Reviews (1)

A Beautiful Book
I bought a similar Inga Moore version of this book for my son and we love it. The text has been "sensitively abridged" to make it appropriate for young children and the result is a delightful story that brings small animals to vivid life. Inga Moore's illustrations are what drew me to this book. They are wonderfully detailed and evocative of the beauty of the Thames Valley. ... Read more

Book Description

Since its beginnings as a series of stories told to Kenneth Grahame's young son, The Wind in the Willows has gone on to become one of the best-loved children's books of all time. The timeless story of Toad, Rat, Mole, and Badger, brought to vivid life by Ernest H. Shepard's illustrations, has delighted readers of all ages for more than eighty years. ... Read more

Reviews (89)

One of the Greats
Only Kipling's Jungle book, rivals this as the classic talking animal book for children. With his beautiful prose, Grahame evokes laughter, suspense, pleasure and even awe. Water Rat, Mole, Badger, Otter, and the insufferable Toad quickly gain our interest and sympathy. If you buy it to read to children, beware! You may not be able to resist reading ahead a few chapters after you put them to bed. This is a book not to be missed. The scene in which Pan appears as the animals' protector inspired a song by Van Morrison, and a mention in Jane Goodall's book, A Reason for Hope. From it a child of any age will get fun, wonder, and a demonstration of the beautiful possibilities of the English language.

Charm
Kenneth Grahame wrote this for his son and published this in book form in 1908. He has simply created a masterpiece, not just in children's literature, believe me many adults read this one with pleasure. The chapters follow the doings and adventures of Mole, Rat, Badger, and of course Toad. The prose is lyrical at times, the stories hilarious, and charm and wisdom flow from Grahame's pen. There has been many illustrators for different editions of this over the years. I like Rackham and Shepard and recommend the editions that have one or the others illustrations, or get two copies of "The Wind in the Willows" and you can have both of these fine illustrators work to enjoy. I read this book when a child and I come back to it again and again.

A primer on friendship
The Wind in the Willows is a delightful children's classic that touches upon many things; wonder, pastoralism, but most of all friendship between individuals very different from one another. One of the hallmarks of this classic is that the adventure stories remain entertaining to this day. A must read for any child.

Check your Text
In response to the 5 star reviewer, I encourage her to check her text's publication date. I used the Scholastic version of The Wind in the Willows for years and up until 2 years ago it was an unabridged version. That older version has been replaced by the Miles version, however, which is not unabridged. I discovered this by accident when I ordered it for my classes--believing I was getting the old Scholastic version--and found that the version my students received bore little resemblance to the one I had. Hence my warning about this text. The Miles version is NOT the one Scholastic used to offer and it IS drastically altered.

Uneven Version
"Wind" is the charming story of four friends living near the river bank - Mole, Badger, Rat and Toad. The story follows their adventures in the Wide World, and how true friendship keeps them together through "thick and thin."

Unfortunately, the story loses some of its appeal in this video version. It tells the tale well enough, but it just doesn't have the feel of a "classic." Sometimes, you have to read the book to fully appreciate it!

Good, not great. Three stars. ... Read more

Book Description

Everyone knows that since a Dragon IS a Dragon and St. George IS St. George, there will have to be a fight.

Everyone, that is, except the Dragon. He’d rather writepoetry. This wonderful, whimsical story is by the authorof The Wind In The Willows. Performed by John and Ginny Dildine, with Gordon Bok as the Dragon. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

An engaging story of a family who leads a simple, easy life
Robert San Souci expertly retells The Reluctant Dragon: an engaging story of a family who leads a simple, easy life until a fire-breathing dragon moves in. Jack learns the dragon is just a pussycat who would rather read and write than fight knights; but a persistent St. George the Dragon Fighter brings trouble and challenge in this engaging and recommended story of a mock battle and a most unusual friendship.

Especially charming... especially rich...
Kenneth Grahame's other wonderful story, retold.
But, this time around, what is especially charming, especially rich,
what makes all the difference is something new: the captivating illustrations.
John Segal's images are much more than simply illustrative additions;
they are a stream of the most beautiful, diminutive, vibrant watercolour paintings.
They make the book.

