Featuring the Art of Winnie-the-Pooh!
All About Winnie’s creation
Ernest H. Shepard (1879-1976)
Ernest H. Shepard was the visionary artist who brought A.A. Milne’s Winnie-the-Pooh to life. Born in London and educated at the Royal Academy Schools, Shepard served with distinction in World War I, earning a Military Cross for bravery while contributing sketches to Punch magazine from the front lines. When Shepard returned home, he went to work full time for Punch as a sketch artist. It was his dream job.
In 1924, Shepard began a historic collaboration with author A.A. Milne when he illustrated the author’s collection of children’s verses for Punch. That led to the pair collaborating on the book When We Were Very Young followed by the 1926 classic Winnie-the-Pooh and the 1928 sequel The House at Pooh Corner. While Milne’ stories were inspired by his son Christopher Robin’s toys, Shepard modeled his iconic drawings of Pooh after his own son’s teddy bear, "Growler," for a softer, more "cuddly" appearance.
Beyond the Hundred Acre Wood, Shepard illustrated for many leading authors of the era, including Kenneth Grahame’s The Wind in the Willows and The Reluctant Dragon. He remained a prolific artist well into his nineties. His last artwork was colorizing illustrations for Pooh. Shepard’s whimsical style and masterful use of line defined a golden age of children’s literature, making Pooh and his friends timeless icons of the human imagination.
ART EXHIBIT:
A Journey Through the Hundred Acre Wood
Opening at the National Center for Children’s Illustrated Literature at 3 p.m. June 11, 2026 and on exhibit through September 2026. Featuring the original art of Shepard along with four other artists who have depicted Pooh and friends in their artwork. The exhibit contains 15 original pieces along with fun interactives and displays that will make this a memorable NCCIL visit!
PICNIC WITH POOH!
Friday, June 12. This special dinner is hosted by the National Center for Children’s Illustrated Literature (NCCIL) and will have two meal times from which to choose, 5-6 pm or 6:30-7:30 pm. Tickets at nccil.org.
NCCIL WORKSHOPS:
9-10 am Friday or Saturday, June 12-13
Children will participate in a hands-on art workshop led by Faith Pray, illustrator of How a Bear Became a Book,the story of how Milne, Shepard and their editor worked together to make the first Winnie-the-Pooh book 100 years ago. Limited spots. $5 per child for NCCIL members and $20 per child for non-members. Register at nccil.org.
About the National Center for Children’s Illustrated Literature
The NCCIL (pronounced “nickel”) is located at 102 Cedar St. in downtown Abilene and collaborates with award-winning illustrators to produce exhibitions of their artwork that are distinctive, appealing to museum visitors of all ages, and of the highest quality. In addition to this unique artistic partnership, following its debut at the NCCIL gallery, each exhibition travels to museums, public libraries, and galleries nationwide. To the local community, the NCCIL offers:
Opportunities to meet visiting artists during exhibition opening events
FREE family art activities every Saturday from 10 AM-1 PM
Instructed exhibition tours for students
Annual workshops and art camps
Books signed by exhibiting artists