The Wind in the Willows

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If you ever feel like falling into a beautiful comic-book story--in the same way one falls back into a warm field of grass--reach for Michel Plessix's lush adaptation of Kenneth Grahame's Wind in the Willows. The artwork is an aquarelle, with thin, precise, detailed lines. It's no wonder he received numerous awards for his previous effort, Julien Boisvert, a contemporary take on the Tintin character type. In Wind in the Willows, Plessix breathes life into Mole, Rat, and Toad (of Toad Hall) as they picnic on the riverbank, indulge in Toad's latest fad, and get lost in Wild Wood. The pacing is masterful: each panel lingers just long enough to make you appreciate the simple pleasures of life.

This review refers to ISBN 1561631965.

Book Description

Since its beginnings as a series of stories told to Kenneth Grahame's young son, The Wind in the Willows has gone on to become one of the best-loved children's books of all time. The timeless story of Toad, Rat, Mole, and Badger, brought to vivid life by Ernest H. Shepard's illustrations, has delighted readers of all ages for more than eighty years.

Customer Reviews:

A strange mix but entertaining.......2007-08-22

A children's classic that escaped my childhood readings, I read this as research for a short story I did.

A rich vocabulary with a strange mix of sometimes natural and sometimes human characteristics for the animals, the short sections were enjoyable and fast paced.

I think I prefer either the simpler Pooh stories or the more complex Watership Down, however.

Said the Mole..........2007-07-24

"What's a little wet to a water rat?"

If it's been a while treat yourself to a re-read of this story. There's something for everyone inside, but WIND IN THE WILLOWS must be read for itself. Take it slow and easy, and let the story grab hold. This is not the book to be read among throngs; but it will become a perfect vacation treat, to be consumed on a beach, or a cruise, or a quiet backyard weekend.

"I'm more in the water than out of it most days."

Never stumbled over it until adulthood, still thought it was great.......2007-06-04

I've read a lot of heavy stuff in the last year or so, and I decided to stick to children's fiction and other light reading for a month to sort of clear my palate. I picked up The Wind in the Willows and started into it without expecting much; I'd seen cartoon versions of Mr. Toad's Wild Ride quite a bit when I was a little kid, but never really felt interested in the book itself.

The book is like no other children's book I've ever read. It's ostensibly set in England, but obviously the anthropomorphic animals and idyllic setting make it more of a fantasy England than a real one. Kenneth Grahame loved the countryside, loved the relaxed life of someone who spends entire days drifting down a river in a boat, and one of his best achievements in this book is making you feel every ounce of pleasure that he ever got out of that lifestyle.

The funniest and most entertaining chapters center mostly on Mr. Toad, his boisterous personality and his exploits. He is an arrogant fool, but it's impossible to dislike him. Grahame draws him perfectly, and his story is never dull, but if this book were only about Mr. Toad's comical adventures it would be merely a great children's book and not a great book for all ages.

Fortunately, we also have Mr. Toad's three friends, Water Rat, Badger and Mole. The best chapters for the adult reader center around these characters and their relationships. The chapter in which Water Rat and Mole go looking for a friend's lost child and end up meeting a god is incredibly affecting. The chapter Wayfarers, in which Water Rat almost leaves the riverside life to go traveling, is also incredible. There is a depth of adult emotion in many of the non-Toad chapters that make the book well worth reading for anybody, and what makes the book so singular is that these very adult yearnings and feelings are addressed in a way that makes them entertaining even to children, who will not relate to them in most ways. The book goes to some very odd and peculiar places for a children's book, but it does so in a way that allows the children to come along as well. Anybody seeking to write for a universal audience should take notes from Grahame.

I wish I'd read this as a child so I could better know the child's perspective on it, but as an adult, I'm saying go ahead and read it no matter who you are. This book really does have something for everyone.

Don't Read This Book.......2007-04-13

Wind in the willows by Kenneth Grahame is a very childish book that I would recommend to my two year old cousin. I would not recommend this book to kids are age because it is childish and it isa fast read. It is about talking animals that get their house stolen by weasels and they steal it back by running at them and hitting them on the head with sticks.
Toad go's off on a trip, he gets put in jail for stealing a car. He escapes jail, finds some washer woman close, so every one things he's a washer woman. He gets on a train, he's the only passenger. When they are about halfway to Toads house they see a train coming after them faster and faster. Toad finally tells the Conductor that that is the police and they are coming after him because all he had done. so the conductor helps him get away. Then he runs into a barge woman, he asks if he can get a ride after a while she figures out he is not a washer woman but a frog so she throws him off. So he steals the horse that's pulling the boat and rides off on it. He runs into a man the. He asks man if he wants to buy a horse but Toad wants more money than the man is offering but Toad makes a deal "if you give me a meal and that money I will give you this horse. When he was done eating he left with the money and a full belly. He found a road while walking he saw a car coming but then he figured out it was the car he had stolen before, he froze he could not move. so the people thought he was in trouble so they put him in the car.