Mr. Segal's art lends color and life to the story -- and his handwritten
excerpts add a dimensionality and energy to the text -- in a way that you
cannot glean until you have the deliriously gorgeous volume happily in hand.
Perfect.

BTW The story incorporates that ever important, inestimably valuable
moral lesson: things may not be what they first appear to be...
or... what we first (and sometimes erroneously) conclude them to be...
to our happy surprise.

A classic for all ages.
Thank goodness this classic tale is still available for readers of all ages. The timeless nature of this tale endures. A satisfying tale and delightful ending for everyone.

A somewhat humorous children's book
This was absolutely my favorite book as a young child about 60 years ago. I am pleased to see that it is still available. Most fables about dragons picture them as dangerous beasts guarding treasure troves, but this dragon is a different sort indeed - an erudite peaceful dragon that had hoped to have a quiet retirement. When a knight arrives to rid the neighborhood of the dragon, he is invited in for tea, and discovers the dragon does not wish to fight. In the classic tale, "Beowulf," the dragon was provoked by someone stealing a piece of the treasure. In this story, the knight finds a quite different means to provoke the dragon into breathing fire (after all, the knight's reputation is at stake). The story has an unexpected ending. The book is suitable for reading to single children or groups of younger children, or for slightly older children (and sometimes adults) to read for themselves.

A book about a dragon and a Boy - but much more...
Grahame's _Reluctant Dragon_ is one of the books I read numerous times as a child. I've also reread it as an adult. One of the reasons I loved it so (I realize now) is that it features a character that most of the others hate because of who he seems to be. The Dragon, who comes to the Downs to find a peaceful life and compose poetry, soon finds himself the target of a campaign on the part of the townspeople to do away with him. His only friend is the Boy, one of the farm children. Through his friendship with the Boy (who does not have a name, as I remember), we realize that although he may be a dreaded beast - a dragon - he is actually not the stereotypical firebreathing, damsel-distressing monster. In fact, he is quite kind and gentle.

When St. George comes, and the plan is to slay the Dragon, the Boy attempts to intercede(...I won't ruin the story for you but I will say you won't be sobbing at the end).

This book was important to me, I think, because I was teased a great deal as a child - I was sort of strange and dreamy and I didn't "look right" for the school I was in. But reading this book reminded me that it was better to be true to myself and who I was than to try (and fail) to fit in. (I just wish I had a friend as good as the Boy.) I think maybe this book would be best for slightly older children, if younger children are going to be read it you may have to do some explaining of the words and the archaic phrases. And the whole idea of St. George and how he is a part of English legend.

I do think that this book is one that imaginative and young-at-heart grownups would appreciate, too. If you are such, and have never read "The Reluctant Dragon", I recommend it. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Inspired by correspondence from Wind in the Willow's authorKenneth Grahame to his young son, award-winning illustrator Michael Foreman tookup paint and brush to follow Mole, Ratty, Mr. Badger, and Toad through anotheredition of this well-loved kids classic.

Grahame's time-honored story, an adventure-filled idyll that meanders across alovingly described English countryside, cemented its status as a masterpiecegenerations ago. But this newest edition adds some noteworthy extras: theunabridged text includes two chapters that don't appear in some modern versions("The Pipers at the Gates of Dawn" and "Wayfarers All"), and the book closeswith reproductions of two of Grahame's actual letters to his son Alistair ("Mydarling Mouse") in 1907, written on ornate, old-timey stationery from twoCornwall hotels and recounting one of Toad's first adventures (which Toad fanswill recognize as the train-assisted escape of a certain "washerwoman").

