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Cover of Now we are six

Now we are six

Written by A. A. (Alan Alexander) Milne

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Children's poetry, English

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About this book

"Now We Are Six" by A. A. Milne is a collection of children's poetry written in the early 20th century. It is a charming follow-up to his previous work, "When We Were Very Young," and it continues to explore the imaginative world of childhood through whimsical verse. The book likely delves into themes of friendship, adventure, and the innocence of youth, much like Milne's other beloved works featuring characters such as Winnie-the-Pooh. This collection features a variety of poems that celebrate the joys and challenges of being six years old, from playful musings about friendship with characters like Christopher Robin and Pooh to reflections on whimsical adventures. Each poem encapsulates a child's perspective on life, touching on topics such as imagination, nature, and the delightful absurdities of childhood. The illustrations by Ernest H. Shepard complement the text beautifully, enhancing the overall experience as readers are invited to share in the delightful explorations and tender moments that define early childhood.

Reading guide

Themes, characters and key ideas in Now we are six, written by Chaptra AI.

  • about 3 hours
  • beginner
  • uplifting
  • humorous
  • nostalgic

A. A. Milne's "Now We Are Six" is a cherished collection of children's poetry that serves as a delightful continuation of the imaginative world introduced in "When We Were Very Young." Through whimsical verse and the endearing presence of characters like Christopher Robin and Winnie-the-Pooh, the book tenderly explores the everyday adventures, musings, and emotional landscape of a child on the cusp of six years old. It celebrates the innocence, boundless imagination, and simple joys of early childhood, inviting readers into a world where toys come alive and the ordinary is imbued with extraordinary wonder. The poems, beautifully complemented by E. H. Shepard's iconic illustrations, capture a universal sense of nostalgia while offering profound insights into a child's perspective on life, friendship, and the subtle shifts of growing up.

“But now I am Six, I'm as clever as clever. So I think I'll be six now for ever and ever.”

Key themes

Innocence and Imagination of Childhood
This is the overarching theme, celebrating the boundless creativity and unique perspective of a child. The poems consistently transform ordinary objects and situations into extraordinary adventures through the power of imagination, highlighting how children construct their own rich inner worlds.
Friendship and Companionship
The deep bonds between Christopher Robin and his animal friends (especially Pooh) are central to the collection. The poems explore loyalty, shared adventures, mutual understanding, and the comfort found in companionship, both real and imagined, during childhood.
The Passage of Time and Growing Up
The title itself, 'Now We Are Six,' explicitly addresses the concept of aging and the transition from one stage of childhood to another. While celebrating the present moment, many poems subtly acknowledge the fleeting nature of childhood and the inevitable march towards growing older, often with a touch of wistfulness.

Worth discussing

How does Milne capture the unique perspective and logic of a child in these poems?

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