Winnie-the-Pooh

Gentle adventures with a bear of very little brain and his friends in the woods.

Winnie-the-Pooh is a classic story collection by A.A. Milne, illustrated by E.H. Shepard, first published in 1926. It is number 12 in our list of the best children’s books of all time. Gentle adventures with a bear of very little brain and his friends in the woods.

What is Winnie-the-Pooh about?

A boy called Christopher Robin and his toy animals have gentle adventures in the forest, from hunting for honey to building a house for a donkey and looking for a very small hole. Each chapter is a self-contained story.

The book was published in 1926 with pictures by E.H. Shepard, and was followed by The House at Pooh Corner in 1928.

Book details

Detail Information
Author A.A. Milne
Illustrator E.H. Shepard
First published 1926
Type Classic story collection
Age guide 4 to 8

Why children enjoy Winnie-the-Pooh

  • Warm, funny stories that suit reading aloud.
  • Characters children recognise as friends.
  • Chapters that work in a single bedtime sitting.

Reading and talking tips

  • Take turns doing the voices.
  • Ask: which friend are you most like?
  • Go on a walk and play Poohsticks from a bridge.

About A.A. Milne

A.A. Milne was born Alan Alexander Milne on 18 January 1882 in London and died on 31 January 1956. He wrote for the magazine Punch and was also a playwright.

Read more on our A.A. Milne author page.

If your child likes this, try…

See all 20 in our best children’s books of all time.

Frequently asked questions

What age is Winnie-the-Pooh for?

It suits ages 4 to 8 as a read-aloud.

Who illustrated Winnie-the-Pooh?

E.H. Shepard drew the original pictures.

Where can I borrow Winnie-the-Pooh?

Most public libraries stock it. See our guide to children’s books and your local library.