabbit, and Piglet.

After Milne’s death in 1952, the Walt Disney Company purchased the rights to Winne the Pooh from Milne’s widow. They have since created several movies and television shows based on the character and his friends. Pooh characters and merchandise are also featured at all of the Disney theme parks.