New book makes a charming addition to the world of Pooh

"Return to the Hundred Acre Wood," by David Benedictus, illustrated by Mark Burgess, Dutton, 160 pages, $19.99

Whenever someone writes a sequel to a classic, it's bound to come under intense scrutiny. Such is the case of "Return to the Hundred Acre Wood," the first authorized Winnie-the-Pooh sequel in more than 80 years.

The problem with "Return to the Hundred Acre Wood" is not that it's written by a different author, but that there's so much to compare it to.

For many, their only exposure to Pooh is through Disney. Not that that's a bad thing, but those coming to the Pooh chapter books — either old or new — for the first time need to keep that in mind.

Disney didn't create Pooh. It was author A.A. Milne and illustrator Ernest H. Shepherd that vividly brought the bear to life.

One cannot help but have a soft spot in their hearts for the "bear of very little brain." There's a charming sophistication to his adventures that rings true to readers of all ages.

It's a spirit that Milne created in the 1920s with "Winnie-the-Pooh" and "House at Pooh Corner," and it's one that novelist David Benedictus has successfully channeled in his sequel.

Milne's story ended with Christopher Robin going off to boarding school. Benedictus, with the help of illustrator Mark Burgess, picks up the story with Christopher Robin returning home on a school holiday.

All the favorite characters — Pooh, Piglet, Rabbit, Owl, Kanga, Roo, Tigger and Eeyore — are back, and they're joined by a new friend, Lottie the Otter. Together with Christopher Robin, these friends enjoy new adventures that range from heartwarming to humorous.

If Benedictus had copied Milne's style completely, he'd be called a hack. If he had ignored Milne's blueprint, people would say he'd ruined the series.

Instead, Benedictus chose to focus on the spirit and quality of Milne's work, creating a book that is very much in keeping with the originals.

Sure, Eeyore actually participates in some activities and even is positive once in a while, but having the beloved character sitting in the corner not participating hardly moves a story forward.

And some have said a new character in Hundred Acre Wood is uncalled for. Is Lottie needed? Probably not. Does her addition ruin the Pooh tales? Not even close. After all, Tigger wasn't an original character either. The lovable bouncer didn't make an appearance until "House at Pooh Corner."

Burgess also pays homage to Shepherd's original drawings with honest and sweet re-creations. His work is perhaps not as bold and the hues aren't quite as rich, but the emotions are there and the illustrations are far from cartoon-like.

"Return to the Hundred Acre Wood" is not the same as Milne's originals, and it would be silly to think it should be.

It is, however, a strong addition to the Pooh lexicon. Benedictus and Burgess have captured the essence of Pooh, which is more than can be said of other, previous attempts. This book is definitely not a bother.

e-mail: jharrison@desnews.com