When We Were Very Young – A.A. Milne 1924 | 1st Edition

When We Were Very Young (1924) by A.A. Milne, with illustrations by E.H. Shepard, is a timeless collection of children’s poetry that introduces readers to the whimsical, tender world of childhood through verse. Written as a precursor to the Winnie-the-Pooh stories, this anthology captures the everyday magic and gentle humor of early youth, blending nursery-rhyme charm with Milne’s signature wit and warmth.

The poems—including classics like “Teddy Bear” (the first appearance of Pooh), “Halfway Down,” and “Buckingham Palace”—explore themes of imagination, play, and small but profound childhood moments, from splashing in baths to pretending to be knights. Shepard’s iconic ink drawings, delicate and expressive, bring the verses to life with scenes of bouncing bears, pensive children, and bustling London streets.

Milne’s verse, dedicated to his young son Christopher Robin (who also appears in the poems), strikes a universal chord, celebrating both the silliness and solemnity of being “very young.” The collection’s rhythmic language and playful wordcraft make it ideal for reading aloud, while Shepard’s art ensures its place as a visual treasure.

Wherever they go, and whatever happens to them on the way, in that enchanted place on the top of the Forest, a little boy and his Bear will always be playing.” —A.A. Milne