These inclusions alone might merit a new edition, but Foreman's illustrationsstand shoulder to shoulder with those of previous Winds artists (amongthem Ernest Shepard, the original illustrator, and Arthur Rackham, both of whomForeman modestly stands "in awe" of). The lively, full-color illustrationsappear generously throughout the book, as they convincingly capture both thestory's small moments (like the washerwoman's weeping, for one) and moreexplosive events (like the storming of Toad Hall). (All ages) --PaulHughes ... Read more

Reviews (1)

MR. TOAD RIDES AGAIN
What a difference a month makes. Just a few weeks ago I pronounced Seastar Books' new edition of "The Wind in the Willows" the best gift edition of the 1908 children's classic since illustrator Ernest Shephard's classic version, due to the glorious acrylic and watercolor paintings by Mary Jane Begin ("The Porcupine Mouse," "A Mouse Told His Mother"). Yet surprisingly, it has already been surpassed, so I must pass the trophy to Harcourt's new unabridged edition. It's beautifully presented in a wide, landscape format with a satin ribbon bookmark to keep your place when the stories dutifully fulfill their destiny as bedtime reading. The notable source of the book's special appeal, of course, is the charming new artwork by extraordinary English watercolorist Michael Foreman. The pages are filled with gently expressive mixed-media paintings, from the end-papers map of Wildwood and its surroundings, to a rollicking train ride, and the wild rumpus at Toad Hall. And the illustrations are generously plentiful: nearly every two-page spread contains at least one color sketch. The sheer number of illustrations tremendously enriches the story, and the Foreman's light-handed technique, previously apparent in "Michael Foreman's Mother Goose," "Joan of Arc" and "Arthur, High King of Britain" -- is a lovely tribute to the similar style of Shephard himself. Well done. ... Read more

Book Description

When a dragon is discovered up on the Downs, the Boy is not in the least surprised. He's always known the cave there was a dragon cave, so it seems only right for a dragon to be living in it.

The Boy decides to pay a visit to the cave, and he thinks he knows just what to expect. But this particular dragon is not a bit like the ones in fairy tales!
... Read more

Reviews (6)

Wag the Dog.
This delightful story tells the tale of a boy who meets a kindly dragon on the edge of town. The boy and the dragon become friends and start spending a lot of time together. Then the people of the town find out about the dragon and send for St. George. The boy meets with St. George and takes him to meet the dragon. All three soon become friends and find themselves in a quandry. George doesn't want to kill the dragon and the dragon has no desire to kill George. A plan is hatched and at the end of the story everyone lives happily.

It's really great reading this to younger children. It's got a great message about not prejudging others. It also shows how people can sometimes get everything they want, without anyone having to get hurt by it. That doesn't happen often, but it's nice to be reminded now and again that it can.

A Treasure!
Author of historical fiction.

This book is a treasure for your library. It brings endless pleasure, and is the kind of story that spans all ages.

It is the tale of a boy and his dragon who lives up on the Downs. In spite of the bad reputation dragons have, the boy and he become quick friends. Saint George shows up to do battle with the reluctant lizard, and the boy arranges a mock battle, unbeknown to the villagers that pleases everyone.

Andrew's book Report
(...) THE BOOK IS ABOUT THIS BOY WHO MEETS THIS DRAGON AND THEY
BEACOME FRIENDS THE DRAGON TELLS THE BOY STORY AND NONE ARE
TRUE. BUT ONE IS TRUE THE DRAGONS FAUTHER DIED WHEN A KNIGHT
FOUND OUT ABOUT HIM WHEN THE DRAGON WAS LITTLE. THE KID
HEARS ABOUT A KNIGHT NAMED ST. GEORGE HE TELLS ST. GEORGE
ABOUT THE DRAGON. THE NEXT DAY THE KID SHOWS ST. GEORGE THE
THE DRAGON THE DRAGON DID NOT WHANT TO FIGHT. THE NEXT DAY
ST. GEORGE TOLD SOME OF THE DRAGONS TALES TO THE VILLAGE.
THE TALES WHERE ABOUT KNIGHTS AND DRAGONS FIGHTING. THAT
AFTER NOON THE DRAGON HID IN THE CAVE AND ST. GEORGE FAKED
TO KILL THE DRAGON AND WAS FAMOUS.

(...)

But who Illustrate's This Version - Marlene Ekman?
I love this story but am interested to know the illustrator. If it is Marlene Ekman's illustrations in the hardcover version then it is the best publication. Her pictures add real life to this wonderful child's story.

