Winnie the Pooh Invents A Game

Summary

Stories Podcast: A Bedtime Show for Kids of All Ages
Episode: Winnie the Pooh Invents A Game
Release Date: January 3, 2025
Host/Author: Amanda Weldon, adapted by Daniel Hines

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Introduction

In this enchanting episode of the Stories Podcast, Amanda Weldon brings to life the beloved tale Winnie the Pooh Invents A Game, originally penned by A.A. Milne and skillfully adapted for audio by Daniel Hines. Set in the serene Hundred Acre Wood, the story unfolds with Pooh Bear's whimsical invention of a new game, reflecting themes of friendship, creativity, and problem-solving that resonate with both children and adults.

The Birth of Pooh Sticks

The narrative begins beside a gentle stream flowing through the Hundred Acre Wood. Unlike the playful, sparkling streams of his youth, this mature stream moves calmly, aware of its path with the reassuring thought, “there is no hurry, we shall get there someday” ([00:01]). This setting provides a tranquil backdrop for Pooh's musings.

One peaceful day, Pooh Bear is inspired by a fir cone lying on the ground. Attempting to compose a poem, he ponderously declares, “Here is a mystery about a little fir tree. Owl says it's his tree, and Kanga says it's her tree, which doesn't make sense” ([04:00]). However, distraction strikes when Pooh trips, causing his fir cone to slip into the river, prompting his exclamation, “Oh, bother” ([06:00]). This mishap sparks his inventive spirit.

Discovering the Game

Pooh's accidental drop of the fir cone leads to the creation of a simple yet engaging game. Observing the cone's journey downstream, he becomes fascinated with predicting its path. “That's funny, said Pooh. I dropped it on the other side,” he muses ([06:02]). Experimenting further, he realizes he can control the outcome by varying the size and weight of the cones, ultimately claiming victory twice and earning the playful title of the game's inventor.

Returning home, Pooh proudly shares his success: “You take 28 from 36, and that's what he was, instead of the other way around” ([09:58]). This marks the inception of Pooh Sticks, a game cherished by him and his friends along the bridge over the river.

Playing Pooh Sticks with Friends

The story progresses with Pooh inviting his friends Piglet, Rabbit, and Roo to join in the new game. On a particularly lazy day, they gather at the bridge, each dropping their sticks into the river and eagerly awaiting the outcome. Despite the river's unhurried current, excitement builds as Pooh enthusiastically encourages, “Pooh's gonna try me” ([19:37]).

As the sticks float downstream, anticipation heightens. Piglet, ever cautious, nervously observes Pooh’s stick approaching. “Are you sure it's mine?” Piglet squeaks excitedly as his grayish stick emerges, only to reveal Eeyore sneaking his stick past them, much to everyone's surprise ([09:58]).

The Eeyore Incident

Eeyore's unexpected participation introduces a moment of tension. Caught in the act, Eeyore calmly questions, “I'm not, said Eeyore” ([10:10]), attempting to downplay his involvement. His presence complicates the game, leading to a series of exchanges that highlight the characters' differing personalities.

Pooh, concerned for his friend, exclaims, “Eeyore, what can we. I mean, how shall we, do you think, if we” ([10:40]), seeking a solution that ensures Eeyore's safety without spoiling the fun. The group deliberates, and Rabbit suggests a method to gently encourage Eeyore out of the river by creating waves with stones. Pooh, determined yet anxious, declares, “I'm not throwing it, I'm dropping it, Eeyore” ([12:35]), attempting to implement the plan carefully.

Despite their efforts, Eeyore remains nonchalant, responding, “I like turning around” ([13:02]), indifferent to the group's concerns. The situation escalates until Rabbit steps in to take command, coordinating the dropping of the stone to save Eeyore. With a synchronized effort, Pooh drops his stone, causing a “loud splash” ([13:33]) that successfully pulls Eeyore out of the water.

Resolution and Friendship

The episode concludes with the friends rallying around Eeyore, ensuring he is safe and dry. Eeyore, albeit reluctantly, acknowledges their efforts: “It's all the same at the bottom of the river” ([21:48]). The group reflects on the incident, deepening their bonds and reinforcing the importance of teamwork and understanding.

