How we cite our quotes: (Book Title.Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #1
"So for a week Christopher Robin read that sort of book at the North end of Pooh" (Winnie-the-Pooh.2.73)
The important thing here is the accompanying illustration showing CR reading an alphabet book to Pooh. At the beginning of the tales, Christopher Robin is in the very beginning stages of his learning, and being educated is as much about playing the part as actually knowing the information. While the text, which represents the way the stories unfold in CR's imagination, tells us that he's "reading", the illustration shows us the reality of what that means. He's merely sharing an early reader exercise book. Clever.
Quote #2
"Owl was telling Kanga an Interesting Anecdote full of long words like Encyclopedia and Rhododendron to which Kanga wasn't listening." (Winnie-the-Pooh.8.107)
Owl is recognized as the most learned character in the Forest. Unfortunately, no one really cares or understands him. They're impressed by his vocabulary, his claims to be able to read (even though we know he can't, really), but when it comes down to it, there are more important things than just erudition (look it up).
Quote #3
"'Owl hasn't exactly got Brain, but he Knows Things. He would know the Right Thing to Do when Surrounded by Water. There's Rabbit. He hasn't Learnt in Books, but he can always Think of a Clever Plan.'" (Winnie-the-Pooh.9.6)
Here, Milne articulates the difference between street smarts and book smarts. In the world of the Forest, at least, clever plans and practical common sense are at least as valuable.