Toad Triumphant

Tales of the Willows #2

by William Horwood, Patrick Benson (Illustrator)

This stunning sequel follows the further adventures of four of the most beloved characters in English loyal Mole, resourceful Water Rat, stern but wise Badger, and of course, capricious, irresistible Toad. In this new tale, the comfortable bachelor world of the River Bank is thrown into turmoil by the arrival of a formidable female character who seems to win Toad's heart. Recognizing the familiar danger signals, his long-suffering companions must do all that they can to save the infatuated Toad from himself. Enriched once again by the delightful illustrations of Patrick Benson, Toad Triumphant is another captivating tale for audiences and imaginations everywhere.

Genres: Fiction, Fantasy, Childrens, Animals, Classics, Middle Grade, Nature

288 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1995

About the author

William Horwood is an English novelist. His first novel, Duncton Wood, an allegorical tale about a community of moles, was published in 1980. It was followed by two sequels, forming The Duncton Chronicles, and also a second trilogy, The Book of Silence. William Horwood has also written two stand-alone novels intertwining the lives of humans and of eagles, The Stonor Eagles and Callanish , and The Wolves of Time duology. Skallagrigg, his 1987 novel about disability, love, and trust, was made into a BBC film in 1994. In addition, he has written a number of sequels to The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame.

In 2007, he collaborated with historian Helen Rappaport to produce Dark Hearts of Chicago, a historical mystery and thriller set in nineteenth-century Chicago. It was republished in 2008 as City of Dark Hearts with some significant revisions and cuts under the pen name James Conan.

Reviews

[GoldGato · Rating 4 out of 5]

His name is Toad, baby, and don’t you forget it! Actually, that’s Mr. Toad to you and to me, but not to Mole or Mr. Badger or even Ratty.

Live now and don’t pay later, that was Toad’s motto.

The adventures of the original crew from The Wind in the Willows continues in this William Horwood book, which takes off where Kenneth Grahame’s original masterpiece ended. We are back together with the Wild Wood team but especially with the River, which plays the largest part in this tale. Will someone, anyone, be able to stop Toad’s self-obsessed ideas or are they all headed into more daredevil schemes? Hang on, because it’s going to be another mad ride, this time via riverboats.

Toad’s name is in the book’s title, so of course, he is the star. Bored and aimless, he comes up with a new idea to create a statue of himself for posterity, because hey, he’s Mr. Toad! Nothing can stop him. He’ll shrug off one disaster and then run right into another, never short of crazy plots to contemplate. He even has a new butler, Prendergast, who has turned down offers from Dukes and Kings just so he has the opportunity to serve THE unstable Toad of Toad Hall. As usual, Otter and Mr. Badger try to prevent Toad from escalating any new ideas, but it’s useless. For who can stop an unstoppable force?

Meanwhile, Mole and Rat have taken off on their own adventure, rowing down the River for some days of camping and roughing it away from their nice, cozy homes (and away from Toad). But in their path is the Lathbury Pike, a ferocious fish who owns the back end of the river and who will not hesitate to gulp down any of our heroes. Then Toad decides to marry his renowned cousin, Madame d’Albert, a Toadess known for her famous sculptures and her French passion of life. Will the turmoil never end?

Her bosom, which was of sufficient dimension that it was by some way the first part of her that advanced, remaining well ahead of her legs and arms throughout her entry was covered with shining gold and pearls…

Writing a sequel to one of the most beloved books of all time is rather daring, but Horwood really does a wonderful job here. This is the second book in his Willows series and the characters retain their Grahame personalities. Mr. Badger has a dark secret, Ratty is obsessed with detail, and Otter loves to read newspapers. And then there’s Mole, the quiet and hesitant one, who has a steely strength of his own.

Quiet and unassuming the Mole might normally be, and very slow to ire, but only let the fates conspire to corner him, or to threaten one of his friends, and the Furies of his soul were unleashed.

Such fun, such adventures. I only wish the wonderful illustrations by Patrick Benson were in colour, but that’s a mere quibble on my part. And yes, I do believe Toads dress up in Edwardian attire and court French courtesans.

Book Season = Spring (floating on a river)

[_och_man_ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spodziewałam się, że tom skupiający się na najmniej lubianym przeze mnie bohaterze, będzie równocześnie ostatnim w rankingu "Opowieści znad Rzeki". Teraz suszę ostatnie strony z łez-niedobitków.
5 gwiazdek to sporo. Prawdopodobnie zbyt dużo, gdy w grę wchodzi "ot taka sobie bajecka". Nic mnie to nie obchodzi, kocham wierzbowe uniwersum całym sercem.

