The Wind in the Willows

Written by Kenneth Grahame

Narrated by Martin Jarvis

First published in 1908, The Wind in the Willows belongs to a golden age of children’s book. These charming tales of the riverbank, describing the adventures of Ratty, Mole, Badger and their irrepressible but conceited friend, Toad of Toad Hall, have become classics loved as much, perhaps, by adults as by children.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Naxos Audiobooks
• Release date: Oct 1, 2002
• ISBN: 9789629544010

Kenneth Grahame

Kenneth Grahame (1859-1932) was a Scottish author of children’s literature. Following the death of his mother at a young age, Grahame was sent to live with his grandmother in Berkshire, England, in a home near the River Thames. Unable to study at Oxford due to financial reasons, Grahame embarked on a career with the Bank of England, eventually retiring to devote himself to writing. An early exposure to nature and wildlife formed a lasting impression on Grahame, who would return to the Thames Valley of his youth throughout his literary career—most notably in his novel The Wind in the Willows (1908), which is considered his finest achievement and a masterpiece of children’s fiction.

Reviews for The Wind in the Willows

[musicmom41 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This story about “animals” tells us a lot about human nature. I can see how this became a classic. The writing is beautiful, the characterizations of the animals are charming and the story is delightful. Parts of it almost remind me of Pilgrim at Tinker Creek and the antics of Toad would really delight a child—even I was laughing. More importantly this is a book that makes a point about being good friends and about acceptable behavior without ever being obviously moralistic.

[hgalligher · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I remember my mom reading this to me when I was young. Brings back such great memories. I picked it up for 40 cents in a second hand store and what a treasure. Best money I have spent in a long time.

[takeitorleaveit_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

this was probably one of the first books I read on my own, my father used to read it to me often but I never liked his story telling voice so I used to read ahead while looking at the words since of course, the book was open. I've always had great eyesight. lots of carrots. my father also took me to the play version in London when I was probably 7-9. that was the best times for our relationship. before my brother was born, it was more about him and me. this book reminds me of him and me. me and him. Him and I. I am Him. there is a reason people say I look like him. i come from his sperm whether it was in a tube or not. I don't remember much about the actual story but I remember thinking the toad was a total lame bummer and wasn't feeling his vibe. fucking toads.

[mausergem_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This is a childrens book about four riverside animals the Water Rat, the Mole, the Badger and the Toad. It is an exciting and funny narrative about their adventures. The language is superb and it gives a good feel of the English countryside.

[smiler69 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I'm sure I've read this book as a child, but thanks to my faulty memory, I couldn't say for sure. What's certain is I didn't expect I'd be as surprised by this old classic as I was. I was expecting a quiet pastoral affair with plenty of cute little animals cavorting about, and was almost shocked when the story deviated from the script, which up till a certain point included pleasant trips boating up and down a river and visits between friends Mole, River Rat, Toad, Badger and Otter, and what could have been a scary trip into the woods, had I been a young child. But then, WHAM! Toad getting arrested and sent to jail and the great escape that ensues complete with train chase, all this involving a whole slew of human beings who don't seem to find it the least bit strange that a toad should have stolen a car and driven recklessly, or been mistaken for a washerwoman once having donned the clothing of one such person, well... I never thought this innocent book would shake me up as much as it did. Blame it on the fact that I was sleepy and expecting a variation on Beatrix Potter maybe? But now I think of it, is Beatrix Potter anything like what I think I remember? I'm almost scared to find out!

[feelinglistless · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

As the introduction (written back in the 80s by Grahame biographer Peter Green) rightly identifies, although Mr. Toad made The Wind in the Willows famous, his action packed adventures are the least evocative and I’d go further to say he’s the least interesting of the characters. The best chapter, Dulce Domum, in which Mole desperately seeks to return to his own home despite its humbleness is an intoxicatingly emotional description of the inescapable connection most of us have to our own familiar four walls however else we might imagine they seem to others (and nearly had me in tears by the time the carol singers arrived). The loyalty between Ratty and Mole is also especially touching, not unlike that between Sherlock and Watson, the former often riding roughshod of the latter’s feelings until he realises he’s gone too far, guilt sets in and he shambles about making amends.

