Texas Celebrates 100 Years of Winnie-the-Pooh in Abilene
This year marks 100 years since the publication of Winnie-the-Pooh by A. A. Milne, brought to life with the unforgettable illustrations of Ernest H. Shepard. And where better to celebrate that milestone than right here in Abilene, Texas, the Storybook Capital of America?
The celebration takes place Thursday through Sunday, June 11–14, 2026, during CALF in downtown Abilene.
If you’ve listened to me on the radio long enough, you know I’ve broadcast live from downtown Abilene during the early days of the Children’s Art + Literacy Festival. I’ve stood in front of the Grace and “The Nickel” cheering this thing on since it first took off. And now, here we are, celebrating a century of Pooh.
Why Abilene Is the Storybook Capital
Abilene proudly carries the title thanks to the incredible presence of the National Center for Children's Illustrated Literature (NCCIL), affectionately called “The Nickel.” It’s one of the only museums in the nation dedicated solely to children’s book illustration.
Add in The Grace Museum, a thriving downtown arts scene, and the nationally recognized Children's Art and Literacy Festival (CALF), and you’ve got a community built around storytelling, imagination, and creativity.
Every year, CALF brings more than 5,400 visitors from across Texas and beyond. That’s not small-town numbers, that’s big impact.
A Journey Through the Hundred Acre Wood
During CALF weekend, the NCCIL will debut a special exhibition titled “A Journey Through the Hundred Acre Wood.” It’s a tribute to Pooh and friends that connects generations of readers through original art and storytelling. And that’s not all.
Thursday night kicks off with Winnie-the-Pooh’s 100th Birthday Party, including:
- Costume characters
- Live readings
- Art activities
- Musical Storytime Adventures with Tio Toto
- Brand-new Pooh puppets from Le Marionette Theater of Dallas
Families can even create birthday cards that will be sent to the New York Public Library. How cool is that?
Storybook Garden Expansion
One of the most exciting moments of the festival will be the opening of the Clear Fork Bank Storybook Garden, unveiling nine sculptures of Pooh and friends. That garden has quickly become one of downtown Abilene’s most photographed and cherished attractions.
There’s also a new Pedestrian Plaza on Cypress Street, plus cookie decorating and the Young Audiences’ Enchanted Eatery moving to the Elks Arts Center, making the experience even bigger this year.
Abilene's Storybook Garden for the NCCIL
Gallery Credit: Rudy Fernandez
Why This Matters
Winnie-the-Pooh isn’t just a children’s book. It’s a reminder of kindness, friendship, imagination, and simple wisdom, something we could all use a little more of.
And as someone who’s stood in those streets with a microphone in hand since CALF first began, I can tell you this: what Abilene has built here is special.
A century of Pooh.
A city built on storybooks.
And thousands of families coming together to celebrate imagination.
That’s something worth showing up for.
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