As night falls, they decide to continue their game, now inclusive of Eeyore, and Christopher Robin joins to reinforce the joy of shared activities. The story wraps up with a peaceful acknowledgment of their camaraderie: “Everybody is, really. That's what I think, said Pooh” ([24:03]).

Conclusion

Winnie the Pooh Invents A Game is a heartwarming narrative that encapsulates the essence of friendship and creativity. Through Pooh's innocent ingenuity and his friends' unwavering support, the story imparts valuable lessons on collaboration, empathy, and the simple joys of imaginative play. Amanda Weldon's engaging narration, complemented by Daniel Hines' thoughtful adaptation, offers a delightful listening experience that entertains and educates listeners of all ages.

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Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Pooh Bear: “Oh, bother.” ([06:00])
• Pooh Bear: “I dropped it on the other side.” ([06:02])
• Rabbit: “You take 28 from 36, and that's what he was, instead of the other way around.” ([09:58])
• Pooh Bear: “Pooh's gonna try me.” ([19:37])
• Eeyore: “I'm not, said Eeyore.” ([10:10])
• Pooh Bear: “I'm not throwing it, I'm dropping it, Eeyore.” ([12:35])
• Eeyore: “I like turning around.” ([13:02])
• Pooh Bear: “Everybody is, really. That's what I think.” ([24:03])

These quotes highlight pivotal moments in the story, showcasing character emotions and advancing the plot toward its heartfelt resolution.

Transcript

[Amanda Weldon]

Hello.

[Daniel Hines]

Welcome to Stories Podcast.

[Amanda Weldon]

I'm your host, Amanda Weldon. Today's story is called Winnie the Pooh Invents a Game, a classic story written for you by A.A. milne and adapted for audio by Daniel Hines.

[Daniel Hines]

We have Stories Podcast merch, [e-mail] shop. We're also on cameo for all of your personalized video message needs. And don't forget to follow us on Instagram Stories Podcast if you send us a drawing of your favorite scene or character, we'll share it on our feed. Now, here's a word from our sponsors.

[Amanda Weldon]

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[Eeyore]

Oh, bother.

[Amanda Weldon]

Said Pooh as it floated slowly under the bridge. And he went back to get another fir cone, which had a rhyme to it. But then he thought that he would just look at the river instead, because it was a peaceful sort of day. So he lay down and looked at it, and it slipped slowly away beneath him. And suddenly there was his fir cone slipping away, too. That's funny, said Pooh. I dropped it on the other side, said Pooh, and it came out on this side. I wonder if I could do it again. And he went back for some more fir cones. It did. It kept on doing it. Then he dropped two in at once and leaned over the bridge to see which of them would come out first. And one of them did. But as they were both the same size, he didn't know if it was the one which he wanted to win or the other one. So the next time he dropped one big one and one little one, and the big one came out first, which was what he had said it would do. And the little one came out last, which was what he had said it would do. So he had won twice. And when he went home for tea, he had won 36 and lost 28, which meant that he was. That he had. Well, you take 28 from 36, and that's what he was, instead of the other way around. And that was the beginning of the game called pooh sticks, which Pooh invented and which he and his friends used to play on the edge of the forest. But they played with sticks instead of fir cones because they were easier to mark. Now, one day, Pooh and Piglet and Rabbit and Roo were all playing pooh sticks together. They had dropped their sticks in when Rabbit said go. And then they had hurried across to the other side of the bridge. And now they were all leaning over the edge, waiting to see whose stick would come out first. But it was a long time coming, because the river was very lazy that day and hardly seemed to mind if it didn't ever get there at all. I can see mine, said Roo. Oh, no, I can't. It's something else. Can you see yours, Piglet? I thought I could see mine, but I couldn't. There it is. Oh, no, it isn't. Can you see yours, Pooh? No, said Pooh. I expect my stick is stuck, said Roo. Rabbit, my stick stuck. Is your stick stuck, Piglet? They always take longer than you think, said Rabbit. How long do you think they'll take? Asked Roo. I can see yours, Piglet, said Pooh suddenly. Mine's a sort of grayish one, said Piglet, not daring to lean too far over in case he fell in. Yes, that's what I can see. It's coming over onto my side. Rabbit leaned over further than ever, looking for his, and Roo wriggled up and down, calling out, come on, stick, Stick, stick, stick. And Piglet got very excited because his was the only one which had been seen, and that meant he was winning. It's coming. Said Pooh. Are you sure it's mine? Squeaked Piglet excitedly. Yes, because it's gray. A big gray one. Here it comes. A very big gray. Oh, no, it isn't. It's Eeyore. And out floated Eeyore. Eeyore. Cried everybody, looking very calm, very dignified, with his legs in the air, came Eeyore from beneath the bridge. It's Eeyore. Cried Roo, terribly excited.

