Milne's family

Winnie the Pooh, a famous children's book character, was created by A. A. Milne. After the book was finished, A. A. Milne planned a literary career as a serious dramatist. He worked hard for twenty years and published other novels and essays. Unfortunately, British critics ignored him as a serious writer. For them, as well as for the rest of the audience, A. A. Milne was forever closely connected with his first book.

Meanwhile, the book had a life of its own. Numerous editions broke all records. During Milne's life, seven million copies of Winnie the Pooh were sold. The book was translated into 25 languages and spread round the world. As technology developed, the story was recorded and filmed. Even now, children adore Winnie the Pooh cartoons.

The popularity of Winnie the Pooh was a paradox to Milne. Before his son was born, Milne had never had any intention of writing a book for children. As a brilliant graduate of Westminster school, he had an ambition to become a prestigious journalist and writer.

Life changed with his marriage. In 1920, his wife Dorothy had a son, Christopher Robin. While the boy was growing up his father was busy writing for Punch magazine. He had no time to spend with Christopher Robin. During the lonely hours, the boy talked to his favourite toy, a teddy bear, which was a present from his father. This is how the main character was created.

Its name came from a black Winnipeg bear that Milne once saw in the zoo. The other toys - a kangaroo, a donkey, a piglet and a tiger - also belonged to his son. The Owl and the Rabbit were original creations. But all together they made a nice group of Winnie's friends. An exhibition of the original toys and Milne's family photos was opened in New York. It was popular with visitors of all ages and only Christopher Robin didn't want to see it.

Christopher Robin did not read the book for sixty years after it appeared. Till the end of his life he suffered from having been a famous little boy. At school, teachers admired the star of the best-seller. But his classmates laughed at his habits, so carefully described in the book. Changing school and doing boxing did not help.
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It was still fairly dark outdoors. Nobody 20__ how difficult it was for Daisy to get out of her warm bed but she did it.

Then it took her a great effort to dress and to leave the house. She headed to the opposite building.

The dog, a wonderful shepherd Blanka, was at their neighbours' house alone. Her owners Mr and Mrs Pitt 21__ for a business trip.

Daisy had promised Mrs Pitt to take care of Blanka while they were away. Mrs Pitt said that they 22__ back in two weeks.

"It's ok", Daisy thought, "One week and only one more week is still ahead. I'll manage."

Every day before classes she had to walk and feed Blanka. In the afternoons she played with her and 23__ her again. It was also necessary to tidy up in the house as Blanka, though she was a very clever dog, was also quite a messy dog.

Daisy had always wanted to adopt a puppy, but her mum 24__ of the idea.

"You don't understand that a dog is a great responsibility. It's not even like having birds, hamsters, or 25__. A dog needs lots of attention, time and devotion."

Daisy was experiencing it now. Her mum was watching her. "Mr and Mrs Pitt are coming back soon," she said calmly. "If, by the time of their arrival, you still want to adopt a puppy, I 26__ you do it."

St Petersburg is often called the Venice of the North. And for a good reason — apart from the 29__ Neva River the city has lots of other rivers, lakes and ponds.
The web of canals makes 30__ quite possible.
However, 31__ in Venice, the people do not use boats as city transport.
And there is no need — the city boasts its bridges. 32__ there are more than a thousand bridges in St Petersburg!
They are presented in 33__ styles and decorated with various designs.
The names of the bridges can tell a curious 34__ a lot about the cultural heritage of the city.