Somewhere, a Boy and a Bear cover art

Somewhere, a Boy and a Bear

A Biography of A. A. Milne and Winnie-the-Pooh

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Somewhere, a Boy and a Bear

By: Gyles Brandreth
Narrated by: Gyles Brandreth
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About this listen

Brought to you by Penguin.

From Sunday Times bestselling author Gyles Brandreth comes the remarkable life of A.A. Milne and the bear who captured millions of hearts..
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‘Whatever subject an author chooses or has chosen for him, he reveals no secret but the secret of himself’ A A Milne

When Winnie-the-Pooh first appeared in print on Christmas Eve 1925, his creator had no idea that this bear, and the fellow inhabitants of the Hundred Acre Wood, would go on to capture the imaginations of people of all ages all over the world for the next hundred years.

In this new biography Gyles Brandreth tells the remarkable story of A A Milne – and of the ‘bear of very little brain’ who went on to become a global phenomenon.

Drawing on his friendship with Milne’s son, the real Christopher Robin, Gyles Brandreth has produced a revealing and intimate portrait of a prolific author whose legacy came to be defined by his most famous creation, and of the divided Milne family who for many years had a conflicted relationship with the iconic bear.

This is the story of a man, a boy and a bear – but it is also a gripping family drama, and a fascinating exploration of the complicated nature of growing up, and the impossible longing for a return to the enchanted places of childhood.

‘Gyles Brandreth has a touching access to the secrets of the human heart’ The Times

© Gyles Brandreth 2025 (P) Penguin Audio 2025

Art & Literature Authors Entertainment & Performing Arts Historical Heartfelt Biography

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Critic reviews

A comprehensive portrait of Milne , going all the way back to Alan Alexander's idyllic childhood. An enchanted world of childhood happiness : that's the power of Winnie-the-Pooh , and that's why it will live on for another hundred years
All stars
Most relevant
I absolutely loved this book. The biography is heartfelt without ever becoming over sentimental and the narration is superb. It made me go back to the Pooh books which I re-read with renewed pleasure. Thank you Mr Brandreth: You made my Christmas.

LOVED IT!

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read well, a good listen, lots of information idid not know.well researched.would really like to see the original winnie the pooh and friends.

fascinating information

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Gyles Brandreth writes and reads with sensitivity the story of A A Milne, the author of the Pooh books considered, like other children’s writers, to have been not so loveable. He has personal insights into the Milne family dynamics and has a deep appreciation for the enduring appeal of the bear of little brain. Thoroughly recommended; a superlative reading.

Enchanting and more

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I never realised Charles Brandreth had previous connections with Winnie-the-Pooh, Christopher Robin and A A Milne which brought extra insights to this listen. Excellent narration as was expected, and the whole story although entertaining had a certain melancholy about it, rather sad in places, but there was always Pooh and the whole philosophy behind it to cheer you up, additionally A A Milne’s other novels and plays, I never realised his breadth of writing talents.
I can thoroughly recommend this book, certainly one of the best I have listened to, bravo Mr Brandreth a mini masterpiece.

Enchanting listen.

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Gyles is first class at reading extracts from the works of AA Milne and brings a wealth of insider knowledge and reflection on the fascinating lives and stories within.

An excellent listen

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