Reading level is age 8 and above
This is a wonderful story that can be enjoyed by all ages. But because of some of the archaic phrasing I would not recommend it to students under the age of 8. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Cool!
I read this book so many times. I loved it. I thimk you should read it too.

Will Always Remember
I read this book over ten years ago, when I was about nine, but the emotions I felt while reading it are still fresh in my mind. This is an excellent read, at any age. It's fun, sad, silly, and adventurous. I will never forget it. ... Read more

Book Description

For nearly a century, steadfast friends Mole, Rat, Badger, and Toad have enchanted and entertained readers around the world with their adventures-rowing on the river, delving into the sinister Wild Wood, and exploring the open road. Now Kenneth Grahame's time-honored work comes to life as never before in 30 of Mary Jane Begin's inspired full-color paintings. From the friends' first picnic on River Bank to their final rousing defense of Toad Hall, Begin's cheerful, sparkling art captures all the magic and merriment of this enduring classic. Here is a 208-page deluxe edition that belongs on every child's bookshelf. ... Read more

Book Description

From the imaginative author of "The Wind in the Willows," an enchanting pair of books that map the imaginative landscape of childhood. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

A rare gem indeed
If you are picking up this book, you most likely have read its companion, THE GOLDEN AGE. This book continues the exploits of the children introduced in the first volume. Veddy, veddy English. Completely delightful, though.

I am not sure today's children would enjoy this book. The 19th Century British-isms will probably be quite tedious to any but the most precocious of children. And nothing really "happens" so to speak. No adventures of overwhelming magnitude. Rather, the children's imagination governs what happens throughout the book. Small things are turned into events of great importance. Children brought up with video games will most likely be bored. But for an adult, ahhh! This is a find. It will make you yearn for the idyllic childhood you never had or anybody had for that matter.

Each chapter is like sunlight shining on a bead of dew in April. Or something similarily poetic. Grahame's the better writer anyway.

Recalls the past
I'm sorry to see that Grahame's "Dream Days" is so unavailable. It's a deeply enjoyable book that demonstrates the power of "stories" to pull us out of the here and now and make us to stand up straighter, to imagine ourselves as knights and ladies. Grahame's book would be great for older children (young ones may find themselves fidgeting - there is a certain amount of description and archaic language). Adults may actually enjoy this one more than kids. Reading it brought back to me the days of my youth, when a good story could fire my imagination for days, and the characters lived right along side of me, as sort of doppelgangers. This story reminds me of E. Nesbit, another great Edwardian children's writer. Children should read these books, they are well-written and can help foster a love for the "right word" and the well-turned phrase. Try to find a copy with Parrish's illustrations. This whole book is just a wonderful aesthetic experience. ... Read more

Book Description

From the imaginative author of "The Wind in the Willows," an enchanting pair of books that map the imaginative landscape of childhood. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

K. Grahame Examines Childhood
Kenneth Grahame's rich, elegant writing make "The Golden Age" a joy to read and reread. While it is a story of children in late Victorian England, it is not a childish book. Rather, it is an examination of how children view the world and are confounded by the actions of the adults around them. Grahame had a wonderful knack for presenting the child's point of view without being cutesy or condescending - no other author has as successfully done this. Nor does he present the typical Victorian view that children are all little angels and always innocent. All adults should read this book - it makes one stop and examine one's priorities and will encourage you recapture a zest for life and imagination. ... Read more

Book Description

After the light of day, some people like to unwind in the shadow and let out steam in unusual ways. One man likes to be his woman¹s slave, one woman dares her boyfriend to watch as she services a group of bankers, another gets a leash on her collar and lets her animal instincts run wild in front of her lover¹s camera... These books easily rank amongthe most beautiful NBM has ever done. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

French artist Michel Plessix provides gorgeous drawings
This fourth volume Panic At Toad Hall continues to adapt the famous child's classic into a color comic book form, with French artist Michel Plessix providing gorgeous drawings. Kids who have difficulty reading but who love comics will find this a most inviting method of discovering the appeal and adventure in Grahame's classic. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Beautiful!
a classic story with beautiful, soft illustrations. these are the stories children will remember as they grow up. i started reading these stories to my son as soon as i brought him home from the hospital. although i wont know for sure for many years, he seemed to listen and enjoy the stories...although others may deem them full of "verbalization" (huh?), i call them beautiful words strung together for the enjoyment of children of all ages.

wind in the willows
This book review is about the book wind in the willows. The author of this book is Kenneth Graham. This book is about a water mouse and a mole who made friends on the side of a river bed. In the storie they have many daring adventures together. I thought this book was too long and very boring. It's something I wouldn't recommend because the stories have too much verbalization in it.

Fantastic illustrations...
Inga Moore has to be among the best illustrators I've seen for "Wind in the Willows." Lots of lovely pictures that capture the spirit of the book. I rank her artwork right up with Eric Kincaid's... ... Read more

Book Description

From Kenneth Grahame's beloved classic comes a heart-warming tale of friendship, 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 into a haven of warmth and contentment for Mole, Rat, and the cheerful field mice who come a-caroling.

Michael Hague's wondrous, all-new paintings capture the tenderness and magic of this cherished story and its enduring holiday spirit. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Beautiful paintings embellish a spirited story!
Good reading skills or parental read-aloud assistance will be required for this chapter from Grahme's classic Wind In The Willows: it tells of friendship and a holiday homecoming as Mole transforms Mole End to a haven of earth and cheer. Hague's beautiful paintings embellish the spirited story. ... Read more

Book Description

William Horwood is the author of the acclaimed Duncton trilogies. Patrick Benson studied at the Chelsea Art School and St. Martin's School of Art. Both live in England.
... Read more

Reviews (7)

Good Book
This book is good, but not great. The first two books are excellent after that it gets kind of old. If you are a fan of the series, you can handle it.

quickie review.
The Willows and Beyond is a fine novel. The storyline of it follows the classic characters from "The Wind in the Willows". The river is polluted and the characters go on a journey to save it. It is beautifully written and the story is excellent. It has to many pictures though(although the illustrations are beautiful). I would reccomend this to fans of the original classic "the Wind in the Willows"...

Touched my Soul
William Horwood truly transports one to the real life of his created animals. I cried a lot and that means it was very, very good.

Funny and loving conclusion to a marvelous series
As I write this review, the "average customer rating" on this fine title is a mere two stars. Please let me beg to differ with them all. I haven't read "Willows in Winter," but I loved "Wind in the Willows" and felt Horwood's "Toad Triumphant" was in some ways even better. "Willows and Beyond" brings the cycle to a conclusion -- and it's wonderful.

At times it made me roar with laughter; at others it's painfully sad; the chapter called "The Uninvited Guest" is simply lovely, and belongs in someone's anthology of writings about Christmas.

Yeah, so the main characters die -- did ya think they'd live forever? Can't we name several other children's books where important characters pass on -- "Old Yeller," "Dominic," "A Day No Pigs Would Die," "Bambi," etc.? Furthermore, the deaths are handled so gently, even ambiguously, that I can't understand how anyone would have been seriously upset.

And yes, there is a chapter on Rat's illness; but that's humorously tossed aside (a bit of underdone potato, as it were), and nicely counterbalanced by dashing adventures on the high seas -- not to mention Toad's famous charge up the hill into Lathbury Wood.

And shall we risk a hint at how the book ends by pointing out that each major character, having passed on, is given a successor -- heir to his name, title and role (to such a degree that further adventures are entirely possible!).

Don't be put off by a few readers' negative comments; Horwood's third Willows book is a fine piece of work, and leaves one thirsting for more.

THE STORY IS ALL WRONG!
This story is nothing like the originals. Although it takes place with the primary beloved creatures being older, we could have been spared the details of them getting sick and eventually dying. This does not keep with the original youth and magic of the first stories. There was NO NEED to show us the end of our favorite creatures lives. I think any future attempts at this series should be directed towards giving us MORE TIMELESS ADVENTURES of this group of best friends while in their prime. Never forget that the original audience for this series was intended to be children. I would not let my son read this book. ... Read more