[Eeyore]

Is that so?

[Amanda Weldon]

Said Eeyore, getting caught up by a little eddy and turning slowly round three times.

[Eeyore]

I wondered.

[Amanda Weldon]

I didn't know you were playing, said Roo.

[Eeyore]

I'm not, said Eeyore.

[Amanda Weldon]

Eeyore, what are you doing there? Said Rabbit.

[Eeyore]

I'll give you three guesses, Rabbit. Digging holes in the ground? Wrong. Leaping from branch to branch of a young oak tree?

[Amanda Weldon]

Wrong.

[Eeyore]

Waiting for somebody to help me out of the river? Right. Give Rabbit time, and he'll always get the answer.

[Amanda Weldon]

But Eeyore, said Pooh in distress, what can we. I mean, how shall we, do you think, if we.

[Eeyore]

Yes, said Eeyore, one of those would be just the thing. Thank you, Pooh.

[Amanda Weldon]

He's going round and round, said Roo, much impressed.

[Eeyore]

And why not?

[Amanda Weldon]

Said Eeyore coldly. I can swim too, said Roo proudly.

[Eeyore]

Not round and round, said Eeyore. It's much more difficult. I didn't want to come swimming at all today.

[Amanda Weldon]

He went on, revolving slowly.

[Eeyore]

But if when in I decide to practice a slight circular movement from right to left. Or perhaps I should say, he added, as he got into another eddy from left to right, just as it happens to occur to me it is nobody's business but my own.

[Amanda Weldon]

There was a moment's silence while everybody thought. I've got sort of an idea, said Pooh at last. But I don't suppose it's a very good one.

[Eeyore]

I don't suppose it is either, said Eeyore.

[Amanda Weldon]

Go on, Pooh, said Rabbit. Let's have it. Well, if we threw stones and things into the river on one side of Eeyore, the stones would make waves, and the waves would wash him to the other side. That's a very good idea, said Rabbit, and Pooh looked happy again.

[Eeyore]

Very, said Eeyore. But I want to be washed, Pooh. I'll let you know.

[Amanda Weldon]

Supposing we hit him by mistake? Said Piglet anxiously.

[Eeyore]

Or supposing you missed him by mistake?

[Amanda Weldon]

Said Eeyore.

[Eeyore]

Think of all the possibilities, Piglet, before you settle down to enjoy yourselves.

[Amanda Weldon]

But Pooh had got the biggest stone he could carry and was leaning over the bridge holding it in his paws. I'm not throwing it, I'm dropping it, Eeyore, he explained. And then I can't miss. I mean, I can't hit you. Could you stop turning round for a moment? Because it muddles me rather.

[Eeyore]

No, said Eeyore. I like turning around.

[Amanda Weldon]

Rabbit began to feel that it was time he took command. Now, Pooh, he said. When I say now, you can drop it, Eeyore. When I say now, Pooh will drop his stone.

[Eeyore]

Thank you very much, Rabbit, but I expect I shall know.

[Amanda Weldon]

Are you ready, Pooh? Piglet, give Pooh a little more room. Get back there, Roo. Are you ready?

[Eeyore]

No, said Eeyore.

[Amanda Weldon]

Now, said Rabbit. Pooh dropped his stone, there was a loud splash and Eeyore disappeared. Now for a quick ad break.

[Daniel Hines]

We'll be back with the rest of the story after this. If you'd like Stories Podcast and Other.

[Amanda Weldon]

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[Daniel Hines]

This episode of Stories podcast is brought.

