I suppose the whole point of innocence is that it can't be preserved.

If that's how it seems to you, I don't doubt the genuineness of your feelings.

Like I say I came to 100 acre wood late in life and through the genius of Alan Bennet's readings. I was talking to an old friend about my discovery, when i was in the first flush of excitement about it. He said, You parents generation thought it was all middle class garbage - probably that's why you never encountered it much as a kid....

I don't read the books myself nowadays, but I recall it as a terrific read..... subtle without being knowing and adult. All I can say is, give it a try.....you may find yourself surprised.