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The Wind In The Willows
A fun retelling of Kenneth Grahame's classic tale for beginning chapter book readers!
The classic tale!
The classic tale!
160 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2002
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718 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 113 reviews
July 18, 2024
3.5 stars.
I remember watching, and loving, the claymation adaptation on TV as a child. Didn't like Toad then, and I still don't like him. Actually I loathe him more now that I've actually listened to it. Pompous, odious git. Why are Badger, Mole and Rat still friends with him?! What enablers!
The books is a lot more poetic than I have imagined.
I remember watching, and loving, the claymation adaptation on TV as a child. Didn't like Toad then, and I still don't like him. Actually I loathe him more now that I've actually listened to it. Pompous, odious git. Why are Badger, Mole and Rat still friends with him?! What enablers!
The books is a lot more poetic than I have imagined.
August 2, 2008
this ones a wonderful adventure!! i would recommend it to anyone!! especially if you like toads and rats and badgers and weasles and moles!!!
April 12, 2020
This is a very watered down version of the original novel. I chose to read it after it was gifted to my daughter, and I needed something light and happy to read between all my usual disturbing novels. Turns out, The Wind in the Willows was right up my alley in those terms! 🤣
From this simple story, even in this condensed version, I took away a lot of adult themes in costume of the simple hijinks of some forest animals.
Firstly, and most obvious, is homosexuality. I mean, Mole and Rat were definitely getting it in, let's be honest. I think all four main characters (male, single, live alone or move in and out with each other frequently, lots of food and sleepovers) exhibit characteristics of the modern gay man. The characters care so deeply about one another, championing each other even when they call Bullshit. They love each other, like more than friendses. Because this story was written in early 1900s, Homosexuality was a taboo subject, but because they're cute animals instead of adult men, it flew under the radar. That's my own interpretation, with love.
The way the friends subdue Toad's incessant "need" to drive motorcars- isolating him at home for a few days while he "crashes" and "gets all of that out of his system" seems a direct reference to drug use and interventions. Lol, call me crazy.
Also, there are many undertones of depression and mental health issues throughout. Most notably, when Rat speaks to the traveler & birds about heading south. He wishes his life was better. He impulsively tidies & packs his things, intending to leave for "the South" until Mole tearfully begs him to stay, even to the point of physically restraining Rat while he cries and cries until he falls asleep. Once Rat wakes up, Mole can see that he's more of himself again and he sits and talks with Rat until he realizes that he actually loves his life where he is...
If that wasn't a metaphor for a depressive episode with an interrupted suicide attempt, Idk what is.
Like I said, I could be trying too hard to pull strings here and there, but I think this piece of classic children's literature is a much deeper, or darker, story than first meets the eye.
From this simple story, even in this condensed version, I took away a lot of adult themes in costume of the simple hijinks of some forest animals.
Firstly, and most obvious, is homosexuality. I mean, Mole and Rat were definitely getting it in, let's be honest. I think all four main characters (male, single, live alone or move in and out with each other frequently, lots of food and sleepovers) exhibit characteristics of the modern gay man. The characters care so deeply about one another, championing each other even when they call Bullshit. They love each other, like more than friendses. Because this story was written in early 1900s, Homosexuality was a taboo subject, but because they're cute animals instead of adult men, it flew under the radar. That's my own interpretation, with love.
The way the friends subdue Toad's incessant "need" to drive motorcars- isolating him at home for a few days while he "crashes" and "gets all of that out of his system" seems a direct reference to drug use and interventions. Lol, call me crazy.
Also, there are many undertones of depression and mental health issues throughout. Most notably, when Rat speaks to the traveler & birds about heading south. He wishes his life was better. He impulsively tidies & packs his things, intending to leave for "the South" until Mole tearfully begs him to stay, even to the point of physically restraining Rat while he cries and cries until he falls asleep. Once Rat wakes up, Mole can see that he's more of himself again and he sits and talks with Rat until he realizes that he actually loves his life where he is...
If that wasn't a metaphor for a depressive episode with an interrupted suicide attempt, Idk what is.
Like I said, I could be trying too hard to pull strings here and there, but I think this piece of classic children's literature is a much deeper, or darker, story than first meets the eye.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 1, 2026
I did not like this mostly because it just gives a bad influence to young children.
The story starts of the mole wanting to meet some of the rats friends so they meet toad and then badger ..blah blah blah but then toad has a crazy love for cars so when ever he sees a car he steels it and goes over the speed limit when he does this he talks badly to the police so he gets thrown in jail for 20 years and yes this is a good story to show to young audiences that if you do something that you are not supposed to do you will have consequences. BUT the thing is, is that the story doesn’t end there. Then when toad is in jail everyone starts feeling bad for him and they help him get out of prison. This is a really bad influence to the targeted audience because when you do something bad you must own up to it and accept the consequences you have made yourself deserve. Then went toad goes back to his home he founds out that because he went to jail the wood animals ( the ones in charge) said that he would never come back so they gave the house to ferrets. ( to make this clear the ferrets DID NOT steel the house , it was now at their name.) the toad ,the rat , the badger and the mole BREAK IN THE HOUSE AND HIT THE POOR FERRETS!?!? This is yet again bad influence to the young individuals reading the book because when something is not to your name and you want it to be because it once was YES YOU SHOULD PROTEST , but try to do a protest that does not involve hitting first!
Then some minor things that I did not like that don’t really matter but I still did not like were
•the pages have A LOT of writing
•the pages have some words that are hard to say ( for me personally)
•finally, none of the charecters have names they are just called by what they are… and that tells me that the author has very little imagination… ( because it isn’t that hard to think of names.)
The story starts of the mole wanting to meet some of the rats friends so they meet toad and then badger ..blah blah blah but then toad has a crazy love for cars so when ever he sees a car he steels it and goes over the speed limit when he does this he talks badly to the police so he gets thrown in jail for 20 years and yes this is a good story to show to young audiences that if you do something that you are not supposed to do you will have consequences. BUT the thing is, is that the story doesn’t end there. Then when toad is in jail everyone starts feeling bad for him and they help him get out of prison. This is a really bad influence to the targeted audience because when you do something bad you must own up to it and accept the consequences you have made yourself deserve. Then went toad goes back to his home he founds out that because he went to jail the wood animals ( the ones in charge) said that he would never come back so they gave the house to ferrets. ( to make this clear the ferrets DID NOT steel the house , it was now at their name.) the toad ,the rat , the badger and the mole BREAK IN THE HOUSE AND HIT THE POOR FERRETS!?!? This is yet again bad influence to the young individuals reading the book because when something is not to your name and you want it to be because it once was YES YOU SHOULD PROTEST , but try to do a protest that does not involve hitting first!
Then some minor things that I did not like that don’t really matter but I still did not like were
•the pages have A LOT of writing
•the pages have some words that are hard to say ( for me personally)
•finally, none of the charecters have names they are just called by what they are… and that tells me that the author has very little imagination… ( because it isn’t that hard to think of names.)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 4, 2017
This book was cute with the talking animals that row boats and wear clothes, but the plot of this book is interesting and kinda intense for little kids. I read it when i was in fourth grade and i never really enjoyed it.
Read
June 23, 2019Kid 2 home reading.
August 16, 2023
One of my all time favourites! I have forgotten how many times I went on Toad & Ratties adventures with timid Mole and grumpy Badger. A truly magical book that never ages.
March 23, 2024
A lovely little book to get lost into. It was lovely getting an insight into the animals little world with some flamboyant characters
I won't be looking at toads the same way again
I won't be looking at toads the same way again
March 28, 2024
*Spoiler Alert*
I like how the toad is always boasting about himself even if it can put him in danger🤣🤣🤣
He is such an idiot.
I like how the toad is always boasting about himself even if it can put him in danger🤣🤣🤣
He is such an idiot.
February 10, 2023
Funny little stories perfect for some light hearted reads that remind me that I don't want to grind I just want to be Mr. Badger in the wildwood having a winter snooze in his study
September 1, 2012
Whereas I will admit that the book was beautifully written from a language point of view, I simply could not get into this one and did not enjoy it that much. I definitely question some of the themes as being something to put forward to children. While I can admire the theme of great friendship and loyalty to your friends, I cannot condone the flaunting of the value of the law and not being accountable for wrongdoings. The characters do not grow through the story...except maybe Mole who discovers a great big world of interest outside of his hole in the ground.
February 19, 2025
Everyone raves about this book. I don't get it. I thought it was okay. I did not like Toad's character. However, my kids loved it (ages 3 and 6). They've asked to read it again.
January 26, 2026
This is one of my children's books from way back in the early 2000's which I decided to read. I can't recall ever having read it in my own childhood. All I ever know of the story is the Captain Beaky song!
I am aware this version is adapted for young readers, and I appreciate that, but in all honesty I think children in 2026 would have a hard time understanding it. Perhaps some would use their imagination to allow the story to flow, but I felt it was totally outdated and a bit irrelevant to our modern times. (Who wears goggles and a driving coat to drive a car now!)
I also felt there were undertones of something more adult going on in the story. I feel the characters were far more referring to either a drug problem, or similar. Perhaps I am wrong, however it came across to me as a moralistic story on so many levels it seemed hard to imagine the animals being well, animals and not some recreation of adults in the early 1900's. The 1900's was rife with rich bachelors squandering money and being boastful, doing the latest drug opium. It seemed less a child's story more a poke at adults behaving badly.
It was an easy read over a hot summer day if nothing else.
I am aware this version is adapted for young readers, and I appreciate that, but in all honesty I think children in 2026 would have a hard time understanding it. Perhaps some would use their imagination to allow the story to flow, but I felt it was totally outdated and a bit irrelevant to our modern times. (Who wears goggles and a driving coat to drive a car now!)
I also felt there were undertones of something more adult going on in the story. I feel the characters were far more referring to either a drug problem, or similar. Perhaps I am wrong, however it came across to me as a moralistic story on so many levels it seemed hard to imagine the animals being well, animals and not some recreation of adults in the early 1900's. The 1900's was rife with rich bachelors squandering money and being boastful, doing the latest drug opium. It seemed less a child's story more a poke at adults behaving badly.
It was an easy read over a hot summer day if nothing else.
November 16, 2025
This was pretty good! I loved the cozy vibes and the gentle little adventures along the river. Rat and Mole are super charming, and there are some really sweet, peaceful moments that made me want to curl up with tea and just vibe.
But honestly, the pacing was all over the place for me. Some chapters were super cute, and others dragged or felt a bit too whimsical for my taste. And Toad was fun at first, but he definitely overstays his welcome.
Overall, I liked it, but didn’t love it. A cute classic worth trying if you’re into slow, old-timey adventures, but not something that completely pulled me in.
But honestly, the pacing was all over the place for me. Some chapters were super cute, and others dragged or felt a bit too whimsical for my taste. And Toad was fun at first, but he definitely overstays his welcome.
Overall, I liked it, but didn’t love it. A cute classic worth trying if you’re into slow, old-timey adventures, but not something that completely pulled me in.
June 5, 2025
Continuing my journey to read the top 100 books of all time, I picked this one up. Most of the books make sense as they might not be my ideal book but still I can appreciate the quality. This one was a good read, just not great. I'll give kudos to the fully developed characters of frog, badger , mole and others but the story felt a bit stretched and not very linear as there are journeys, fights for territories with clubs, race cars, etc. Not sure there would be much of an appeal here for a juvenile reader as intended.
February 21, 2025
Maybe I'd like the literary quality of the full version better. Or maybe the story line is a bit "meh" because I didn't grow up on it. Parts of it were endearing (think, snug little animal homes and friendly times) but other parts seemed forced, such a toad being mistaken as a washerwoman and having a sudden conversion at the end of the story. Then again, if these were stories the author was spinning for his son, then I say well done, because I could cough up fiction half as well.
May 27, 2021
2021 Pop Sugar Reading Challenge-shortest book on your TBR.
I'm rating this while keeping in mind I'm not the target audience. I didn't love it. It had some amusing moments in it. But, I obviously think it would be more enjoyed by children who would probably be delighted by Toad's shenanigans.
I'm rating this while keeping in mind I'm not the target audience. I didn't love it. It had some amusing moments in it. But, I obviously think it would be more enjoyed by children who would probably be delighted by Toad's shenanigans.
November 25, 2023
This is an adventure story for kids and adults alike. I enjoyed the prose writing style, and the author uses words in a really artistic way. I did have a hard time sticking through this book at times, but it’s meant to be fun and simple. There are however some good life lessons illustrated through the lives of these little critters and their journeys together navigating friendship and nature.
June 3, 2024
3.5 / 4 Stars
***Libby Audio***
MC's Rat, Mole & the Toad. (Plus the Badger, Hedgehog and Otter..and more.)
I was listening to Queen's Reading Room Podcast and one of the author's being interviewed said how great Wind and the Willow is. Although I've heard of this book, I never read it. Soooo, even though I'm a big girl now....I enjoyed it. Will have to introduce it to my grandkids.
***Libby Audio***
MC's Rat, Mole & the Toad. (Plus the Badger, Hedgehog and Otter..and more.)
I was listening to Queen's Reading Room Podcast and one of the author's being interviewed said how great Wind and the Willow is. Although I've heard of this book, I never read it. Soooo, even though I'm a big girl now....I enjoyed it. Will have to introduce it to my grandkids.
September 23, 2024
Wonderful story, the writing is gentle and soothing. The language in places is a little outdated and may offend a few as it was from a different time, but overall the book is delightful and the language is almost poetic. I didn't read this in my youth and now I'm knocking on 50 and loved it. As soon as I'd read it I wanted to read it again.
April 30, 2020
This is one of the first books I can remember checking out from the library as a child and it was just as good this time I read it! What a great adventure among friends! Something charming to get lost in during COVID-19.
March 9, 2024
A delightful adventure filled with whimsy. At times, I felt I was sitting lazily on the riverside with Rat, Mole, Badger, and Mr. Toad. Ah, to be in the English countryside. A fun read for any age about friendship, loyalty, and forgiveness.
June 12, 2024
What a treat to revisit this classic! The writing is beautiful - poetry, really - and the development of each character as a type is masterful. I enjoyed the descriptions of the landscapes, the plot that meanders much like the personified River. This book is a comfort and a delight!
October 27, 2024
What a heart warming book about friendships and strife between the animal inhabitants of our landscapes! Through chapters woven together with humor, you fall in love with the creatures, and whatever silliness they end up in
December 30, 2025
Read this as an allegory about a narcissist with money who gets away with whatever he does. There’s even a failed intervention and a happy for him ending. I guess this is a classic because it is still relevant, more than 100 years later.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 4, 2026
This was not our favorite read aloud. I do understand why people love it, and I see the cozy elements and the friendship aspects but I just could not get over Toad. LOL The kids were also glad to see the end of it.
September 1, 2019
A classic! Love this book! Top 3 of all time.
October 25, 2021
Very cute and adventurous book!
August 8, 2023
got this at a thrift store, didn't realize it wasn't the actual book, was still cute nonetheless
September 19, 2023
Beautiful one of my favourites from childhood
Displaying 1 - 30 of 113 reviews