The Wind in the Willows
by Kenneth Grahame
Since “Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride” is one of my favorite rides at Disneyland, I thought it was high time I read The Wind in the Willows. It’s so cute! If you love the ride, do yourself a favor and pick up a copy. With or without the illustrations, it’ll earn a soft spot in your heart.
In a fantasy world of talking animals who wear clothing and live in fancy houses, Mr. Toad is a lovable scoundrel. He drinks too much, swears enough to offend his animal friends, and can’t resist getting into trouble. His friends Mole and Rat get talked into his wild adventures, even though most of the time they’re a little frightened and would rather stay safe at home. Supposedly, there’s some political satire snuck into the plot, but I got too caught up in the adorable animals to notice.
Literally every time Mole said, “Ratty!” and Rat said, “Moly!” I squealed in delight. It’s not possible to read this book with a straight face; there’s too much to smile and laugh at. At the same time, it’s extremely sophisticated, and it doesn’t pander to children, even though lots of young readers fall in love with it. It teaches manners and shows different types of interactions between friends, providing positive role models for kids. At the heart of the story is love: no matter how much of a scoundrel Toad is, you can’t help but love, root for, and forgive him.
There was the noise of a bolt shot back, and the door opened a few inches, enough to show a long snout and a pair of sleepy blinking eyes.
“Now, the VERY next time this happens,” said a gruff and suspicious voice, “I shall be exceedingly angry. Who is it THIS time, disturbing people on such a night? Speak up!”
“Oh, Badger,” cried the Rat, “let us in, please. It’s me, Rat, and my friend Mole, and we’ve lost out way in the snow.”
“What, Ratty, my dear little man!” exclaimed the Badger, in quite a different voice. “Come along in, both of you, at once. Why, you must be perished. Well I never! Lost in the snow! And in the Wild Wood, too, and at this time of night! But come in with you.”
The two animals tumbled over each other in their eagerness to get inside, and heard the door shut behind them with great joy and relief.
Be sure to check out Hot Toasty Rag's review of 1987's The Wind in the Willows here!
In a fantasy world of talking animals who wear clothing and live in fancy houses, Mr. Toad is a lovable scoundrel. He drinks too much, swears enough to offend his animal friends, and can’t resist getting into trouble. His friends Mole and Rat get talked into his wild adventures, even though most of the time they’re a little frightened and would rather stay safe at home. Supposedly, there’s some political satire snuck into the plot, but I got too caught up in the adorable animals to notice.
Literally every time Mole said, “Ratty!” and Rat said, “Moly!” I squealed in delight. It’s not possible to read this book with a straight face; there’s too much to smile and laugh at. At the same time, it’s extremely sophisticated, and it doesn’t pander to children, even though lots of young readers fall in love with it. It teaches manners and shows different types of interactions between friends, providing positive role models for kids. At the heart of the story is love: no matter how much of a scoundrel Toad is, you can’t help but love, root for, and forgive him.
There was the noise of a bolt shot back, and the door opened a few inches, enough to show a long snout and a pair of sleepy blinking eyes.
“Now, the VERY next time this happens,” said a gruff and suspicious voice, “I shall be exceedingly angry. Who is it THIS time, disturbing people on such a night? Speak up!”
“Oh, Badger,” cried the Rat, “let us in, please. It’s me, Rat, and my friend Mole, and we’ve lost out way in the snow.”
“What, Ratty, my dear little man!” exclaimed the Badger, in quite a different voice. “Come along in, both of you, at once. Why, you must be perished. Well I never! Lost in the snow! And in the Wild Wood, too, and at this time of night! But come in with you.”
The two animals tumbled over each other in their eagerness to get inside, and heard the door shut behind them with great joy and relief.
Be sure to check out Hot Toasty Rag's review of 1987's The Wind in the Willows here!