Disney’s Winnie The Pooh: Springtime with Roo Parent Guide and Christian Review

In our review of Winnie the Pooh: Springtime with Roo, we will explore the Easter family film from a Christian perspective. Includes a parent guide.

Watch the trailer on Disney Video

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Synopsis of Winnie the Pooh: Springtime with Roo

In this direct-to-video film from the Winnie the Pooh franchise, loosely inspired by Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, Roo and the gang eagerly anticipate their annual Easter celebration at Rabbit’s house, where they decorate for Easter and hunt for colorful eggs. However, when the group arrives at Rabbit’s home, something seems off. Instead of the usual festive decorations, Rabbit has set out cleaning supplies, determined to have his friends help him with spring cleaning.

Once a huge fan of Easter, Rabbit has changed his tune. Now, it’s up to the gang—along with the narrator—to remind Rabbit of the joy, tradition, and friendship that makes Easter meaningful.

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Winnie the Pooh: Springtime with Roo Christian Review

I grew up watching this movie and still enjoy revisiting it around Easter. It’s hard to go wrong with Winnie the Pooh and his friends, and this particular installment centers on Roo, the young kangaroo who’s excited to celebrate his second Easter in the Hundred Acre Wood.

The film succeeds in offering plenty of charm and nostalgia—from the animation style to the inclusion of Jim Cummings to the script. The story is lighthearted and fun, making it a great pick for family movie nights or a cozy afternoon during Easter weekend.

Rabbit’s Character Arc: Control vs. Celebration

Rabbit is traditionally bossy and organized, but he takes this to another level in Springtime with Roo. After his friends express their excitement for Easter, Rabbit introduces a very different plan: spring cleaning day. He expects everyone to help clean his house, which disappoints the others.

Rabbit becomes upset when his friends try to celebrate without him. He feels hurt that they didn’t appreciate all the hard work he put into organizing things and lashes out when he loses control over the situation. His line—“I’m the Easter Bunny, so I make the rules”—sums up his need for control. When his friends don’t follow his rules, he cancels Easter altogether.

Rabbit’s story arc borrows heavily from A Christmas Carol, making his transformation feel familiar yet fresh for young viewers.

Be Careful of Secular Messaging in Easter Movies

Still, as charming as the movie is, there are some things to keep in mind—especially if you’re hoping to tie Easter traditions back to Christian faith.

Though the main message is sweet and has some truth (giving to others, spending time with your friends, etc.), it’s still overshadowed by the obsession with Easter egg hunts and each character’s special items. Roo does have a better perspective—valuing friendship over gifts—but the story still lacks the deeper meaning of Christian Easter: celebrating the Resurrection of Jesus Christ.

The film’s main song, Easter Day With You, reflects a very secular Easter tone:

Bright and sunny honey of an Easter
With painted eggs and jellybeans, too…
…Hunt for eggs and chase balloons

It’s catchy and cute, but it misses the heart of the Gospel.

A Faith-Based Look at the Film’s Message

Though the film doesn’t reference the Resurrection, it does offer messaging that can spark faith-based Easter discussions. Though the song “Easter Day With You” has a very secular focus, the song isn’t completely materialistic; the heart of the film’s message is also captured in the song:

’Cause what I like most about Easter
Is the way we show our pals that we care

Easter is about the greatest gift of all: the resurrection of Jesus Christ and the offer of eternal life to those who believe.

As John 15:13–15 (ESV) reminds us:

“Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends…”

While the film doesn’t reference Christ, it does point toward themes of love, selflessness, and giving—concepts that align well with Gospel conversations.

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FAQs for Winnie the Pooh: Springtime with Roo

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Conclusion: A Sweet but Incomplete Easter Story

By the end of the film, Rabbit has changed his ways and realized that control is not the solution; doing things for your friends and allowing them to have fun is. Like Ebenezer Scrooge, he finds joy in giving and helping others, embracing Easter.

This echoes Acts 2:38 (ESV):

“Repent and be baptized…in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins…”

Rabbit finds lifelong change in his ways, which is what Christ offers to us through His death and resurrection.

No matter how wholesome the message is, it still distracts from the true meaning of Easter. I’m not saying it’s bad to enjoy candy or egg hunts—but when that becomes the focus, it’s a missed opportunity.

If you watch this movie with your children, consider using it as a conversation starter. Ask them what Easter means to them—and share the true story of Jesus’ resurrection together.

Not sure what to read next? Check out our review of another family film, The Retrievers!

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Content Guide for Springtime with Roo

• Rating: G
• Age Suitability: All ages (with discretion)

Content Notes for Springtime with Roo

• Mild thematic moments
• Secular Easter focus

Positive Themes in Springtime with Roo

• Friendship
• Selflessness
• Redemption
• Forgiveness

Faith Themes in Springtime with Roo

• Opportunities to contrast secular vs. Christian Easter

Language in Springtime with Roo

• None. One character says “gee,” another says “what the dickens,” and Roo is called a “little nipper.”

Sexual Content in Springtime with Roo

• None.

Substance Use in Springtime with Roo

• None.

Violence and Gore in Springtime with Roo

• A character gets slapped (not graphic or intense).

Frightening and Intense Scenes in Springtime with Roo

• Tigger unintentionally looks and acts like a ghost, scaring Rabbit.
• The narrator also uses a ghost-like voice.
• A vision of the future shows Easter with abandoned homes and no friends, which could be unsettling for sensitive children.