Wind in the Willows

by Kenneth Grahame and GRANDMA'S TREASURES

Gillian Avery (Introduction)

Kenneth Graham's The Wind in the Willows is one of the most celebrated works of literature for children, and this Penguin Classics edition contains notes and an introduction by Gillian Avery.

Meek little Mole, wilful Ratty, Badger the perennial bachelor, and petulant, boastful Toad: over one hundred years since their first appearance in 1908, they've become emblematic archetypes of eccentricity, folly and friendship. And their misadventures - in gypsy caravans, stolen sports cars, and their beloved Wild Wood - continue to capture readers' imaginations and warm their hearts long after they grow up. Begun as a series of letters from Kenneth Grahame to his son, The Wind in the Willows is a timeless tale of animal cunning and human camaraderie.

This Penguin Classics edition features an appendix of the letters in which Grahame first related the exploits of Toad, and new introduction by children's literature historian Gillian Avery.

Kenneth Grahame (1859-1932) was an English bank official, writer, author of The Wind in the Willows (1908), set in the idyllic English countryside. The work established Grahame's international reputation as a writer of children's books and has deeply influenced fantasy literature.

If you enjoyed The Wind in the Willows, you might enjoy JM Barrie's Peter Pan, also available in Penguin Classics.

'A charming book'
Terry Jones

• ISBN10: 0143039091
• ISBN13: 9780143039099
• Publish Date: 27 October 2005 (first published 1 April 1908)
• Publish Status: Active
• Publish Country: GB
• Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd
• Imprint: Penguin Classics
• Format: Paperback (B-Format (198x129 mm))
• Pages: 240
• Language: English
• URL: https://penguinrandomhouse.com/books/isbn/9780143039099

Reviews

[cherryblossommj]

'The Wind in the Willows' was a big part of my childhood. In my mind I always thought 'Frog and the Toad' and 'The Wind in the Willows' was the same story or series. It is only now as a mother to a kindergartener entering on reading on her with early readers such as the 'Frog and the Toad' series and read alouds for all the children in such titles as 'The Wind in the Willows' that I've discovered they are quite different, NOT the same Mr. Toad! Part of my childhood experience and memories of 'The Wind in the Willows' (which I also always thought was The Wind AND the Willows, wrong again I suppose) was the animated storybook we have recorded off TV on a VHS tape. My children watch that sometimes as well, maybe one day we'll find the good digital version. But what I'm getting at is that to my mind, the characters have a specific look in my imagination due to that influence which resembles more Robert Ingpen or E.H. Shepard illustrations, so this new version illustrated by David Roberts is quite different for me.

David Roberts' illustrations are quite contemporary and new to me, but they are fun and vibrant and entertaining for the child's eye. What I love, is his words and proof on the page of no fear to experiment. What a great example and influence for children! David Roberts edition of 'The Wind in the Willows' is decidedly modern and will open up the classic story to a world of a readers that might not have been interested in the vintage classic story previously before.

In our family, as an art experiment we are enjoying spending time comparing how the same story is told from two different artists perspectives.

I received this product free for the purpose of reviewing it. I received no other compensation for this review. The opinions expressed in this review are my personal, honest opinions. Your experience may vary. Please read my full disclosure policy for more details.

See a short interview I found with David Roberts: http://www.artistpartners.com/spotlight/david_roberts/index.html

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Also own the Sterling Illustrated Classic, illustrated by Robert Ingpen.
The Wind in the Willows (Hardcover) (isbn 1402782837)[bc:The Wind in the Willows|12550394|The Wind in the Willows|Kenneth Grahame|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1328767433s/12550394.jpg|1061285]