We have just finished reading The Wind In The Willows, a classic story that I loved as a child. This new edition has a sturdy, gold embossed hardback cover and includes stunning illustrations by Grahame Baker-Smith. Introducing Mole, Ratty, Badger and Mr Toad, this would make a fabulous present and introduce a new generation of young readers to their countryside adventures..
The Story: Mole abandons his spring cleaning and ventures out of his underground home. He is delighted when he see a river for the first time and before meeting a generous and friendly water rat. Ratty, as he is known, invites Mole to stay with him. Many adventures follow as Mole make new friends, ventures into The Deep Dark Wood and becomes embroiled in Mr Toad’s madcap escapades.
The Wind in the Willows was first written in 1908 and its lyrical language paints a romantic, carefree picture of boating on the river, carol singing at Christmas and friends sharing amazing meals. But there are also darker more atmospheric scenes – the night that Mole gets lost in The Deep Dark Wood, Mr Toad’s obsession with motorcars which leads him into trouble with the law and the extremely nasty surprise he gets when he returns to Toad Hall after some time away.
I read The Wind in the Willows as a child and am delighted to say that it has lost none of its page turning magic. The language is fairly advanced and beautifully lyrical but there is plenty of action and humour to appeal to a younger reader. The story moves towards a dramatic conclusion as the four characters battle to save Toad Hall but intertwined are smaller stories of lost otters, seafaring rats and a spontaneous feast with carol singing field mice.
The four main characters are very different in personality but work together as a team and support each other when needed. Friendship and kindness are prevalent throughout the book and a real camaraderie develops between Ratty and Mole who are strangers at the beginning of the story. They bond over an amazing picnic and we love the descriptions of the food and feasts which play a big part in their lives.
We adore Grahame Baker-Smith’s illustrations which are gorgeous, full of amazing details and portray a wide range of situations and emotions. They are humorous, breathtakingly beautiful and amazingly atmospheric!
We also love the two tone illustrations…
This beautiful edition of The Wind in the Willows, with its unabridged text, would make a perfect keepsake present. The story provides a wonderful escape from the stresses of modern life and transports readers back to bygone days and a more tranquil pace of life.
Age Range: 8 +
Author: Kenneth Grahame / Illustrator: Grahame Baker-Smith
Thank you to Templar Publishing for sending this beautiful new edition of The Wind in the Willows. We’re looking forward to seeing which classic you publish next 🙂
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