The combination of whimsical escapades and gorgeous illustrations have ensured that A. A. Milne and E. H. Shepard’s stories have stood the test of time. Whether children enjoy the animal characters, the humour or the silly situations that Pooh finds himself in, we’ve curated some suggestions of what to read next.
Winnie-the-Pooh: what to read next
First published in 1926, the gentle adventures of Pooh and his friends have been loved by generations of children and families.
Gentle escapades
From floating with a balloon and getting stuck in Rabbit’s front door, to discovering the North Pole and nearly finding a Woozle, Pooh’s adventures are always delightful.
The Bear and Rabbit series by Julian Gough, illustrated by Jim Field
This chapter book series has a classic feel, with beautiful illustrations, and an amusing double-act comprised of the know-it-all Rabbit and the calm Bear. Great fun.
The Frank and Bert series by Chris Naylor-Ballesteros
Frank and Bert are two animal friends who have child-like experiences, such as riding bikes and playing hide-and-seek or football. The joy of these picture books is two-fold – firstly, the lovely, spare illustrations, and secondly, the fact that the reader can understand something that at least one character doesn’t. Not to mention the depiction of a supportive friendship.
Several stories in one volume
The Bear and Bird series by Jarvis
Containing four amusing short stories with Jarvis’s super cute and smile-inducing illustrations, each Bear and Bird book stars two friends enjoying life together.
Beti and the Round House by Atinuke, illustrated by Emily Hughes
In a little round house in the green woods under the mountains, Beti lives with her Mam, Tad and baby brother Jac. She is adventurous, curious and determined. Accompanied by a community of her loving family, diverse friends, kind neighbours, and a mischievous baby goat named Naughty, Beti embarks on four stand-alone, mini adventures – one for each season.
Humour
There is much humour to be found in the Winnie-the-Pooh books. Pooh often finds himself in silly situations, for instance, following his own footstep or believing he looks like a cloud. The writing style is a master-class in wit and warmth. Here are some other funny books to make you laugh.
The Grimwood series by Nadia Shireen
City fox siblings Ted and Nancy flee to the forest, only to discover a rather bonkers community of animals. Gloriously anarchic and heartwarming stories, with dynamic illustrations.
Badgers are Go! by Susannah Lloyd, illustrated by Nici Gregory
Young badger Lulu Whifferton-Rear must infiltrate the human world to bring about world peace. Bursting with imaginative gadgets, exciting covert operations and entertaining characters.
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Peter Rabbit: what to read next
Beatrix Potter’s Peter Rabbit books have captivated generations of readers with their tales of mischief and beautifully rich illustrations. There’s something timelessly appealing about the natural settings and animal friends in these stories, not to mention the thrill of the adventures with angry farmers and cunning foxes! Many children will recognise Peter from modern adaptations too; he appears in a popular tv series, films and much more besides.