[wertperch · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Here's a children's classic! Wonderful characters, great stories, beautiful illustrations. Not only that, but it's delightfully written.

[theokester · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

My only previous exposure to The Wind in the Willows comes from Disney's animated film The Adventures of Mr. Toad and the Disneyland attraction Mr. Toad's Wild Ride. Reading this fun little novel was a similar and yet very different experience altogether. The Disney movie and ride are both quite adventurous and action packed. The book does have action sequences and rising plot points but much of the novel is a quaint relaxing view into the lives and relationships of people...er, I mean, animals. The Disney films focus primarily on Mr. Toad and his exploits while the novel begins with young Mole meeting Rat and learning about life on the river. Much of the book revolves around their growing friendship and the experiences they have together. We learn about the different motivations and lifestyles of the various creatures living on the river and in the nearby wood. An unspoken class system is explored as well as the nature of maturity and taking responsibility for one’s station in life. Mole and Rat are young carefree creatures and yet they are down to earth and acknowledge the relationship and responsibility of being part of a community. Toad is at the high end of the class structure but at the lower end of the responsibility scale. He is rather egocentric and impulsive, thinking only of his next thrill or what accolades he can obtain to brag about in his next conversation. Badger is initially presented as sort of a stand-offish curmudgeon but as you get to know him you find him as the stalwart established member of society who uses his station and responsibility to help the less fortunate even while berating them for their own behaviors that brought their world crashing down around their shoulders.** Semi-spoiler plot descriptions in following paragraph **The novel is subtle in the lessons it teaches about responsibility, respect, loyalty and other concepts. It takes the reader through a number of shorter sequences each building a framework for the final climactic segments with Mr. Toad and Toad Hall that Disney used in their movie. We first see Mole take a break from cleaning and meeting Rat on the river and then learn all about boating and relaxing and enjoying the water. We meet Toad as he drags the reluctant Rat and Mole on a trip in his new horse drawn caravan only to leave them in the ditch picking up the pieces. We see Mole carelessly wandering off into the woods and getting lost with Rat bravely searching after him. We meet Badger and find him shake off his gruff demeanor to help his friends and neighbors. We find Mole's home (which he abandoned mid-spring-cleaning in the first chapter) and learn more about his background. We get a little bit of River mythology as Mole and Rat go on a quest to find a missing child. We also see Rat toy with the ideas of leaving his quaint river for the larger world. Finally, we follow Toad as he continuous along his impulsive path of self-destruction before finally agreeing to get help from his friends and striving to be a better Toad.** End spoiler **All of these stories keep the plot going and engage the reader (both young and old) with fun anecdotes and wry humor. The general pacing is slow and calm like a gentle country river but it has depth and beauty that should be looked at from different angles and appreciated for the great experience that it is. Young readers will have fun with the story and may get some ideas about "proper" behavior and how they should interact with and treat others. Older readers may think about larger societal relations and stereotypes that should perhaps be reconsidered or adapted. This is a book that should be read with the mind of a person relaxing in the country and appreciating the life of a simpler time and place but with the intent to take the feelings and lessons back with you as you return to the larger, busier world.****4 out of 5 stars

[tullyfamily · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I loved reading this with my father when I was a little girl! This hardback edition is nice.

[bookmarkme · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Great fun to reacquaint myself with Rat, Mole, Badger and Toad after so many years. Something was missing from the magical experience........Yes, a young child hanging off every word. Looks like one to keep for any future grand children

[vicarofdibley · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

classi children's story well loved

[thegreycrane · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

One of childhood’s rites of passage, and the Piper at the gates of dawn one of the best chapters in any book written in the English language.

[pussreboots · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

When I was in the 3rd grade I chose this book for the diorama assignment.

[Rose Arrowsmith · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

A fantastic story masterfully narrated. I highly recommend this classic.

[lynleys-1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I read this as an adult. My father owned it on cassette tape and every now and then I'd try listening to it as I fell asleep but it was perfectly soporific, and I never lasted more than a few minutes into the narration. It was only after seeing a stage version in Christchurch -- which I loved -- that I was prompted to read the darn thing. It is pretty good. A number of illustrators have gone to town with it as well, and I've since bought an illustrated version for my own kid.

