A Wind in the Willows Christmas

by Michael Hague (Illustrator)

From Kenneth Grahame's beloved classic comes a heartwarming tale of friendship, generosity, and homecoming. Since living with his good friend Rat, Mole has been away from his home, Mole End, for quite some time. But with the help of Rat's unwavering determination, Mole End is rediscovered and the empty place is transformed once again into a haven of warmth and contentment for Mole, Rat, and the cheerful field mice who come a-caroling.

Genres: Christmas, Picture Books, Fiction, Childrens, Holiday, Classics, Young Adult

41 pages, Library Binding

First published September 1, 2000

About the author

Michael Hague is renowned as the illustrator of many children's classics, including editions of The Wizard Of Oz, Peter Pan, The Hobbit, and The Velveteen Rabbit. He also illustrated The Book of Ghosts, Where Fairies Dance, The Book of Wizards, and The Book of Fairy Poetry as well as wrote and illustrated the graphic novel in The Small. Michael lives with his wife, Kathleen, in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Reviews

[Nostalgia Reader]

One of my favorite stories from Wind in the Willows (probably because it doesn't feature Toad), combined with Hague's dependly gorgeous illustrations of the adorable animals makes this a very cozy read for the winter solstice.

[Beverly · Rating 5 out of 5]

While this is a picture book, it is also very wordy; the text being fairly long. Most of the fifth chapter of The Wind in the Willows is here, with lovely illustrations by Michael Hague.

[Diana · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excerpt from The Wind in the Willows with lovely illustrations.

[Kathryn Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is an excerpt from the Wind in the Willows. It is the chapter when Mole and Ratty go to Mole's house and the mice carolers arrive and they all celebrate Christmas. Very heartwarming.

[Erin O'Riordan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely, cozy, cottagecore to its bones, this book richly illustrates the Rat and Mole's Christmas homecoming chapter of The Wind in the Willows. If you have fond memories of this Kenneth Grahame story, do a favor to a child in your life and give them this lovely book as a holiday gift. If you happen upon it in a used bookstore, snap it up!

[Bonnie Westmark · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book came across my Hygge Nook group page, and the illustrations and words are pure Hygge. These were the thoughts and visuals of my childhood, in stark contrast to the violent graphic images embedded in the minds of today’s youth. I want to move in with rat and mole and live contentedly in a tree. They have everything I need- books, tea, warmth, each other. Yes, please!

[Set · Rating 5 out of 5]

A delightful cozy read of going back home for the holidays and feeling that nostalgia of simpler days. It's a very eloquent read of the rich English language but not over baring in the slightest. It is definitely a Christmas classic. Mole and his friend Rat spend Christmas together in a familiar, warm place rather than in the lonely lap of luxury.

[Denise Kruse · Rating 4 out of 5]

The balanced friendship of Rat and Mole continues in this delightful, very Brit Christmas story. Some vocabulary (paroxym, imperious, etc.) might be beyond the littlest listeners but wonderful illustrations by Michael Hague and a good narration provide explanation enough. Snowy and warm.

[Jessie Briggs · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rat is such a gentleman

[Sarah A · Rating 3 out of 5]

Beautiful illustrations to make a sort of picture book of the chapter of Wind in the Willows about Christmas and Mole's return home.
Whilst the book is greatly written, it has never been one of my favourites. However it was fun to look at the gorgeous illustrations and read an abbreviated (by me) version of the tale to my daughter during this festive season. The wonderful original language was a little too much for her 4 year old tired ears - maybe another day she will get to hear it all properly. I enjoyed this part of the book but remember being too scared and distracted by other parts of the book which I have not read since childhood. Maybe I will readdress that.

[Jeremy · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a gem of a book. As an excerpt, it still works well, and I love the theme of exile and return. Here's one version of the carol of the field mice.

I had been wondering what it would take to get me interested in The Wind in the Willows, and I think this was it. See my review of The Wind in the Willows.

[Tanya · Rating 3 out of 5]

Love the illustrations, especially the cover. Nice story because I enjoyed how the friends took care of each other and then their kindness and generosity spilled over to make a difference to others.

[B · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rattie and Mole are on their way home when they come across Mole's old home and Mole is drawn back in to his old house for sentimental reasons. Beautifully illustrated as they usually are with all the quaint Victorian details however the story is rather light. Only for big Wind in the Willows fans.

[Lori]

Gorgeous illustrations!

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

Could never tire of this classic story. But the wonderful illustrations in this book are beyond description. Just so lovely.