10 Lessons Kids Learn from A. A. Milne’s Winnie-the-Pooh Books [Quotes]

Christopher Robin and Winnie-the-Pooh are such well known characters that it’s easy to forget they were created in the pages of a book rather than in a Disney animation studio. Of course there’s no harm in watching the Disney recreations, including the new movie, Christopher Robin. But introducing your kids to the original works by author Alan Alexander Milne will give them new insight into the stories, allow them to better use their imaginations, and teach them how inventive characters come to life in classic books—both with words and with the captivating illustrations of artist Ernest Howard Shepard. And as a bonus, there are some educational gems within the original prose of A. A. Milne’s books, which the cartoons and movies may have missed.

British playwright, poet, and author A. A. Milne introduced the world to Christopher Robin and “Mr Edward Bear/Teddy Bear” in his first children’s book titled When We Were Very Young, published in 1924. He followed that best-selling collection of poems with Now We Are Six, and then wrote his classic books Winnie-the-Pooh in 1926 and The House at Pooh Corner in 1928. These witty books are excellent choices for parents to read aloud to kids, who may be surprised that the characters and stories differ from the popular movies and Disney books. In fact, many of the popular quotes attributed to A. A. Milne are not from his books at all but from modern day movies.

More than introducing the now familiar and beloved characters of Winnie-the-Pooh, Eeyore, Owl, Rabbit, and Christopher Robin, Milne’s original books had a way of addressing relatable themes and life lessons to young children in an entertaining and educational way. And his writing and stories are comforting, bringing a bit of humor—and honey—to an often-harsh world.

So, find one of Milne’s books and take your kids to visit the Hundred Acre Wood when you get a chance.

In the meantime, here are ten insightful quotes from A. A. Milne’s original books that teach lessons on strength, courage, attitude, and friendship. Enjoy! (Words are capitalized as in the original text.)

 

Lesson One: The future is unknown, but stay positive

“Supposing a tree fell down, Pooh, when we were underneath it?’

‘Supposing it didn’t,’ said Pooh after careful thought. Piglet was comforted by this.”

―A. A. Milne, The House at Pooh Corner

 

Lesson Two: Look out for the vulnerable

“It is hard to be brave, when you’re only a Very Small Animal.”

―A. A. Milne, Piglet in Winnie-the-Pooh

 

Lesson Three: Your presence can be a gift

 “Piglet sidled up to Pooh from behind.
“Pooh!” he whispered.

“Yes, Piglet?”
“Nothing,” said Piglet, taking Pooh’s paw. “I just wanted to be sure of you.”

―A. A. Milne, The House at Pooh Corner

 

Lesson Four: Friends build courage

“I wasn’t afraid,” said Pooh, said he,
“I’m never afraid with you.”

―A.A. Milne, Now We Are Six

 

Lesson Five: Greatness is not measured by size

“But whatever his weight in pounds, shillings, and ounces,
He always seems bigger because of his bounces.”

―A. A. Milne, Pooh referring to Tigger in Winnie-the-Pooh

 

Lesson Six: Everyone needs love

“Because she knew at once that, however big Tigger seemed to be, he wanted as much kindness as Roo.”

―A.A. Milne, referring to Kanga in Winnie-the-Pooh

 

Lesson Seven: Compassion is an essential life skill

 “A little Consideration, a little Thought for Others, makes all the difference.”

―A. A. Milne, Eeyore in Winnie-the-Pooh

 

 Lesson Eight: Don’t neglect physical fitness

 “A bear, however hard he tries, grows tubby without exercise.”

―A. A. Milne, When We Were Very Young, “Teddy Bear”

 

But …

 

Lesson Nine: Be confident in who you are

 

“But do you think it worries him
To know that he is far from slim?

No, just the other way about—
He’s proud of being short and stout.”

―A. A. Milne, When We Were Very Young, “Teddy Bear”

 

 Lesson Ten: Some lessons must be relearned

“I did know once, only I’ve sort of forgotten.”

―A. A. Milne, Christopher Robin in Winnie-the-Pooh