Like I said this is a very childish book, the only reason anyone would read this is to get an easy A.

A charming classic.......2007-04-09

No child who loves a good story should be without this book. The illustrations are indeed wonderful and will delight the adult and the child. This story is loaded with life lessons. The characters represent a mixed sampling of life's offerings.

The story is a little difficult to read and will be very frustrating for children 4 to 8 to attempt on their own. In fact, depending on the child, some 10 year-olds might very well require assistance.

Reading it aloud is a good idea for several reasons: it is British and therefore doesn't read like an American novel and the characters are old fashioned. There is magic in that "read aloud time" one spends with their little ones. The characters and storyline itself will lead to questions and we are then amazed at how much our child understands. And because of these elements and simple charm of this story our children acquire a taste for better literature.

There are too few books that help us grow and recognize what to avoid in life without preaching to us, and The Wind in the Willows is one of those. I am rating this 4 stars, because as good as it is some my get lost in translation from British to American.

Average customer rating:

More than wonderful, stunning
Summer Stories
Top Ten Things to Do Before You Die
Abridged but wonderful even so!
Excellent

The Wind in the Willows
Kenneth Grahame
Manufacturer: Candlewick
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0763622427
Release Date: 2003-09-15

Book Description

In a beautiful single volume, Inga Moore’s magical illustrations bring Kenneth Grahame’s much-loved classic to life for a new generation of readers.

Kenneth Grahame’s classic tale of the pleasures of country life and the dependability of good friends will never grow old. Now, in this splendid volume, Inga Moore recaptures its scenes and its characters with richly patterned and warmly detailed illustrations. Here, drawn with charming freshness, are impulsive dear Mole, rash Mr. Toad, reclusive Badger, and sensible Rat, so happy just "messing around in boats." And here are the most treasured moments from THE WIND IN THE WILLOWS - Mole’s first enraptured row on the river, Toad’s irrepressible adventures in and out of automobiles, and many more. So gather ’round to read or listen, and, as Mole and Rat would heartily agree, a fine time will be had by all.

Customer Reviews:

More than wonderful, stunning.......2007-07-11

I bought this book online for reading to our five-year-old, having never read it myself in childhood. Since there are lots of editions and I couldn't see them physically, I struggled a bit, but ended up picking the one with the illustrations I liked best, despite a somewhat higher cost. Aside from being a joy to read, this turns out to be the most gorgeous book I've bought in years. Not only are the illustrations painstaking, rich, and vivid, with a tone that fits the text perfectly -- and there are tons of them -- it is also a large-format hardback with a quality of paper and binding that you just don't see anymore. I would have expected to pay $30 or more for this if asked to guess the price. Every time I open it to read to my daughter I get a little thrill of pleasure just from the quality of the book itself. If it's abridged without acknowledgement, that's unfortunate, but I wouldn't let that deter you from buying this stunning edition.

Summer Stories.......2007-01-27

Even middle schoolers will enjoy this classic epic of the adventures of four riverside pals braving the huge world. The shy Mole, courageous Rat, boisterous Toad, and the all- knowing Badger will charm you the minute you encounter them.

Whenever, I think of Mole I smile. Curious as he is, he discovers the river along with his new-found friend, Rat. Rat is a cunning character who is always ready to lend a helping hand and always knows what is going on. Rat knows all about his friendly riverside neighbors and informs Mole about their personalities. I wouldn't mind having him as my friend, even though he is a rat. Rat's statement about his friend Toad was right on the money, "He is indeed the best of animals, so simple, so good natured, and so affectionate. Perhaps he's not very clever-we can't all be geniuses; and it may be that he is boastful and conceited. But he has got some great qualities has Toady." Later on in the book, Toad finds himself escaping jail dressed as a washer woman with no money because he stole a motor car. This comical character keeps the book interesting by adding little stories and always getting into trouble. The last of the four friends is Badger, a hermit who lives deep in the wild wood he is wise, but not one who you can rely on to show up. As Rat puts it when Mole questions when he will meet badger, "Badger will turn up some day or other-he's always turning up- and then I'll introduce you. The best of fellows!" Last but not least, are the weasels who invade Toad Hall when Toad is imprisoned. It made me laugh to think of these little weasels taking over and having an army-like personality, and it puts a fun twist in the plot.

My favorite aspect of this book is the personification Grahame puts into these animals. When I think of the characters in this book I think of them as humans not the animals that they really are. My seven-year old step-sister loved the children's version and I the adult therefore making this book great for people of all ages.

