When We Were Very Young

by A. A. Milne, Ernest H Shepard (Illustrator)

Overview

For nearly a century, children and adults alike have delighted in this endearing volume of verse and its whimsical illustrations. Written with simplicity and gentle humor, A. A. Milne's poems recapture the innocence of childhood and the wonder of everyday situations, from putting on boots for a rainy day to birdwatching and gazing at a cloudy sky. Alert readers will recognize the narrator of "Teddy Bear," a poem that originally appeared in Punch magazine in 1924 and marked the debut of Winnie-the-Pooh (here named "Mr. Edward Bear" by the author's son, Christopher Robin Milne). The verses' imaginative rhymes and rhythms make them a joy to read aloud, and Ernest H. Shepard's drawings provide memorable accompaniment.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780486838526
Publisher:	Dover Publications
Publication date:	01/15/2020
Pages:	112
Sales rank:	1,076,049
Product dimensions:	4.90(w) x 8.10(h) x 0.70(d)
Age Range:	6 - 9 Years

About the Author

A. A. Milne (1882–1956) was an English playwright, poet, and author. He served in both World Wars, but in peacetime devoted himself to writing. He is best known for his Winnie-the-Pooh books, which were inspired by his son, Christopher Robin Milne.

Ernest Shepard (1879–1976) was an English painter and book illustrator. Encouraged by his parents to pursue art, he attended the Royal Academy Schools and began his career illustrating for Punch magazine. During the First World War, he aided the Intelligence Department by sketching combat areas, and he was later awarded the Military Cross for his service with the Royal Artillery. In addition to his work as an artist, Shepard wrote two autobiographies and two novels for children. He is best remembered for his anthropomorphic animal illustrations in The Wind and the Willows and the Winnie-the-Pooh series.

Hometown:

Cotchford Farm, Sussex, England

Date of Birth:

January 18, 1882

Date of Death:

January 31, 1956

Place of Birth:

Hampstead, London

Place of Death:

Cotchford Farm, Sussex, England

Education:

Trinity College, Cambridge University (mathematics), 1903

Website:

http://www.penguinputnam.com

Read an Excerpt

DisobedienceJames James Morrison Morrison Weatherby George Dupree Took great Care of his Mother,
(Continues…)

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Excerpted from "When We Were Very Young"
by .
Copyright © 1992 A. A. Milne.
Excerpted by permission of Penguin Young Readers Group.
All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
Excerpts are provided by Dial-A-Book Inc. solely for the personal use of visitors to this web site.

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Editorial Reviews

Gr all levelsPenguin's production amplifies the fact that A.A. Milne has created some of the most memorable poetry and prose in children's literature. Charles Kuralt narrates all the tapes. When We Were Very Young resounds with Kuralt's lively reading of the nonsensical and onomatopoetic rhymes that fill the heads of toddlers. Opposite these poems, the narrator reads, with loving care, the verses about the real and imaginary playmates that warm youngsters' hearts. Now We Are Six reflects the growing complexity of a child's world. The narrator's voice is soft and vulnerable when reading of the innocent, inquisitive thoughts that preoccupy children, yet Kuralt speaks with a touch of exasperation when reading the poems depicting the young's struggle to understand the adult world. He does equally as well with Milne's stories. All the inhabitants of the Hundred Acre Wood are introduced and their humorous escapades chronicled in Winnie-the-Pooh. While portraying the characters, Kuralt's child-like tone reflects their goodness, innocence, and wee intellect. The House at Pooh Corner continues the adventures of Pooh and introduces the bouncing, pouncing, lovable Tigger. Besides the delight children will experience when listening to the light-hearted, captivating stories, young listeners will also identify with the universal hopes, fears, and wishes of the characters. Kuralt's deep, learned-sounding voice gives the narration a fatherly, comforting feel. Libraries will want to acquire these high quality productions.Mark P. Tierney, William B. Wade Elementary School, Waldorf, MD

School Library Journal

[Editors Note: This is a combined review with WINNIE-THE-POOH.]--This program exemplifies the potential quality audio has for complementing text. Soothing music introduces and links the stories and verses. Subtle sounds of nature immerse the listener in Pooh's world and provide a backdrop for Peter Dennis's enchanting performance. Dennis's ability to switch characters and moods allows him to accurately portray the range of characters in the stories--from the melancholy sound of Eeyore's voice to Pooh's empty-headed speech. These talents shine prominently in the "When We Were Very Young" poems. Dennis expresses the multitude of emotions in a child-like tone which is key to the success of the program. All ages will enjoy this marvelous performance of Milne's words. M.P.T. ©AudioFile, Portland, Maine

JAN 94 - AudioFile