[lisamaria_c · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

The introduction tells us this is "the first novel-length animal fantasy" and as such "foreshadowing" "Milne's Winnie-the-Pooh, Adam's Watership Down and White's Charlotte's Web. I've never read Winnie-the-Pooh, but I can't say I liked this one anywhere near as much as Watership Down or Charlotte's Web.. I think partly because those two other books the picture of the animals are consistent. The animals of Watership Down are ordinary rabbits, if rabbits had fables, myths and their own speech and consciousness. The animals of Charlotte's Web are animals who can speak to each other. The animals of The Wind in the Willows sometimes seem animal-shaped creatures who can be mistaken for humans, wear clothes and steal motorcars, and sometimes animals. And the stories seem more episodic compared to those other books. There is some lovely writing within, appealing tales of friendships (among males anyway, Grahame has seemingly little use for women) and certainly Toad of Toad Hall with his mania for motor-cars is unforgettable. Read for the first time as a adult, this doesn't have the appeal of say Alice in Wonderland, but I bet if I had first had it read to me at six-years-old or read it for myself at ten, I'd have been enchanted.

[jculkin-1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

There is a brilliant book here - absolutely whimsical childlike adventuring brilliance! Unfortunately a lot of rubbish got mixed up with it somehow. For a vastly improved reading experience read these chapters:

Chapter 1 - The River Bank
Chapter 2 - The Open Road
Chapter 3 - The Wild Wood
Chapter 4 - Mr. Badger
Chapter 5 - Dulce Domum
Chapter 9 - Wayfarers All
Chapter 7 - The Piper at the Gates of Dawn

This pretty much cuts out Toad, and ends on the highest of notes. I'm really pretty sore about reading all the crappy adventures of Toad, but I did love the rest. I had better come back in a year, follow my own advice and review again

[elliegiles · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

A classic story that will challenge students with its use of vocabulary and will delight students with its inviting and memorable characters. Great for reading aloud.

[lysne · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This was required reading in my house. Not a day went by when someone didn't refer to dear Ratty, or Toad Hall. I had 3 copies by the time I was ten.

[rizeandshine · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This was my first time reading Wind in the Willows, although I was aware of the stories having seen different cartoon adaptations. I wish I had read this book first as a child, but the fact that this was my first reading did not make it any less enjoyable. I love all the characters, their distinct personalities and their strong friendships. The stories are varied and the lessons timeless. The characters spend quiet time in conversation, sharing meals, and taking tranquil walks along the river, they take part in boating adventures, heroic takeovers and some even resort to car-theft and gaol breakouts. I think my favorite story is Dulce Domum, where Mole realizes the joys of hearth and home. In Wayfarers All, we see a a reflection of the author himself in Rat, who is siezed by thoughts of adventure in foreign lands. Mole talks some sense into Rat and calms him down by suggesting he write some poetry, giving him a pencil - "the Rat was absorbed and deaf to the world; alternately scribbling and sucking the top of his pencil. It is true that he sucked a good deal more than he scribbled; but it was joy to the Mole to know that the cure had at least begun." Read this book if you've never read it as a child, or even if you have, read it again. The stories have a lot to offer for all ages and you are sure to come away with a different perspective as an adult.

[elizajane_1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Not one of my favourites, but still a good classic read.

[bookconcierge · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

This classic of children’s literature tells the adventures of four good friends – Mole, Rat, Badger and Toad – living on the edge of The Wild Wood. Toad is the most vexing animal! He’s boastful and given to hyperbole; on the other hand, he’s generous with his friends and sincerely remorseful – eventually. Fortunately for him, his friends compensate for his shortcomings. Rat is ever resourceful and a font of information. Badger is the wise old man of the wild wood – somewhat of a recluse, but gracious and eager to help when called up. And then we have the ever curious Mole who starts out the adventure and proves to be steadfast, reliable and intelligent.

Mary Woods does a great job performing the audio book. I can see why it’s remained popular with children for over 100 years. Somehow I never read it as a child (or have no memory of it). My adult self wasn’t all that impressed, however, so it gets a respectable but not enthusiastic 3 stars.

