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A collection of poems reflecting the experiences of a little English boy growing up in the early part of the twentieth century.
E. H. Shepard was born in 1879 in England. His pictures of the Pooh characters are based on real toys owned by Christopher Robin Milne. Shepard died in 1976.
However, Milne’s books -- Winnie-the-Pooh, The House at Pooh Corner, and the verse collections When We Were Very Young and Now We Are Six -- are hardly typical of most stories for kids. They remain among the smartest of the genre, and were likely written as much for himself as for his young son, Christopher. Infused with a sly wit, they contain humor that only an adult can appreciate; indeed, some of the poems in When We Were Very Young first appeared in the satiric magazine Punch, where Milne was an editor.
Rendered by illustrator Ernest H. Shepard in quaint, warm watercolors, Pooh and friends Tigger, Kanga, Roo, Owl, Eeyore, and Piglet star in stories about playing games and helping friends in and around their home near “100-Aker Wood.” In one instance of Milne’s ironic humor, a sign outside Owl’s residence reading “PLES RING IF AN RNSER IS REQIRD” is attributed to Pooh’s boy companion Christoper Robin, “who was the only one in the forest who could spell.” The books are written with sophistication and a certain amount of dry British wit, employing turns of phrase (“customary procedure,” “general remarks”) not usually found in children’s stories.
The volumes of verse range over a wider collection of themes, with Pooh appearing in just a few poems. Most of them offer a young person’s perspective on subjects such as imaginary friends, feigning illness, and going to the zoo; and it’s evident how Milne’s work prefigures that of Dr. Seuss (From Going to the Zoo: “There are biffalo-buffalo-bisons/A great big bear with wings/There’s sort of a tiny potamus/A tiny nossarus too”). Other poems feature cowardly knights, buffoonish Sirs, and other fantasy figures.
Little of Milne’s work for adults, which included the autobiography Year In, Year Out and his first novel, Lovers in London, can be easily found in print. One adult title, however, is still being published: the pleasing Gosford Park-style Red House Mystery.
Pooh, meanwhile, continues to grow as a powerful franchise, with modern-day titles, animation, and games that are almost as delightful as Milne’s original texts -- but not quite.
Milne’s teacher and mentor was the scientist and writer H.G. Wells.
He edited Cambridge’s undergrad paper, Granta, and was later the assistant editor of Punch.
Milne wrote several plays that are no longer published, but were once quite popular, including as Mr. Pim Passes By and the Kenneth Grahame adaptation Toad of Toad Hall.
Anonymous
Posted March 12, 2005
this is an amazing boook...great for children or for anyone who enjoys the great essence of poetry...it will find the inter child in all of us!
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.This book was my first introduction to Pooh, Christopher Robin and the Hundred Acre Wood. It was read to me as a child, and, because of the title, I considered it a challenge to be able to learn to read it when I turned six. The language is a bit difficult for an early reader, but within two years of learning to read, I was able to read most of it.
My Dad was big on passing on traditions, and I suppose I inherited that from him. I gave this as a gift to a grandniece who turned 6 in December, in the hopes that that tradition can carry on through another generation, and the love of reading will grow, even if Piglet doesn't.
Anonymous
Posted March 12, 2013
Hhahaha u just happen to be vals sis....sure! Hahaha and no im 17.....why do u care....go find girls your own age......weirdo....val idk why u care that your bi seriously....its soo funny...lololol
0 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted October 22, 2012
A great book to read to your grand kids and a good introduction to poetry.
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Posted June 25, 2012
And love it still!! It is timeless. Wondetful to read aloud to children of all ages.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.BicBoy57
Posted May 17, 2010
I am a teacher, and my wife and I are a doting aunt and uncle. This book and its timeless characters are a must have for any children's collection. This is a book which can be passed on through the family for years to come. Buy more than one copy!
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Overview
A collection of poems reflecting the experiences of a little English boy growing up in the early part of the ...