The Wind in the Willows [Hardcover]

Kenneth Grahame (Author), Inga Moore (Illustrator)

Book Description

Release date: September 15, 2003 | Grade Level: Kindergarten and up

In a beautiful single volume, Inga Moore’s magical illustrations bring Kenneth Grahame’s much-loved classic to life for a new generation of readers.

Kenneth Grahame’s classic tale of the pleasures of country life and the dependability of good friends will never grow old. Now, in this splendid volume, Inga Moore recaptures its scenes and its characters with richly patterned and warmly detailed illustrations. Here, drawn with charming freshness, are impulsive dear Mole, rash Mr. Toad, reclusive Badger, and sensible Rat, so happy just "messing around in boats." And here are the most treasured moments from THE WIND IN THE WILLOWS - Mole’s first enraptured row on the river, Toad’s irrepressible adventures in and out of automobiles, and many more. So gather ’round to read or listen, and, as Mole and Rat would heartily agree, a fine time will be had by all.

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

Gr. 3-5, younger for reading aloud. Previously published in two volumes, The River Bank (1996) and The Adventures of Mr. Toad (1998), Moore's intelligently abridged edition of Grahame's classic is now available in a single large-format volume. The relatively large print, the wide margins, and the beautiful ink-and-pastel artwork on nearly every page make this version a good choice for middle-grade independent readers put off by the original or for parents in search of a pleasing edition to read aloud to younger children. Carolyn Phelan
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

About the Author

Inga Moore says that illustrating Kenneth Grahame’s famous story was both great fun and a great challenge. "THE WIND IN THE WILLOWS is such a wonderful book that I never tire of reading it. I couldn’t possibly let it down, so I had to do my best work ever." Of the wayward Mr. Toad, she adds, "He is a celebration of the life we would lead if only we could."

Product Details

• Hardcover: 184 pages
• Publisher: Candlewick; First Edition edition (September 15, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0763622427
• ISBN-13: 978-0763622428
• Product Dimensions: 8.6 x 0.9 x 11.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.5 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (37 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #107,387 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

117 of 120 people found the following review helpful

2.0 out of 5 stars It's Abridged April 22, 2005

By SWfromCT

Format:Hardcover

I bought this copy of Kenneth Grahame's wonderful classic because the illustrations were so lovely. When I read the book however, I realized that this book, albeit with beautiful illustrations, was heavily abridged. I am sorely disappointed by this, and feel it should be clearly marked in the labeling of the book.

54 of 58 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Perfect for reading aloud to the younger set. April 12, 2005

By S. VanLooy

Format:Hardcover

I see that other reviewers have graded this edition down because it doesn't include certain favorite chapters.

I wish people would review products for what they are, not what they wish they were; the book is clearly an abridgement and does not claim to be anything else. And it is really a very good abridgement. I often, reading to my 5 year old, have to make "on the fly" abridgements of my own, as I guage his patience, his interest, and the appropriateness of the subject matter. I didn't have to do that with this book.

I also looked for "Piper at the Gates of Dawn" when I first opened this book and was saddened to see it wasn't there. But then I went online and found the text of it (as the book is out of copyright, there are a number of e-texts available). It's a truly gorgeous piece of writing - but it really is not going to appeal to the age range at which this book is aimed.

The illustrations are lush and colorful, and (important detail when reading chapter books to someone moving up from picture books) there is at least one illustration of some kind on nearly every page. The chapters selected to be presented are vivid and interesting and a good introduction to the book for smaller children.

When he's older, I'll read the full version to him - or hand it to him to read himself. But this book is a lovely thing in its own right.

26 of 27 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A Beautiful Book June 17, 2004

By A Customer

Format:Hardcover

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.