[pandoragreen · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I *wanted* to like this book as a child. It was supposed to be good. It would somehow be "good" for me, like eating my vegetables. It was a "classic", and I liked all the other classic children's novels I had read. But I didn't think much of it at all, and I read it twice just to be sure. Granted I haven't given it a reread as an adult and I'm willing to admit there may be something there I missed when I was young.

[sephma · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

A great series of stories that I loved as a kid and liked even more as an adult. A couple are slightly long for storytelling but many would be great for slightly older children.

[kronos999_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Entertaining and quite cute. I'm an adult, but this was the perfect book to enjoy while on holiday avoiding anything heavy.

[marsap_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

“The Wind in the Willows” is a children novel based on letters written by Kenneth Graham to his young son. The novels follows the adventures of the anthropomorphic animals Mole, Rat, Badger, Toad, and their friends. When the novel begins, Mole is at home doing spring cleaning, and he is quite bored with it. He leaves his cleaning, goes to the surface, plows through rabbits along the roads and grasses and finally to the river. It is at the river that Mole meets Rat, and the two form an immediate friendship. This friendship brings Rat’s friends Badger and Toad into the story. Each chapter then tells the tales of these 4 friends (together and separately). The reader is able to share in their adventures and misadventures-in gypsy caravans, stolen motor cars, the Wild Wood and “violent” ferrets. I read a review that described this book as cozy—and that is the way that I would describe it—cozy and warm—the type of book you really do want to curl up with and read on a cold day. The friendship between these four friends was charming—they try to support each other even when there are issues among them without judgement (particularly with the impulsive Toad). A great novel for the whole family. 4 out of 5 stars.

[delphimo_1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I have never read The Wind in the Willows but enjoyed this moralistic story. I cannot believe that the story was intended for children, as underneath the characters reside many moral stories. The Toad represents a greedy, egotistic individual that must undergo a transformation. His friends, the Rat, the Badger, and the Mole, remain loyal in efforts to assist the Toad. The Toad encounters a lengthy journey of self-discovery and remains set on his misbegotten path. The story spends numerous pages on description that would bore a child. A child needs more action and less speech.

[yona-414000 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This was perfect. I started stretching it out toward the end, only reading it in the evening when the mood was just right. I didn't want it to end. It was such a feel-good book. I totally loved the style of the writing. I think I'm going to take a look at a couple sequels that have been written but they weren't written by the same author so I'm not counting on anything.

[lord_boris-1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

The Wind in the Willows is an odd book in that it is meant for children yet has chapter titles such as "Dulce Domum", "Like Summer Tempests Came His Tears", "The Return of Ulysses" and most famously "The Piper at the Gates of Dawn". Some of these chapters are stand alone with only a few threads of plot to interconnect them. In fact there is very little plot as the book is about friendship and maintaining the status quo. It's a very conservative book. I read it last forty years ago and can remember as a child being confused but somehow affected by The Piper at the Gates of Dawn chapter. Reading it as an adult, it is clearly the best part of the book. Still dislike Toad though.

[laviniarossetti · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

Ratty, Mole and Badger become great friends when they meet at the riverbank, and in the Wild Wood. But it seems impossible to them to keep close friendships with Toad, the owner of the great Toad Hall. He does not understand the traditional culture of peaceful animals, and goes against the rules entirely - it's up to the three 'normal' animals to bring him back to the good-natured animal he used to be.

He comes up with random likings to completely different things - once, he went on about boats, and a few days later, forgot all about them and whenever they were mentioned said what utter badness they caused and were. But this time, he has taken a liking to motor cars, and he steals and robs them, and when he does, drives them terrifically horribly.

Ending up in prison and in even more trouble than when he was driving about in the motor car, Toady was upset and missed his beautiful Toad Hall. And even when he escapes with the gaoler's daughter, he returns to the mansion to find that it has been taken over by the evil stoats and weasels!

It's up to him, Ratty, Mole and Badger to get it back for Toad. And when they do, will he turn to that ordinary young Toady he so used to be?

Goes on a bit, I suppose; but then, it uses good words and phrases, unlike the modern-day books, which are filled not with, '"Come, Moly, let us take back the Hall! Toady, you should know better!"', but with, 'She still looked stunningly beautiful.' and that sort of thing. Still, I would rather it didn't have so much description-this-description-that.