Potter, Lewis, Milne and White

No, today's post is not about a law firm but, rather, those wonderful early 20th century writers who changed all of our lives just by giving human voices to creatures. The simplicity of their characters and the messages and values they conveyed through those voices continue to keep readers engaged generations later.

Did you know that Winnie The Pooh was wise? This slightly ditzy, endearing teddy bear is hailed on the 21st century internet as a purveyor of life's wisdom:

"Sometimes the smallest things take the most room in your heart."

 “You’re braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.”

“I am short, fat, and proud of that.”

In fact, each of these writers created attention-holding stories embedded with life's lessons as relevant for today's children as for those of their time.

And yet, the lives they lived as children were far simpler than those of children today. Some were supervised primarily by nannies with only occasional appearances from parents. They spent much of their time outdoors, randomly exploring, and indoors reading and involved in imaginative play. Their days were filled with the wonder of discovery and make-believe. In essence, they were left to just be. The natural curiosity of childhood took over from there.

It turns out that being, rather than doing feeds imagination.

We are lucky that Beatrix, C.S., A.A. and E.B. used the exploration and imagination of their childhoods to create the stories we love so much. They drew on the inventive play they had once experienced to re-create magic and whimsy in their stories.

I would think their imaginations, fueled in childhood, also helped them to triumph over the many challenges, tragedies and disappointments they faced as adults. 

But how is it that children today, surrounded as they are by screens and mod con's (modern conveniences), organized activities and scheduled play dates, still discover the joy in these stories written by authors born in the 19th century?

Erica Bauermeister in House Lessons (a delightful little book about renovating a heritage home) has a reasonable explanation for this:

"A suggestion of beauty needs time to unravel and imagination to wander in. Our lives may have less time for such ramblings, but I still believe the desire for them remains."

Much has been written about these authors and I enjoy discovering each new book, movie and documentary I discover. One of my favourites about Beatrix Potter's life is available on YouTube: 

Beatrix Potter with Patricia Routledge

 If you are a fan, I encourage you to look it up. Meanwhile, I will be busy looking for a magical wardrobe to climb into.