Milne, A. A. (Alan Alexander)

Now We Are Six

This playful opening introduction speaks straight to the reader in A. A. Milne’s warm, conversational voice. It jokes about the awkwardness of reciting poetry when everyone is distracted, then uses that moment to explain why the book begins with a little clearing of the throat of its own. Milne reflects lightly on the time spent writing these poems, teases that some feel younger than others, and closes with a sweet, humorous postscript from Pooh, who says he wandered in by mistake while looking for Piglet. It’s a gentle, clever start that feels like being let in on a private joke.