AA Milne’s teddy bear beats Harry Potter to the top spot

Jacob Stolworthy

Considering his placement at the centre of one of the country’s biggest literary successes, you may have assumed the UK’s most popular book character was Harry Potter.

A new poll comprised of 1,200 people has proven otherwise, however, with A.A. Milne character Winnie-the-Pooh beating J.K. Rowling’s boy wizard to the top spot.

Launched by the Reading Agency, whose library Summer Reading Challenge for children is now in full swing, the top three was rounded out by Enid Blyton’s Famous Five character George.

When asked to explain why they picked particular characters, people stated their chosen character “felt like a good friend.”

Completing the top ten were Lucy from The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, Dr. Seuss’ The Cat in the Hat, Spot the Dog and the titular character from E.B. White’s Charlotte’s Web.

Harry Potter will have to make do with being one of the biggest film franchise adaptations of all time.

— The Independent