I really enjoyed learning more about the creators of Winnie the Pooh. I learned a lot about Milne and Shephard and appreciated the connection to what they were doing not only for the literature, but also within the scope of the culture and society of the time.
You can tell this is a well-researched work that sticks to the thesis throughout. The writing is personable and easy to follow, and the pacing helps to keep the reader engaged with the information without getting distracted or bogged down.
If you are looking to find out more about how Milne developed Pooh and why Shephard created the illustrations he did, then don't skip picking this one up.

NetGalley, Tiffany Lancaster

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

What an absolute joy and an unexpected pleasure.

Picked up thinking I was going to read about Winnie the Pooh and received so much more. This is a delightful book which celebrates children’s literature and life itself.

Focusing on the influences and times of the author AA Milne and illustrator EH Shepherd it is a wonderful insight into their inspiration and interactions. These are warm and engaging biographies, exploring their wider families and the difficulties faced including the impact it had throughout the life of Milne’s son, Christopher Robin.

A book that keeps on giving. Accessible in approach and design. Short pithy and interesting chapters with annotated notes, index, bibliography and photographs that capture the lasting magic of this publication.

I loved the detail through the associations with Punch, a shared love of cricket and the impact of involvement in the First World War. This is a story that spans the generations and with detailed first hand documents brings historical insights into another time. Not an occasional coffee table read, this is an all consuming and satisfying story that brings depth and new focus on the life and work of the creative genius behind this children’s classic.

NetGalley, Richard Latham

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

WoW, Wishes do come true.............and I loved reading the Winnie the Pooh books when I was younger and still do with my nephew.....These are books that never grow old and still a joy to read.

The Creators of Winnie the Pooh by Andrew Norman was a wonderful book especially as it took me down memory lane and explore the great Winnie The Pooh all over again with my Nephew O. I have still got my Teddy my mum bought me when I was a 5 years old and called him after this famous bear. Yes, He sat with us whilst I was reading and telling my nephew all about him.

In 1962, children’s writer Roger Lancelyn Green coined the phrase ‘The Golden Age of Children’s Books’. A. A. Milne’s two Winnie-the-Pooh books, published in 1926 and 1928, which were so beautifully illustrated by artist and book illustrator E. H. Shepard, fall into this category. Milne was clearly motivated to compose his Winnie-the-Pooh stories in order to entertain his young son. However, Christopher Robin came to resent the fact that his father had used his real first names as the names of Pooh’s owner in the books. Was there a deeper reason why Milne created Winnie-the-Pooh? Possibly yes. The author had served as a soldier in the First World War, and by creating Pooh and his ‘Hundred Acre Wood’, he had created a world into which he could withdraw whenever he chose, and thereby mitigate the post-traumatic stress disorder which all military combatants suffer, to a greater or lesser degree. The same applied to Shepard, who also served in that conflict. Having been given the Pooh books as a child, I re-read them as an adult and laughed just as uproariously as I had done all those years ago. Up until then, it had never occurred to me to enquire about their author A. A. Milne and about their illustrator E. H. Shepard. I now decided that it was time to put matters right!

This book is a must have read for new or old fans and a great book to look at now and then to reminisce over a great Yellow bear who stole our hearts so many years ago, A wonderful read.

NetGalley, Nessa Thompson

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

This story gave the foundation of Winnie the Pooh and more. Based on the title I expected a deep dive on the creators but got a lot more packed into this than expected at first glance. It addressed the underlying messages within Alice and Wonderland, The Jungle Book and more.

The illustrations included were fitting with the topics incorporated.

I think this book would peak the interest of Winnie the Pooh fans, children’s book authors and those heavily interested in the origins of some classic tales.

NetGalley, Whitney D

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Growing up, my sister and I were big Winnie The Pooh fans so I was really excited to be approved for this. This book is a fantastic book for anyone interested in children's literature or just literature in general. This book discusses several other children's books published from 1865-1926, during the 'golden age' of children's literature. This is very informative and well put together. I really enjoyed this!

NetGalley, Victoria Thompson

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

I have always Winnie the Pooh. After reading this book, I have a new image of his character. It is a wonderful book for all ages.

NetGalley, Susan Benedict

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

I really enjoyed getting to learn about the creators of Winnie the Pooh, it really brought the time-period perfectly and thought it did a great job in bringing the people to life. Andrew Norman was able to weave a strong story and was glad everything had that research and writing style that I was looking for.

NetGalley, Kathryn McLeer

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

The Creators of Winnie the Pooh is a richly detailed and emotionally resonant examination of the creative and familial forces behind a literary classic. Andrew Norman succeeds in offering readers a deeper appreciation for Milne and Shepard’s contributions to children’s literature while also presenting an unflinching look at the personal costs of fame. By contextualizing the creation of Winnie the Pooh within broader historical and personal narratives, the book invites readers to reflect on the often-overlooked humanity behind iconic works of art. For fans of the series and students of literary history alike, this is an essential read that enriches our understanding of a cultural treasure.

NetGalley, Kajsa Blom

The facts are very entertaining and I learned a lot.

NetGalley, Marnie Compeggie

A fascinating and fun look at the writer and illustrator of the original Winnie the Pooh stories. Can be read by anyone at any age, and even if you've never read the original stories, you'll come away having learned many new things.

NetGalley, Spencer Wright