Author/narrator Hoff calls Winnie the Pooh a ``Western Taoist'' and uses the unassuming bear to introduce Eastern philosophical principles. Pooh epitomizes the ``uncarved block,'' as he is well in tune with his natural inner self. Pooh enjoys simple pleasures and the daily progress of life. Hoff contrasts this unpretentiousness to other characters created by Winnie - the - Pooh author A.A. Milne, including Owl, whom he describes as a ``mind that tries too hard,'' and Eeyore, the eternal pessimist. In a clear and crisp voice, Hoff explains the central tenets of Taoism and further illustrates them with familiar excerpts from The House at Pooh Corner stories (1923), Chinese proverbs, maxims, and tales from Lao Tzu and others. The result is at once thought-provoking and charming. This is a small literary event that will leave all who experience it a little more serene. For most collections.-- Jeanne P. Leader, Western Nebraska Community Coll. Lib., Scotts bluff
Pisces: the Zodiac’s favorite pushover. Compassionate and spiritual, easygoing and sensitive, imaginative and introspective, those born between February 20 and March 20 are considered to be easily steered. Their idealism can lead to escapism, and their introspection can breed secrets and frustrating vagueness, but Double Fish make wonderful friends and tragically heroic literary characters. Here […]
Generations of young readers have loved Winnie-the-Pooh, although this classic’s appeal goes beyond the childhood years. When this lovable character was first introduced in 1926, Pooh offered comfort and solace during wartime. The classic story about a bear and his friends—Tigger, Piglet, Owl, and Eeyore—soon became an international hit, with books published in more than […]
If you think May should be renamed May-hem, you are not alone. It’s graduation season! Gowns are donned, caps are flung, diplomas are dispersed, and shoppers everywhere are searching for that special grad gift. Look no further than these eleven book picks. With options from preschool (the cutest), to elementary, middle, and high school graduates, […]