[Gina House · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5🌟 Another incredibly cozy and fantastic adventure centering on the unforgettable Mr. Toad (and some new relatives!)

I'm usually not a huge fan of risky ventures or dangerous undertakings in any kind of story but, in this case, I couldn't stop reading. There's humor, tension, uncanny luck, tenderness and family reunions—everything you could ever want from a middle grade book.

The ending was such a surprise! (All I can say is that I've always loved Toad's butler, Prendergast, but never so much in this book!)

It was wonderful to be back with Ratty, Mole, Otter, Badger and Mr. Toad!

Reading Toad Triumphant was even more fun and enjoyable because I was buddy reading this second William Horwood book with my dear friend, Caro (@carosbookcase on Instagram)! I'm really looking forward to reading the next two in the series with Caro later this year! 🤩

[Bcs (Sarah. B) · Rating 4 out of 5]

  Four Stars

Toad sets his eyes on a lady toad, and Rat and Mole set out on an adventure.

Overview:

Profanity/language: <~b>None

Romance/sex: Toad obsess over a lady toad. Nothing happens other than he professes his love to her, mopes when she leaves, and chases after her. Also, it is said that the lady toad has stayed the night at Toad’s house before.  The other characters were shocked and appalled at this, until Toad tells them that the lady toad and Toad himself were just younglings, and the lady toad’s father brought her as a baby.)

Adventure/Action: Quite a bit; there are river chases (the police are after Toad) and a dangerous fish. (There is not much mentioned with the dangerous fish, it only lasts probably about a paragraph, though there are some injuries dealt with later.)

Faith: None.

Other: There is a part where the other characters think Toad will commit suicide... it might go over the heads of younger readers, but still. That 
is about the only reason that this was a four star. And the fact that Toad is incredibly annoying.

Synopsis:
Toad, after he settled down and began living a safer life, decides that he wants a sculpture of himself. The person who is doing the sculpture happens to be a lady toad, whom he begins pining for. During all this, Rat and Mole set out to travel over the river.

The story line was very good; we got to see the two stories of Toad, and of Mole and Rat. And they join together in the end, making it one story.  A few things I didn’t like were the above mentioned misunderstanding from what Toad said and also what the others thought Toad was going to do. (Notice how they are both about Toad?)
    There did seem to be slight inconsistencies as Mole and Rat’s story took much longer than Toad’s story. But we may be missing days from Toad’s story. It didn’t seem to drag with interesting things in each part. The style was middle grade, though I don’t know if it is the best for younger middle grade readers because of the above dislikes, and also the violent fish.
    I liked most of the characters except for Toad. He was very annoying for me, but towards the end I actually liked him. I think I will like him in the next books more than the previous book. They seemed real enough for animals that act like humans, which makes me wonder why all the (Supposedly human) people act like it’s normal for a toad to talk, drive a boat, etc.

Favourites/Thoughts:
Favourite part: the end where Toad becomes likeable.
Favourite Quote: Don’t have one. (I listened to the audio book and don’t have the e-book on hand.)
Favourite Character: Mole is my favourite character because he is almost like Bilbo…   he likes his home and is not the fiercest. Until his friends are in danger/trouble.
Feeling going away from it: Not my favourite book of all time, but it was enjoyable.   Probably will not re-read any time soon, but it is a solid four star.
Recomindation: Good for Middle Grade 

[Travis · Rating 2 out of 5]

Phew, do I have a lot to say about this book. First off, it took me almost a whole week to read this book because I was forcing myself to get through it. So, to start off we have the very depressing first half of the book with Mole being down in the dumps and no one being able to really change his mood all because he was butt hurt that Rat changed his mind about a journey up river they were going to take. I will say though, Moles and Rats river journey was my favorite part of this book and is the only reason it gets a 2 star rating instead of a 1 star. Obviously from the title, this book focuses a lot on Toad, who is my least favorite fictional character I think I have ever read. So since we are talking about Toad, let’s just go with all of his WTF moments and what I absolutely hated about him in this book. First off, why would they make Toad start swooning over, wait for it.... HIS COUSIN??? That was so weird to me, like the author could have made the Madame a non-relative and the story still could have continued the same. Then we have Toad being a freaking stalker, and even after Madame turns him down, he goes and follows her and tries to fight for her hand in marriage. Also, tbh I would have preferred the ending to just be Toad hanging and everyone moving on.... sorry not sorry because it was getting to repetitive and annoying with Toad getting out of trouble with the law, that for the sake of everyone in this world, Toad should either be locked up forever or dead.

