This message appeared on the Internet alt.fan.pooh newsgroup. "Has anyone read this book by John Tyerman Williams ? I got a book club mailing a few weeks ago and it sounded interesting. I couldn't find a copy at the library to scan through to see if it would be worth buying. I'm willing to buy the book from the club and with shipping the book would run about $25. If anyone has read this and can advise me if it is worth the money, I would appreciate it." Below is Pooh's response:
"A large group of men came to visit me last Tuesday, Piglet." Pooh and Piglet were strolling along a pathway between the Six Pine Trees and talking about This and That. Piglet was keeping a sharp eye out for Jagulars, something he did regularly since Jagulars were fond of jumping down on top of Very Small Animals, of which he included himself as part of the group.
"What did they want, Pooh?" Piglet asked.
"They asked me all sorts of questions about the Universe and Good and Bad and What I Thought about Things. I wasn't sure what they wanted, but they brought along two Deep Jars of Hunny and left them behind. They referred to the Jars of Hunny as 'Advance Royalty' payments." Pooh looked to his friend Piglet for advice and comment on this matter, since Piglet was somewhat more Educated than Pooh, being the only Animal small enough to travel to School in Christopher Robin's shirt pocket.
"I bet they were from the King and Queen, because they are part of the Royal Family. Maybe they were the people who stop by your house just before the Royal Family pays you a visit. That's what Advance Royalty Payment means, Pooh." Piglet was quite sure of himself now. "They want to make sure your rug's clean and there are no spots on your floor."
"I spilled a bit of Hunny last night when I was checking the quality of the Deep Jars of Hunny they left with me. I'll go home right now and clean it up." Pooh thought for a moment. "But why were they asking me about the Universe and Good and Bad, Piglet?"
"They were probably just making sure you had Things to Talk About with the King and Queen when they visit. Don't worry, Pooh, you always make your guests very welcome, and I'm sure you'll do fine when the King and Queen visit."
I'd appreciate any comments, both positive and negative (but preferably constructive if they're negative) about this story or my writing style. I can be reached at Wstoler@aol.com.