4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
four stars for this edition, five stars for this timeless, and enchanting, tale, June 27, 2011
This review is from: The Wind in the Willows (Puffin Classics) (Paperback)
i collect different editions of this book, as out of all literature in the world, it is easily in my top echelon. widely regarded as a children's book, this is far more than can be classified in words (or one genre).
while the story is technically about creatures and "their" river, it is truly about so much more. the essence and magic of life is hidden in these pages. it is a treasure.
i only have one real issue with this edition, and that being that ernest h. shepard's dear illustrations are nowhere to be found. i certainly do not require illustrations for a meaningful read, however with such iconic images, it seems an unfortunate omission. it does contain illustrations by robin lawrie, which are quite nice, if sparsely included.
if you have never read this book or are looking for a solid edition, please look into the aladdin classics edition (also available here on amazon). it not only has the full text with illustrations, but the forward by susan cooper is one of the most intelligent and touching essays ever written on kenneth grahame (it makes me emotional just to think of it).
one specific caveat to this puffin classics edition is the inclusion at the end of the book of bonus information on the author, the characters, and so much more. what a wonderful addition to an already stellar novel!
i genuinely hope you read this book. there is something for everyone to find in these pages.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
love Jim Weiss's narration!, March 14, 2011
Jim Weiss is a great narrator and he does such a fabulous job with this timeless classic. I have listened to it with my 5 year old twice already and we both love it! I also appreciate that it is UNABRIDGED!
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
5.0 out of 5 stars
Definitely a classic, June 14, 2011
This review is from: The Wind in the Willows (Puffin Classics) (Paperback)
I'm ashamed to say that this book is one of the few great children's classics I have not had the pleasure of reading. In fact, what created in me the desire to read it was to complete some random list of must-read books.
So I picked up the book and I was immediately enchanted by Grahame's charming little world of talking animals who live in a society so much like our own. It is utterly familiar, yet mixed with the fancy of the animal woodlands.
The characters are delightful, funny, and full of personality. Truly, they are characters in every sense of the word.
As for the writing, Grahame is brilliant. He is descriptive and apt, knowing just the right words for the right things. It's a pleasure to read this book and get lost in the enchanting phrases.
Really, there is a reason this is a classic.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No