Now, for some of my non-Toad related complaints. This book just a usually hints at Toad committing suicide and to me it was just so weird in this story that I put a bad taste in my mouth. On top of all of this, the book was extremely sexist saying pretty much that women are the bane of existence and cause all the problems in a relationship and even goes as far as stating that death is a better outcome them marriage...... So, if you couldn’t tell by this review that I did not like this book hardly at all, and if it was not for Rat and Moles journey up river, I highly doubt I could have forced myself to finish this book!

[Caro (carosbookcase) · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Meanwhile the Mole, who had heard it all before, could not but notice how warm and soporific the sun felt on his face, how much better he felt for the tea he had just had, how buzzingly the bees seemed to buzz and tunefully the birds to sing — in short, how pleasant things seemed to have become and how unimportant his own little concerns suddenly seemed…”

After reading William Horwood’s The Willows in Winter and being blown away by how authentic it felt to Kenneth Grahame’s The Wind in the Willows , I was thrilled to rejoin Badger, Ratty, Mole, and the star of the show, Toad.

Spring is in the air, which can only mean one thing… Toad is about to get himself into trouble! The bachelor life on the River Bank is put into turmoil when a female enters Toad’s life, who is possibly more impetuous and charismatic as Toad himself. Toad believes he’s in love and his friends must save him — yet again — before he makes a grave error in judgment.

This book was delightful! Frothy and fun with touching moments that make these books so meaningful. This is one children’s book series that is enjoyable to read well beyond childhood. If you had a little one in your life, I think this book would be a great one to read together.

The only reason I’m giving this 4.5 stars instead of 5 is because I liked it ever so slightly less than The Willows in Winter, to which I did give 5 stars. The Willows in Winter made me very anxious at the start, as I was very worried about Mole’s wellbeing, whereas this one didn’t make me feel as anxious for any of the characters. Although, there is still plenty of adventure to be enjoyed! Overall, I would say that this book had a lighter tone. Very suitable for springtime reading!

[Grace · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not as good as the original!

[Kailey (Luminous Libro) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Toad is getting himself into trouble once again, this time with dreams of being immortalized in a bronze statue. Mole and Water Rat embark on a voyage upriver to the Beyond, but encounter disturbing rumors of a fearsome Pike that stalks the upper riverways.

This has all the charm of the original Wind in the Willows stories with a very similar old-fashioned writing style.
I love the adventurous plot, and the darling characters. Toad’s antics are hilarious and full of plot twists, while the Mole and Rat have a more serious mission, so that the humor and drama feel perfectly balanced.

Mole, especially, is always an endearing character, and I love the firm friendship he has with the Water Rat. Of course, Badger plays a major role in this story, and Otter is included in the adventures as well.


Such a satisfactory tale, and a delightfully enjoyable read. I can’t wait to read more from this series!

[Leslie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the secondo part of the trilogy of sequels William Horwood wrote for Kenneth Grahame's Wind in the Willows. It was as delightful as the other two books in the series. They don't have quite magicical spell of the original Wind in the Willows, but are lovely in themselves and satisfy the craving for more of the river folk. Very sweet, very enjoyable for an adult to read. I should think a child who is a strong reader would enjoy these sometime around age 9 and up.

[Sophie · Rating 3 out of 5]

A wonderful story for children of any age.

[Gail Sacharski · Rating 4 out of 5]

The River Bank & the Wild Wood, along with its attendant characters, have been another favorite of mine. I love rivers & forests so these books held great appeal & attraction for me. Mr. Horwood continued the series after Mr. Grahame's passing & has captured the spirit of the setting & the characters & the adventures that befall them. In this volume, Mole & Ratty are setting forth on a long dreamed of expedition to travel up-river & explore Beyond. Mole has a tenuous mission in mind which is to discover what happened to Badger's long lost son. Before they can depart, however, they must deal with the ever-mischievous Toad who has decided to make himself immortal by commissioning a statue of himself to be created by his distant cousin, a feminine & very French sculptress. Toad keeps everyone on their toes by falling in love with Madame--let the hijinks begin! Meanwhile, Mole & Rat finally begin their trip & learn of the frightening aspect awaiting them in the Lathbury Pike, a huge fish that breakfasts on River travellers. A wonderful romp full of fun, adventure, tender moments, narrow escapes, & surprises. I loved it.

[Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

3:5
This is a 1998 “sequel” to The Wind in the Willows of nearly a century earlier, by a different author (and illustrator); a further adventures of the original characters kind of thing.
It’s not bad, just not terribly good.
So, regarding Toad: Horwood captures the greedy adventurousness of Toad, but without the sense of Toad’s curiosity and good-natured impetuosity that made the original character so lovable and beloved by his friends (in spite of ...)
Horwood’s Toad is a darker character, much less agreeable.
It was a good read, though; I enjoyed the tale, and what makes me keep this book is the beautiful artwork. Patrick Benson’s pen and ink illustrations are superb, capturing the characters’ essences as well as the wind in the willows atmospheres.

[Emma Louise · Rating 4 out of 5]

A continuation of more enchanting tales along the riverbank. This time, Mole & Ratty go on an expedition upriver towards "Beyond", Badger touches on his past and trials continue with the ever mischievous Toad.

What's not to love; laughter, camaraderie, adventure, narrow escapes and of course the endearing character Mole, the children's favourite, and mine too. Enjoy!

... next book (and last in the series) 'The Willows and Beyond' to be devoured on an autumnal afternoon during the school holidays.

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another fun and cute adventure from the characters from Wind In The Willows. I really like Ratty, Mole, Badger and all the other animals from the Wild Wood and the River Bank. I find Toad to be pretty frustrating and exacerbating with all his craziness and sometimes stupidity. The end of this one will hopefully settle him down a bit, although that's what you think about all the books. I still enjoy all his antics, he's just very irritating to read about sometimes. I am looking forward to the next book with more adventures. 4/5 stars.

[Imy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Apparently a few things went over my head when I first read this as a child: 1) the British start early with all that no hugging business 2) rampant Francophobia 3) the incest romance subplot (distant cousins to make it ok I guess?) 4) surprisingly dark for a children’s book (Toad’s almost hanged!). Overall a very fun read tho and a fun jaunt through memory lane

[Mortisha Cassavetes · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book in the Tales of the Willows series, and it was such a fun and hilarious read! Toad is whisked off his feet by a woman and vows to marry her, but Badger, Rat and Mole see the problems and must help Toad out of this commitment! Such a comedy! I highly recommend this book as well as the series!

[Emily · Rating 2 out of 5]

Mr. Toad of Toad Hall was not a particularly attractive character in the original book by Kenneth Grahame, and he certainly didn't need two sequels with additional criminal shenanigans. One shenanigan was enough. The parts of the story that involved the other characters were much more enjoyable, but they still don't measure up to Grahame.

[D.A. Fellows · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/5 stars. Entertaining and in keeping with the style and feel of the original Willows story, though I couldn’t help but feel it was less of a sequel and more of a re-telling of Horwood’s first Willows instalment.

[Vicki · Rating 2 out of 5]

This story is not up to The Wind in the Willows original classic. I don't find the characters as endearing and engaging. I think this author would have been better off writing his own unique story than leveraging the already known and beloved characters.

[Sylvie Vanhoozer · Rating 3 out of 5]

"I always say if folk can't find time to pass the time of day there's summat wrong with the way they're living." 135

[Carol Tracy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Horwood does an outstanding job carrying on the lives of the original characters. His writing is so good, sometimes I stopped to reread a line or paragraph to enjoy the beauty of it.

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again the reader is off on an adventure with Toad and his friends. The book is full of twists and turns, discoveries, and narrow escapes.
A good read overall.

[John Bohnert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another outstanding sequel to THE WIND IN THE WILLOWS.
The author really knows how to write an engrossing novel.
I'm so glad that I discovered this four-book series.

[LudmilaM · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love love love the Willows sequels. Can't get enough of the exquisitely written old world charm.

[Christine McCann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun read, A solid contribution to continuing the stories of Toad, Badger, and Mole.

[Barbara Randell · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read the original story many years ago, and loved it. Don't think this one is quite as good. But still fun

[Ryan Lavallee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Entertaining and not as Toad-centric as I had expected. Nice illustrations and very much in the vein of the rest of the series. I had rest this *after* Willows and Beyond, and still enjoyed it.

[maris · Rating 4 out of 5]

it is always a pleasure to spend time with my son on the river bank, or the wild wood, with our special animal friends. <3

[Georgia · Rating 3 out of 5]

An unhinged book from start to finish. There were parts I liked and parts I hated. Very sexist for no reason.

[happylittlebirdy · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars