When Spring rolls around each year I think of the character of the mole doing his Spring cleaning in this book, and the wonderful animals that live on the riverbank.
The quote “Believe me, my young friend, there is nothing -absolutely nothing that’s half so much worth doing as simply messing around in boats.” is one that has stuck with me through my life. I was fortunate as a child to have access to a small dam that we could take a rubber boat on and explore. Being on the surface of the water and in a boat – there is something magical about it.
The Wind in the Willows is a classic that has given generations of children countless hours of wonder and enjoyment.
Who can forget the rowdy ‘toad’ and his first experiment with driving a car, albeit disguised as a washerwoman?
The gentle lull of the river calls to us as we sit back and meet all the animals of the riverbank, and see how toad gets himself into one and another mischief.
The Wind in the Willows’ can be read aloud to younger children from about 7 years but there are shorter versions you can find in picture book format for even younger children to introduce them to it.
The classic full novel is for children aged approximately 8-12 years. Grown ups will love meeting the animals of the riverbank too.
Jane Allison reviews books 