The Wind in the Willows

I purchased The Wind in the Willows: The Centennial Anniversary Edition as a required book for school, and I’m very impressed with the quality. The hardcover feels sturdy and durable, making it ideal for repeated use throughout the school year. The printing and binding are excellent, giving it a premium feel that makes it enjoyable to read. The pages lay flat nicely, and the overall presentation of the book adds a classic, timeless touch to any collection. It’s the kind of edition that looks great on a bookshelf as well as serving its purpose for coursework. Overall, this is a high-quality, beautifully produced book that meets both academic and collector standards. Highly recommend for anyone needing a reliable, attractive edition of this classic!

This book was so funny, I found my self laughing out loud during reading time and even though some of it was lost on my younger children, they still enjoyed it. The illustrations in this edition were not accurate, as in the story the animals wear clothes.

"The Wind in the Willows" is an absolutely delightful animal tale. No one gets hurt (unless you want to count one small cut to the leg), and friends don't take advantage of one another. In these days of strife when we can all use some upcheer, this is a wonderful book to take one's mind off one's troubles. Mole meet Rat when he is out and about instead of spring-cleaning and Rat is boating. Rat introduces Mole to many of his animal friends, including Badger (a burrowing kindred spirit of Mole's!) and the illustrious and infamous motor-car crashing Toad. Slightly mischievous and full of fun, the animals stick by one another through thick and thin, providing muscle as well as moral support. Many of the chapters "stand on their own;" thus, "The Wind in the Willows" would make good bedtime reading to a chile, a chapter a night. Or like me, the reader may have reached his or her majority nearly twice over, and may just need a place to lighten his or her heart for a little while. Either way, this is a lovely book to have.

A classic. A wonderful, comforting children's book.

Although this is a classic children’s book, the Kenneth Grahame’s poetic writing style is a pleasure to read as an adult. The Kindle version did not have illustrations similar to the initial publication in 1908. The story maybe best known to American audiences from the 1949 Disney Cartoon The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad. The anthropomorphic characters include Mr Toad, Mole, Ratty, and Badger. Toad is an eccentric squire who lives in Toad Manor along the river and has a penchant for mania. His obsession for automobiles (or motorcars) is fuels the main plot and motivates Toad to steal someone’s vehicle. This results in Mr Toad being sentenced to 20 years in jail. Throughout the Toad’s misadventures there are stand alone chapters that expand on ancillary characters of Mole, Ratty, and Badger. There have been several adaptations in multiple mediums, however, the original source material is worth the read. Graham’s scene description is unique for a children’s book. For instance, chapter nine opens with: “To all appearance the summer’s pomp was still at fullest height, and although in the tilled acres green had given way to gold, though rowans were reddening, and the woods were dashed here and there with a tawny fierceness, yet light and warmth and colour were still present in undiminished measure, clean of any chilly premonitions of the passing year. But the constant chorus of the orchards and hedges had shrunk to a casual evensong from a few yet unwearied performers; the robin was beginning to assert himself once more; and there was a feeling in the air of change and departure.” Simply beautiful writing. Kenneth Grahame wrote another well-known short story entitled “The Reluctant Dragon” which was also adapted into a 1941 Disney movie.

Wind in the Willows is a great read, but so much more convenient when commuting to have it on iPad rather than carry a large volume. Besides there's so much more one can do on an iPad too.

Great book

I remember as a child being enchanted by this story and the poetic telling and value character development that has stayed with me over the years. I wanted to pass this onto my grandchildren. The hidden strength of Mole, the soundness of Ratty, the leadership and strength of Badger, the consequences of being a follower of fashion and fun like Toad, the perfidy of the weasels and the denizens of the Wild Wood. So formative and fun filled for children and adult alike. Read properly to or by your grandchildren this saga will stay with them for life.

I have previously said that my wife bought this book - not me so please stop asking me to review the purchase.

The wind in the willows is one of the most whimsical tales of all time, if you are intrested in whimsical and calming reads, this could be one of them

Anyone with any appreciation of classic literature absolutely must read The Wind in the Willows! To even call it a "classic" feels like an understatement; it's a cornerstone of children's literature, a timeless masterpiece that continues to enchant readers of all ages. This isn't just a book; it's an experience, a journey into a world of endearing animal characters and heartwarming adventures along the riverbank and beyond. The story is a diverse and varied landscape of characters, scenes, and escapades! One moment, Moley and Ratty are serenely "messing about in boats" on their beloved River, and the next, Toad has whisked them off for a characteristically impulsive and sweeping adventure on "the open road"! All of this is topped off by the utterly unrivalled illustrations by E. H. Shepard. He has created a masterpiece with his iconic depictions of Mole, Ratty, Toad, and Badger that feel as classic as the story itself. It's a book that should grace every bookshelf, a story to be shared and cherished across generations. It's not just for children; its wisdom and charm resonate deeply with adults too. So, please, do yourself a favour and immerse yourself in the delightful world of Toad, Ratty, Moley, and Badger! You won't regret a single moment!