The Wind In The Willows

by Ellen Miles, Ellen Miles (Adapter)

A fun retelling of Kenneth Grahame's classic tale for beginning chapter book readers!

The classic tale!

Genres: Classics, Fiction, Childrens, Fantasy, Chapter Books, Middle Grade, Young Adult

160 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2002

Reviews

[Tanya · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[Christy · Rating 5 out of 5]

this ones a wonderful adventure!! i would recommend it to anyone!! especially if you like toads and rats and badgers and weasles and moles!!!

[Lindsey Stinnett McDonald · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[Alexa · Rating 2 out of 5]

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.

[farmwifetwo]

Kid 2 home reading.

[ann white · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Danni · Rating 3 out of 5]

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

[Devansh Das · Rating 5 out of 5]

*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.

[Megan Posner · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

[Cheryl · Rating 2 out of 5]

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.

[Kirsten Parker · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Laura-Tuesday · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[John Gonski · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[Katy M · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Scotty Graehler · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[Lindap · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Billy Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Stacie · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Carrie Beckstead · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Rebekah · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!

[Gemsy · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

[Nicole Azbill · Rating 5 out of 5]

A classic! Love this book! Top 3 of all time.

[Aneesa · Rating 2 out of 5]

Andrea said she liked this book, Ev I think was mostly bored or confused, I couldn't get the classist undertones out of my head. Granted, I missed most of it.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very cute and adventurous book!

[emma ₊✩‧₊˚౨ৎ˚₊✩‧₊ · Rating 4 out of 5]

got this at a thrift store, didn't realize it wasn't the actual book, was still cute nonetheless

[Charlie Carroll · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful one of my favourites from childhood

[Victor · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[Ellie Eldridge · Rating 5 out of 5]

they did cottagecore before it was a trend

[Mr Michael R Stevens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this book many times, it is probably my favourite book.
I read it again to start the year, it’s a joy to read, give it a go.