[Amanda Weldon]

To you by Squarespace Squarespace is the all in one website platform for entrepreneurs to stand out and succeed online. Whether you're just launching a new venture or managing a successful business, Squarespace makes it easy to create a beautiful website, engage with your audience, and sell anything from products to content to time, all in one place, all on your terms. Squarespace makes it easy to build a beautiful website with Design Intelligence, a cutting edge AI technology to unlock your strongest creative potential. Design Intelligence empowers anyone to build a beautiful, more personalized website tailored to your unique needs so your site can really reflect your brand and create a specific digital signature to use throughout your entire online presence. Plus, Squarespace has integrated SEO tools. Every Squarespace website is optimized so you show up more often to more people in global search engine results. Head to squarespace.com for a free trial and when you're Ready to launch www.squarespace.com dragon to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. That's squarespace.com dragon for 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain.

[Daniel Hines]

Thanks. And now back to the story.

[Amanda Weldon]

It was an anxious moment for the watchers on the bridge. They looked and looked, and even the sight of Piglet's stick coming out a little in front of Rabbits didn't cheer them up as much as you would have expected. And then, just as Pooh was beginning to think that he might have chosen the wrong stone or the wrong river or the wrong day for his idea, something Grey showed for a moment by the riverbank, and it got slowly bigger and bigger, and at last it was Eeyore coming out with a shout. They rushed off the bridge and pushed and pulled at him, and soon he was standing among them again on dry land. Oh, Eeyore, you are wet, said Piglet, feeling him. Eeyore shook himself and asked somebody to explain to Piglet what happened when you had been inside a river for quite a long time. Well done, Pooh, said Rabbit kindly. That was a good idea of ours.

[Eeyore]

What was?

[Amanda Weldon]

Asked Eeyore, Hooshing you to the bank like that?

[Eeyore]

Hooshing me?

[Amanda Weldon]

Said Eeyore in surprise.

[Eeyore]

Hooshing me? You didn't think I was hooshed, did you? I dived. Pooh dropped a large stone on me, and so as not to be struck heavily on the chest, I dived and swam to the bank.

[Amanda Weldon]

You didn't really? Whispered Piglet to Pooh, so as to comfort him. I didn't think I did, said Pooh anxiously. It's just Eeyore, said Piglet I thought your idea was a very good idea. Pooh began to feel a little more comfortable. Because when you are a bear of very little brain and you think of things, you find sometimes that a thing which seemed very thingish inside you is quite different when it gets out into the open and has other people looking at it. And anyhow, Eeyore was in the river, and now he wasn't, so he hadn't done any harm. How did you fall in, Eeyore? Asked Rabbit as he dried him with Piglet's handkerchief.

[Eeyore]

I didn't, said Eeyore.

[Amanda Weldon]

But how?

[Eeyore]

I was bounced, said Eeyore.

[Amanda Weldon]

Oh. Said Roo excitedly. Did somebody push you?

[Eeyore]

Somebody bounced me. I was just thinking by the side of the river, thinking if any of you know what that means, when I received a loud bounce.

[Amanda Weldon]

Oh, yeyore, said everybody. Are you sure you didn't slip? Asked Rabbit wisely.

[Eeyore]

Of course I slipped. If you're standing on the slippery bank of a river and somebody bounces you loudly from behind, you slip. What did you think? I did.

[Amanda Weldon]

But who did it? Asked Roo. Eeyore didn't answer. I expect it was Tigger, said Piglet nervously. But Eeyore, said Pooh, was it a joke or an accident?

[Eeyore]

I mean, I didn't stop to ask Pooh. Even at the very bottom of the river, I didn't stop to say to myself, is this a hearty joke, or is it the merest accident? I just floated to the surface and said to myself, it's wet, if you know what I mean.

[Amanda Weldon]

And where was Tigger? Asked Rabbit. Before Eeyore could answer, there was a loud noise behind them, and through the hedge came Tigger himself. Hello, everybody, said Tigger cheerfully. Hello, Tigger, said Roof. Rabbit became very important suddenly. Tigger, he said solemnly, what happened just now? Just when? Said Tigger, a little uncomfortably, when you bounced Eeyore into the river. I didn't bounce him.

