Buying The Wind in the Willows (The Wind in the Willows , Vol 1)

This childhood favorite is as fresh and charming as when it was first published. Yes, I admit I may be somewhat nostalgic, for I remember my grandparents reading me a picture book version of some of the stories when I was a little girl. But I have reread the book over the years and even enjoyed the play, TOAD OF TOAD HALL. As an adult I still delight in the antics of our animal friends as they face the joys and challenges of riverbank life.

The four protagonists remind us of folks we know, which endears them to us with their all-too-human dreams and foibles. Ratty, the water rat, is the sensible Brains of the outfit; Mole with his dreams of exploration aboveground is the Heart; gruff and tough Badger, who hates being disturbed during hibernation, is the Muscle of the group. Then comes The Toad who provides comic relief in the form of his vanity, childishness and his utter disregard for property, the law, and the feelings of others. Both people and animals must adapt to survive in the forest and streams of life--learning to rely on and value true Friendship.

Exhausted from spring cleaning Mole sets out to discover the world Aboveground, where he find the joys of riverbank Life--after almost drowning--with his new friend, host and mentor, Ratty. But beware the deadly perils lurking in the adjacent Wild Wood, whose denizens chivvy and harass the river bankers! Kenneth Graham weaves a delightful tale with willow strands of comraderie, dedication to ideals and self sacrifice. Come ride the roads with Toady in his stolen motor car, and scull down the river with Ratty. Savor the sentimental whisperings of Home with kindly Mole; join the search for lost Porky. Finally: cheer the ranks of Badger's Avengers! But will any Intervention succeed in reforming the irrepressible Toad?

This beloved children's classic combines humor and pathos with lively adventure in an animal realm which parallels human endeavor. This book is a true gem, to be rediscovered by successive generations and eagerly read by children of all ages!


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