The Wind in the Willows (Hardcover)

by Kenneth Grahame (Author), Michael Foreman (Illustrator) "THE MOLE had been working very hard all the morning, spring-cleaning his little home..." (more)
Key Phrases: Toad Hall, Wild Wood, Water Rat (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review
Inspired by correspondence from Wind in the Willow's author Kenneth Grahame to his young son, award-winning illustrator Michael Foreman took up paint and brush to follow Mole, Ratty, Mr. Badger, and Toad through another edition of this well-loved kids classic.

Grahame's time-honored story, an adventure-filled idyll that meanders across a lovingly described English countryside, cemented its status as a masterpiece generations ago. But this newest edition adds some noteworthy extras: the unabridged 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 closes with reproductions of two of Grahame's actual letters to his son Alistair ("My darling Mouse") in 1907, written on ornate, old-timey stationery from two Cornwall hotels and recounting one of Toad's first adventures (which Toad fans will recognize as the train-assisted escape of a certain "washerwoman").

These inclusions alone might merit a new edition, but Foreman's illustrations stand shoulder to shoulder with those of previous Winds artists (among them Ernest Shepard, the original illustrator, and Arthur Rackham, both of whom Foreman modestly stands "in awe" of). The lively, full-color illustrations appear generously throughout the book, as they convincingly capture both the story's small moments (like the washerwoman's weeping, for one) and more explosive events (like the storming of Toad Hall). (All ages) --Paul Hughes

From School Library Journal
Grade 3 Up-Here, Grahame's text is profusely illustrated with small decorative drawings and watercolors, as well as panoramic spreads and bordered full-page pictures. The watercolors are often dominated by blues and greens, creating a sense of the river and countryside. Overall, Foreman's visual treatment is lighthearted, whimsical, and spirited. Some pictures are quite comical, such as a sobbing Mr. Toad after he receives a much-deserved tongue-lashing from Badger and Mr. Toad crooning his "last little song" to a set of empty chairs. Others are full of energy, movement, and drama such as scenes of the attack on Toad Hall. The endpapers are designed as maps of the countryside. Information about the author and his most famous work is included, as are reprints of the four letters sent to the author's son, which began the tales, and photographs of father and son. The combination of this timeless story and Foreman's dynamic pictures is sure to be a hit. Both this version and the one illustrated by Mary Jane Begin (North-South, 2002) are attractive and appealing, but libraries that can only afford one should consider Foreman's offering.
Heide Piehler, Shorewood Public Library, WI
Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9-12
  
• Hardcover: 240 pages
• Publisher: Harcourt Children's Books; 1 st U.S.ed edition (October 1, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0152168079
• ISBN-13: 978-0152168070
• Product Dimensions: 10.6 x 9 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.6 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #776,977 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

25 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars MR. TOAD RIDES AGAIN, February 17, 2003

By	Vicki Arkoff (Los Angeles) - See all my reviews

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.

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful presentation., August 22, 2005

By	Stephen Ingram "nadgerz" (Las Vegas, NV, USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

It's been many years since I read this book and I got this one
for a niece (7 years old) and thought I'd read it first myself.

It is very nicely illustrated; kids will love the pictures
and the lettering is large, so if they are being read to, they
will find it easier to follow along.

That said, the level of comprehension is probably that of early teen, rather than pre-teen. Maybe that says more about my level of comprehension? :)

However, the book (stories) are classics and I am sure any child (or adult) would be delighted with this as a gift.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Great book, mediocre illustrations, January 27, 2006

By	miserybob (chicagoland) - See all my reviews

Soon after getting Wind in the Willows (Michael Hague, illustrator) from the library, my daughter fell in love - at bedtime, it's 'Toad! Toad!' and 'Hang spring cleaning!'. So, based on reviews of this edition, I decided to buy it. Sadly, we were both disappointed. The book is still great, but the illustrations in this edition are mediocre at best. Cartoonish and bland, they don't come close to doing justice to the author. The Michael Hague edition may have fewer illustrations, but they are deep, rich and glorious - just like the book. If your child is ready for this book, she's ready for 'grown-up' illustrations, too.
Do yourself a favor - get the Hague edition instead.