The Wind in the Willows

My grandson and I have just finished sharing the reading of this children's classic, The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame.  First published in 1908, the author wrote the story of the adventures of Mole, Rat, Toad and Badger for his son. Since then the book has been enjoyed by many generations of children (and adults) and has also regularly been performed as a play each summer, for the past 35 years, at Melbourne Botanic Gardens. There have been a number of adaptions of the book for the theatre, the first by A A Milne - the author of the Winnie the Pooh stories. The book has also been adapted as a film and a television series.

E H Shepherd illustrated the first editions of the books. He is also well known for his illustrations for A A Milne books, especially The House at Pooh Corner and Winnie-The-Pooh.

In 2008 Robert Ingpen did the illustrations for a new edition commemorating one hundred years of The Wind in the Willows.

Mole's previously quiet life changes when he meets Rat, a friendly water rat, who introduces Mole to his friends including Badger and Mr Toad. The conceited Mr Toad lives in a large house and has a tendency to become absorbed in the latest trend such as boats, caravans, then motor cars. Eventually Toad ends up in trouble with the law and even loses his home until his faithful friends step in and save him. 

My grandson and I both enjoyed reading about the adventures of Toad and his friends and also exploring the illustrations by Shepherd and Ingpen in the two editions of the book borrowed from the library.

When the book was written many changes were occurring in the social fabric of society in Britain and the actions of the Mole, Rat and Badger in this book quietly demonstate the importance of true friendship, understanding and kindness required for working together, helping friends and adapting to change.