Top Ten Things to Do Before You Die.......2006-09-13

I almost didn't get around to it until I became a grandma. Thought I'd better brush up on children's literature--how had I ever missed this? It's hard to believe that anyone could make a Water Rat, a Mole, a Toad, a Badger, and various and sundry rodents so endearing. Why, parts of it even made me LOL! The abridged hardcover edition I bought was only thirteen bucks or so, but the illustrations by Inga Moore make it priceless. Buy this one! You won't be sorry!

Abridged but wonderful even so!.......2006-07-08

For those people who are not familiar with this timeless classic, it is the charming tale of a humble Mole who wanders down to the riverside one day, only to meet a new friend in the local water Rat, and thus begin a series of adventures that will introduce him to the lovable but foolish Toad and the brave but aloof Badger, and a host of other woodland creatures -- all of whom dress and act like people. Most of the action surrounds Toad's exploits and escapes, while most of the heart comes from the friendship between Mole and his friend Rat.

It seems that reviewers either loved this book for the peerless color illustrations by Inga Moore, surpassing even the charm of Shepherd's original ink drawings, or they are deeply disappointed by the abridgement.

I have to say that I fall into the first category. Moore's many charming and highly detailed pictures are a genuine treasure, and evoke the mood of the book and the personality of the characters pefectly. In my opinion they add to the experience of the book considerably.

In the store, before I bought the book, I made a word-by-word comparison for some of the most memorable passages and found no differences whatsoever. So, from what I can gather, the abridgment seems to consist of leaving out a few episodes entirely, rather than shortening here and abbreviating there. I think this approach leaves far more of Kenneth Grahame's original voice intact - a very good thing indeed. I would also add that, at 180 pages, it's not an extensive abridgement; most of the original is still there.

Why not all of it? I don't know. But don't let that stop you from buying this lovely book, another gem from the outstanding Candlewick Press.

Excellent.......2005-08-02

Terrific Book! Excellent to read to children 5+ years old. It talks about friendship and the loyalty between friends. Great wordings in the book!

The Wind in the Willows (Unabridged Classics)

Average customer rating:

A life-Long Favorite!
wind in the willows

The Wind in the Willows (Unabridged Classics)
Kenneth Grahame
Manufacturer: Sterling
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 1402725051

Book Description

Since its beginnings as a series of stories told to Kenneth Grahame's young son, The Wind in the Willows has become one of the best-loved children's books ever. Toad, Rat, Mole, and Badger will find yet another new audience with this good-looking edition.

Customer Reviews:

A life-Long Favorite!.......2007-09-30

This is a wonderful book, and a great gift for a chid in your life.

I first read it as a little boy many years ago.

I am 56 years old and read it every year!

wind in the willows.......2007-03-23

I am very pleased with the condition of this book. Wind In the Willows has been a favorite of mine for over 60 years!!

Beyond the Wild Wood: The World of Kenneth Grahame, Author of the Wind in the Willows

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Beyond the Wild Wood: The World of Kenneth Grahame, Author of the Wind in the Willows
Peter Green
Manufacturer: Book Sales
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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The Wind In The Willows (Children's Classics) (Children's Classics)

Average customer rating:

Great car listening
Wonderful audio of a great classic
My current favorite book
Wind in the Willows on tape is terrfic!

The Wind In The Willows (Children's Classics) (Children's Classics)
Kenneth Grahame
Manufacturer: In Audio
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: 1584723424

Customer Reviews:

Great car listening.......2007-09-01

We love to listen to this in the car. It is Classic and enjoyable.

Wonderful audio of a great classic.......2007-05-14

The narrator is great, he created different voices for each of the characters so the listener can know who is talking. His voice is also very smooth and pleasant. It is a great addition to any collection and can be enjoyed by all age groups

My current favorite book.......2005-09-29

This book won't let me go. I find myself quoting small animals! "Oh,Bother" has become my favorite exclamation. The author brings Mr Rat, Mole and Mr Toad to life with vivid descriptions of their surroundings. A wonderful book.

Wind in the Willows on tape is terrfic!.......2005-07-12

My grandchildren and I listened to this while on a car trip, and we loved it. In fact, I wanted to listen even when they weren't in te car. hte writeup states that you might want to buy one for the children and another for yourself, and that's probably true. Very well done.

Average customer rating:

The Wind in the Willows

The Wind in the Willows
Kenneth Grahame
Manufacturer: Blackstone Audiobooks
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: 0786180315

Book Description

The Wind in the Willows is a book for those "who keep the spirit of youth alive in them; of life, sunshine, running water, woodlands, dusty roads, winter firesides." So wrote Kenneth Grahame of his timeless tale of Rat, Mole, Badger, and Toad, in their lyrical world of gurgling rivers and whispering reeds, a world which is both beautiful and benevolently ordered. But it is also a world threatened by dark forces—"the Terror of the Wild Wood" with its "wicked little faces" and "glances of malice and hatred"—and defended by the mysterious Piper at the Gates of Dawn.