[Eeyore]

You bounced me, said Eeyore gruffly.

[Amanda Weldon]

I didn't really. I had a cough, and I happened to be behind Eeyore, and I said, grup, Chuck. Why? Asked Rabbit, helping Piglet up and dusting him. It's all right, Piglet. It just took me by surprise, said Piglet nervously.

[Eeyore]

That's what I call bouncing, said Eeyore, taking people by surprise. Very unpleasant habit. I don't mind Tigger being in the forest, he went on, because it's a large forest and there's plenty of room to bounce in it. But I don't see why he should come into my little corner of it and bounce there. It isn't as if there was anything very wonderful about my little corner. Of course, for people who like cold, wet, ugly bits, it is something rather special. But otherwise it's just a corner. And if anybody feels bouncy, I didn't bounce.

[Amanda Weldon]

I coughed, said Tigger crossly.

[Eeyore]

Bounce your coffee. It's all the same at the bottom of the river.

[Amanda Weldon]

Well, said Rabbit, all I can say is, well, here's Christopher Robin, so he can say it. Christopher Robin came down from the forest to the bridge feeling all sunny and careless. And he thought that if he stood on the bottom rail of the bridge and leaned over he and watched the river slipping slowly away beneath him, then he would suddenly know everything that there was to be known. And he would be able to tell Pooh, who wasn't quite sure about some of it. But when he got to the bridge and saw all the animals there, then he knew that it wasn't that kind of afternoon, but the other kind when you wanted to do something. It's like this, Christopher Robin, began Rabbit. Tigger. No, I didn't, said Tigger.

[Eeyore]

Well, anyhow, there I was, said Eeyore.

[Amanda Weldon]

But I don't think he meant to, said Pooh. He just is bouncy, said Piglet, and he can't help it. Try bouncing me, Tigger, said Roo eagerly. Eeyore, Tigger's gonna try me. Piglet, do you think? Yes, yes, said Rabbit. We don't all want to speak at once. The point is, what does Christopher Robin think about it? All I did was I coughed, said Tigger.

[Eeyore]

He bounced, said Eeyore.

[Amanda Weldon]

Well, I sort of boffed, said Tigger. Hush, said Rabbit, holding up his paw. What does Christopher Robin think about it all? That's the point. Well, said Christopher Robin, not quite sure what it was all about. I think. Yes, I think we should all play poo sticks. So they did, and Eeyore, who had never played it before, won more times than anybody else. And Roo fell in twice, the first time by accident and the second time on purpose. Because he suddenly saw Kanga coming from the forest and he knew he'd have to go to bed anyhow. So then Rabbit said he'd go with them, and Tigger and Eeyore went off together because Eeyore wanted to tell Tigger how to win at poo sticks, which.

[Eeyore]

You do by letting your stick drop in a twitchy sort of way, if you understand what I mean.

[Amanda Weldon]

Tigger and Christopher Robin and Pooh and Piglet were left on the bridge by themselves for a long time. They looked at the river beneath them, saying nothing. And the river said nothing too, for it felt very quiet and peaceful on this summer afternoon. Tigger is all right, really, said Piglet lazily. Of course he is, said Christopher Robin. Everybody is, really. That's what I think, said Pooh. But I don't suppose I'm right, he said. Of course you are, said Christopher Robin. The End Today's story Winnie the Pooh Invents a Game was a classic story written for you by A. A. Milne, adapted for audio by Daniel Hines, edited and produced by Andrew Martin, and performed for your by me, Amanda Weldon.

[Daniel Hines]

If you would like to support Stories podcast, you can leave us a five star review on iTunes. Check out all of our merch [e-mail] Shop Commission a special video on Cameo, follow us on Instagram Stories Podcast or simply tell your friends about us. In case you missed it, Dan and I have a new show on Stories rpg. We play games just like Starsworn with all your Max Goodname friends and Gigacity Guardians featuring the brilliant Firefly. Click the link in the episode description or go to patreon.com storiesrpg to get ad free episodes. Play along games and coloring books. We've already got a bunch of episodes over there, so check them out now.

[Amanda Weldon]

Thanks for listening.