. >> the pet was called winnie, after winnepeg.took her to britain, where she became a regimental mascot. later it was housed at the london zoo, where she came to the attention of author aa milne and young son christopher robin. the rest is history. >> when i was a kid they used to say that. whenever anyone told the story, they said they'd have to tell the story. winnie the poo was my great grand bear. >> reporter: an exhibit of photos and diaries opened in toronto. they satellitele known, neglected recollects in a family attic. they are on display and online. a chronicle on how real life can lead to captivating literature. the appeal of childhood as a retreat, a place that they go back to and think of fondly and reflect on. the book really manages to epit somize that. >> the exhibit comes as the world marks the centenary, the outbreak of world war i. the popularity a counterweight to the horrors of the conflict. a soldier enreaching the lives of generations. >> lindsay is passing on the family story and tales of winnie the poo to