Piano Tales for Winnie-the-Pooh (Nikki Iles) | Piano Sheet Music Review
This post is part of my Quick Takes series - short, focused reviews that highlight key publications for teachers and players.
Introduction
Sometimes, there is nothing better than hearing or playing music which brings a smile to the face. Piano Tales for Winnie-the-Pooh - the brand new collection of piano solos from Nikki Iles - is just that sort of music.
Joining Nikki’s other publications from EVC Music - Piano Tales for Alice and Piano Tales for Peter Pan - this collection of 15 piano works aimed at players from Initial to Grade 5 level blends her recognisable jazz style with the playfulness of a good children’s story.
Key Impressions
I have to confess that I wasn’t brought up on the Winnie-the-Pooh books, so I approach the music as a bit of a blank canvas. If you’re familiar with A.A. Milne’s books, then I’m sure you will find much here which feels warmly familiar.
Starting at Initial level and working through to Grade 5, the 15 piano solos are full of character and musical interest. Each piece brings out a different aspect of the Winnie-the-Pooh tales, from ‘Hunny Bear’ reflecting his love of honey, to the lamenting ‘Farewell to Christopher Robin’ as Christopher goes away to school.
Whilst Nikki Iles is perhaps best-known for her jazz style - both in arrangements and original works - there are a range of styles included here, so not all the pieces feel overtly jazzy. This offers space for a more reflective style which I think comes out so well in the very last piece, ‘The Hundred-Acre Wood’. Yes, there are always hints of jazz - in the harmony and in the rhythms - but this collection offers much more than that alone.
I particularly enjoyed the ‘Wise Old Owl’ with its clever use of 6/8 and 3/4 groupings, and also ‘Sticky Fingers’, a ragtime piece where we imagine Pooh getting covered in honey!
As we have come to expect from EVC Music, the book is well-presented and clearly laid out. Useful fingering suggestions, short notes on each piece, and clear expressive directions all contribute to the quality of both the publication and the music itself.
Whilst children will no doubt enjoy Piano Tales for Winnie-the-Pooh, I’m sure that it will bring many a smile to the face of adults too. There is nothing childish about this book - or the music - just a warm sense of playful and carefree storytelling. I can already think of several of my adult students who will enjoy playing these.
Verdict
The back cover of Piano Tales for Winnie-the-Pooh boldly states that:
‘These delightful pieces, with their whimsical interpretations of one of the best-loved children’s stories, are sure to become strong favourites in the piano repertoire.’
I couldn’t agree more.
They brought a smile to my face, and I’m sure they will bring one to yours too. Added to an ever-increasing collection of books from EVC Music and beyond, Piano Tales for Winnie-the-Pooh is another triumph for Nikki Iles.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Piano Tales from Winnie-the-Pooh by Nikki Iles, was published in 2026 by EVC Music ISBN 9781911359500, RRP £10.99.
I was sent a review copy of this book free of charge; however, this review is my honest opinion as a teacher. You can find my Reviews Policy here.
If this entry in The Notebook has encouraged or supported you, you are warmly invited to buy me a virtual coffee on Ko-Fi. Support starts from just £3 - whether as a simple one-off gift or a monthly subscription - helping this freely offered work to continue and quietly grow.
Star ratings reflect my personal opinion based on usefulness, creativity, presentation, and appeal for teachers and players. I only review publications I can genuinely recommend (3 stars and above):
⭐️⭐️⭐️ Worth exploring - A solid and dependable publication with moments of interest.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Recommended - Thoughtful and well-presented; many teachers and players will enjoy using it.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Highly recommended - Beautifully written, inspiring, and one I’ll return to often.