In the end, Grahame triumphantly succeeds in conveying his most precious theme: the miracle of loyalty and friendship.

Customer Reviews:

The Wind in the Willows .......2007-05-13

I waited with such anticipation for the audiobook version of a very favourite book. Sadly, I was disappointed. Kenneth Grahame's words are wonderful - to be savoured, absorbed, and enjoyed. I was soon frustrated by this recording as the sheer speed of the reading did not allow for the formation of mind pictures or imagining Mole busily spring-cleaning his house, appreciating the wonderful exchange of conversation between the characters. I quickly decided to give away the audiobook. However, I don't really want to pass it on to others, either. I so want others to appreciate the wonderful story of the little mole who found he could come out of the darkness and live in the light, that I would not like anyone's introduction to it to be this recording. I am aware this narrator has a large volume of wonderful work, but perhaps a quintessentially British story is not suited to this voice.

Average customer rating:

Childhood Favorite

Wind in the Willows
Kenneth Grahame , and Rene Cloke
Manufacturer: Gramercy
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0517223619
Release Date: 2004-09-07

Book Description

This hardcover edition of the classic tale of THE WIND IN THE WILLOWS has been read and loved by children for generations. Start a new tradition of reading this timeless tale in your home today!
•Fully illustrated in color, bringing each tale to life
•Filled with humor, adventure and imagination for children of all ages
•Great first-time reading for children as well as reading again for parents and grandparents
•Beautiful story and unforgettable characters

Customer Reviews:

Childhood Favorite.......2007-07-13

I remember this book. It was given to me as a birthday present when I was young. I loved it! My father read it to me until the pages fell out. I lost it in a move several years ago and was overjoyed to find it for sale after having been unavailable for many years. The pictures are amazing. The detail is spectacular. I haven't seen another edition with such fine illustrations. The characters came to life for me as a child through these pictures. I fell in love with the story and rat and mole became my best friends. I recommend this book. Make someone's childhood.

Wind in the Willows: A Young Reader's Edition of the Classic Story

Average customer rating:

Cool!
Will Always Remember

Wind in the Willows: A Young Reader's Edition of the Classic Story
Kenneth Grahame , Graham C. Barrett , and Retold by G.C. Barrett, Illustrated by Don Daily Kenneth Grahame
Manufacturer: Courage Bks.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0762409991

Customer Reviews:

Cool!.......2001-11-17

I read this book so many times. I loved it. I thimk you should read it too.

Will Always Remember.......2001-09-18

I read this book over ten years ago, when I was about nine, but the emotions I felt while reading it are still fresh in my mind. This is an excellent read, at any age. It's fun, sad, silly, and adventurous. I will never forget it.

The Wind in the Willows (Penguin Classics)

Average customer rating:

Read this now!
Children's story

The Wind in the Willows (Penguin Classics)
Kenneth Grahame , and Gillian Avery
Manufacturer: Penguin Classics
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0143039091
Release Date: 2005-07-26

Book Description

When Kenneth Grahame first entertained his son with letters about a petulant character named Toad, he had no way of knowing that his creation—together with his friends Mole, Rat, and Badger—would delight children for nearly 100 years. Here they are once more, pursuing adventure in gypsy caravans, stolen sportscars, and prison, but always returning to their beloved Wildwood. And although Grahame's characters are unmistakably animals, they remain endearingly human in their eccentricity, folly, and friendship.

Customer Reviews:

Read this now!.......2007-06-08

True, this book is a classic. But contrary to some other reviews you may read on this site, the book earns its status as a classic. It's a brilliant adventure, and you won't be disappointed.

Children's story.......2006-05-30

This is a story written for children. I honestly don't know whether this story would appeal to a child, but it seemed too cloyingly sweet to me.
It's a classic, which is the reason why I read it in the first place. I found the plot subservient to the descriptions of the way the animals live in their cute and cozy world, which did not endear me to the book.
It is quite possible that children will love this book for its imaginative drawing of a world where animals live as people. But, unlike other classics, such as "Narnia", "Peter Pan" or "Five Children and It", this one is not worth reading as an adult.

The Wind In The Willows (Classic Books on CD Collection) [UNABRIDGED]

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The Wind In The Willows (Classic Books on CD Collection) [UNABRIDGED]
Kenneth Grahame
Manufacturer: Audio Book Contractors, Inc.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: 1556857748

Product Description

The River Rat, Mole, Otter and Badger display more than human kindness and patience towards Toad's wild schemes and escapades. Five CDs.

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