The Wind in the Willows

For more than a century, The Wind in the Willows and its endearing protagonists—Mole, Water Rat, Badger, and, of course, the incorrigible Toad—have enchanted children of all ages. Whether the four friends are setting forth on an exciting adventure, engaging in a comic caper, or simply relaxing by the River Thames, their stories will surprise and captivate you.

Hailed as one of the most enduringly popular works of the twentieth century, this story is a classic of magical fancy and enchanting wit. Penned in lyrical prose, the adventures and misadventures of the book’s intrepid quartet of heroes raise fantasy to the level of myth. Reflecting the freshness of childhood wonder, it still offers adults endless sophistication, substance, and depth.

The animals’ world embodies the author’s wry, whimsical, and unfailingly inventive imagination. It is a world that succeeding generations of both adult and young readers have found irresistible. But why say more? To use the words of the estimable Mr. Toad himself: “Travel, change, interest, excitement!...Come inside.”

Begun as a series of letters from Kenneth Grahame to his son, The Wind in the Willows is a timeless tale of animal cunning and human camaraderie. Since its first publication in 1908, generations of adults and children have cherished this world of gurgling rivers and whispering reeds, serving as home to the most lovable creatures in all literature―Rat, Mole, Badger, and the irrepressible Toad of Toad Hall; with his goggles, overcoat and love of fast cars. Follow these little adventurers through gypsy caravans, stolen sports cars, and their Wild Wood.

"The Wind in the Willows" by Kenneth Grahame is a classic children's novel written in the early 20th century. The story follows the adventures of several anthropomorphic animals, primarily focusing on the characters Mole and Rat as they explore the riverbank and nearby Wild Wood, revealing themes of friendship, nature, and the charm of rural life. The opening of the novel introduces us to Mole, who is tired of spring cleaning his home and is irresistibly drawn to the outside world. Leaving behind his chores, he emerges into the warm spring air and quickly encounters the enchanting river, where he meets Rat. Intrigued by the river and its lifestyle, Mole is taken aback by the joy of messing about in boats that Rat introduces him to. Their budding friendship sets the tone for their adventures, highlighting Mole's enthusiasm for new experiences and Rat's easygoing charm. The scene is rich in imagery, beautifully capturing the essence of nature and foreshadowing the adventures that lay ahead for these two companions.

LOVE THIS instead of a card with a baby shower gift, I asked everyone to bring their favorite Book to build a library for the baby to have his own collection of wonderful books! This was the book I loved as my Father read to me each night from this book as a child. Animals of the Forest and their lives a classic and beautiful book. Get your kids off TV and sit down and read to them!!!

"[Mole] thought his happiness was complete when, as he meandered aimlessly along, suddenly he stood by the edge of a full-fed river. Never in his life had he seen a river before--this sleek, sinuous, full-bodied animal, chasing and chuckling, gripping things with a gurgle and leaving them with a laugh, to fling itself on fresh playmates that shook themselves free, and were caught and held again." Such is the cautious, agreeable Mole's first introduction to the river and the Life Adventurous. Emerging from his home at Mole End one spring, his whole world changes when he hooks up with the good-natured, boat-loving Water Rat, the boastful Toad of Toad Hall, the society- hating Badger who lives in the frightening Wild Wood, and countless other mostly well-meaning creatures. Michael Hague's exquisitely detailed, breathtaking color illustrations on almost every generous spread--along with Kenneth Grahame's elegant, delightfully old-fashioned characterizations of the animals--make this book a wonderful read-aloud. Grahame's The Wind in the Willows has enchanted readers for four generations, and this lavishly illustrated gift edition is perhaps the finest around.