Published in 1926, Winnie-the-Pooh has delighted readers for generations. This November, our neighbors at the Newman Center for the Performing Arts present the musical stage adaptation, complete with life-sized puppetry.
In honor of the production, we gathered a few diverse “readalikes” for Pooh fans both young and young at heart. These stories feature gentle plots, whimsical characters, and celebrate the power of friendship, family, and imagination.
For creatives out there, the original edition of Winnie-the-Pooh is now officially in the public domain, which means anyone is free to reimagine its material. Who knows? Maybe you’ll be inspired to visit a library ideaLab and bring your take on Winnnie to life.
Whether you prefer to read, watch, or listen to stories, we hope you discover a new favorite among these recommendations!
READ
Catalina Incognito, 2022, by Jennifer Torres (Chapter Book)
Eight-year-old Catalina inherits a magical sewing kit from Tia Abuela that can sew enchanted disguises.
Five Stories by Anna Alter (Chapter Book. Also available as an eBook)
Gently humorous stories set on Sprout Street, where five animals with distinctive personalities share an apartment building.
Where’s Halmoni, 2017, by Julie Kim (Graphic Novel)
A brother and sister visit the house of their Halmoni (grandmother) only to find her missing. Their search takes them through an enchanted doorway to a land of magical creatures in this sweet story inspired by Korean mythology.
WATCH
Finding Winnie: The True Story of the World’s Most Famous Bear, 2016, by Lindsay Mattick, illustrated by Sophie Blackall (DVD. Also available as a picture book)
An animated version of the award-winning picture book about the real life bear–a girl!--that inspired the beloved character.
The Little Bird and the Squirrel, 2014, directed by Lena van Doehren (streaming video)
This whimsical, wordless animation follows autumn rivals bird and squirrel as they band together to outsmart fox.
Vivo, 2022, directed by Kirk DeMicco (DVD)
Human girl Gabi and kinkajou Vivo team up on a journey to deliver a long lost love letter in this adventure set in Cuba and Florida. Have your tissues handy for the beginning!
LISTEN
Skunk and Badger, 2020, by Amy Timberlake, read by Michael Boatman (audio eBook: also available in print, eBook, and Spanish)
Unlikely roommates Badger (set in his ways) and Skunk (full of chaotic energy) come to life in this laugh-out-loud story told with spirited voice acting.
Too Small Tola, 2022, by Atinuke, read by Amaka Obiechie (audio eBook; also available in print, Readalong, and eBook)
Listen to embedded audio while reading the physical book. Tola, who lives in Lagos, Nigeria, enjoys everyday adventures in three endearing stories of family, friendship, and the strength of the small.
The Very Very Far North: A Story for Gentle Readers and Listeners, 2019, by Dan Bar-el, read by Dan Campbell (audio eBook; also available in print and as an eBook.)
Duane the polar bear makes friends with a range of animal neighbors who get along together in spite of their differences.
