Hi y’all!

I hope this post finds you well. We are excited about a relaxing weekend after a very busy couple of days. Parenthood is wonderful and exhausting and so very fulfilling.

I am excited to share my review of The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Graham. I read this book last year as part of my second Classics Club list and a classics challenge I participate in on Instagram. While I have read pieces of this one before, I am not sure I have every read it start to finish. I remember reading excerpts for a class in college. And I remember the most famous of the stories from the Disney animated film. It was worth reading the entire book and it surprised me.

Book Summary: “For more than a century, The Wind in the Willows and its endearing protagonists—Mole, Water Rat, Badger, and, of course, the incorrigible Toad—have enchanted children of all ages. Whether the four friends are setting forth on an exciting adventure, engaging in a comic caper, or simply relaxing by the River Thames, their stories will surprise and captivate you.

Hailed as one of the most enduringly popular works of the twentieth century, this story is a classic of magical fancy and enchanting wit. Penned in lyrical prose, the adventures and misadventures of the book’s intrepid quartet of heroes raise fantasy to the level of myth. Reflecting the freshness of childhood wonder, it still offers adults endless sophistication, substance, and depth.

The animals’ world embodies the author’s wry, whimsical, and unfailingly inventive imagination. It is a world that succeeding generations of both adult and young readers have found irresistible. But why say more? To use the words of the estimable Mr. Toad himself: ‘Travel, change, interest, excitement!…Come inside.'”

There are parts of this book I really enjoyed especially when the stories were exciting and clever. And some that are a bit slow. I really enjoyed all the scenes with Toad. The motor car obsession. The prison break. Even the banquet at the end. He is easy to like and easy to cheer for. Even as he is ridiculous and hilarious. I enjoyed the adventures Rat and Mole have as well. When Mole gets lost in the Wild Wood and they end up at Badgers house. Or the first time Mole is on a boat. Even the fantastical trip they take to find baby Otter and meet Pan or some sort of animal deity. But other times were rather slow. The traveling rat chapter was not my favorite. And in the middle of the book, I was more eager for Toads story than the slow life of the animals on the river. But overall, I enjoyed this.

The stories are well told and the descriptions are beautiful. Regardless of whether the chapters read slow or fast, the writing really is lovely. The way he describes the scenes really make them come alive. I could see the river and the homes and friends along it. The animals are fun to read about and I enjoy how they act and interact like people. There are some surprising lines like when they call each other asses. Or are rather rude in other ways. But the descriptions of the river, their homes, and their picnics were all especially pleasant. There is something endearing about these animals and their small, satisfying lives along the river.

Overall I understand why it’s a classic. The writing is beautiful and the stories are endearing. I enjoyed the characters especially Mr Toad. A fun classic and one I think my kids would enjoy.

What are some of your favorite classics for kids?
Have you read this one? What did you think?

This is my 15th classic finished on my 2nd list for The Classics Club!
Check out my full list here. To see my completed first list, click here. For more info on the club, click here.