“The Wind In The Willows,” by Kenneth Grahame, illustrated by John Burningham
Viking Press, New York, 1908, reprint in 1983, 240 pages, Grades 4-7.
When a book continues to be read 100 years after initial publication, the title must speak to universal themes and sentiments. This makes a book a classic.
“The Wind In The Willows” is such a book. The setting is quite natural with much of the story taking place along a river. The main characters are animals living near the river or in the adjoining forest. But Kenneth Grahame has created them in such an endearing and gentle manner that we all learn about our lives by reading about their lives.
Water Rat (“Ratty”) lives in an idyllic manner along the languid waters of the river. He rows his boat in the pools and eddies and enjoys the beauty of the world. Nearby, Mole has decided to leave his underground home and go upward to the light. He has no idea what is in the light since he has always lived underground.
When Mole bursts above ground the sunlight warms his fur. He had no idea that the world was so beautiful. He quickly meets Ratty and is invited to go for a boat ride. Not believing his good luck, Mole jumps into the boat and is soon lazily going down the river. Ratty explains everything that Mole is seeing for the first time.
The forest looms behind a field near the river. Ratty explains that the forest is dangerous for the river animals, but that deep in the forest lives the Badger, a wise and protective friend. Not far down the river is Toad Hall, the house of Toad. Ratty likes Toad but realizes that he is sometimes conceited and impetuous. Mole learns all of this on his first boat ride.
Suddenly, Mole wants to row the boat. Bumping Ratty aside, he grabs the oars. Not listening to Ratty’s warning, Mole soon tips the boat over and both animals wind up in the water. Ratty pulls the beleaguered Mole to the shore and they try to dry off.
Mole tries to behave himself but later ignores Ratty’s advice and plunges into the forest. Soon he is lost in a snowstorm. Exhausted, he doesn’t know what to do. Luckily for him, Ratty has tracked him through the snowstorm and takes him to Badger’s house. There he learns valuable life lessons and discovers that while he is very ordinary, he is important. He has character and the other animals care for him.
With this understanding, Mole now believes he is valuable and worthwhile. This allows Mole to become generous and other-centered. Toad, on the other hand, is not as docile as his actions soon prove. What happens next?
What do the animals learn about themselves and about life? Why do some animals become docile through their experiences while others seem to learn very little? Have you ever known people like them? Why do we sometimes learn and sometimes reject what is good for us? What hand does God play in all of this? To find out the answers to these and other questions, go to the library and check out this delightful animal fantasy, “The Wind In the Willows.”
This book has taught generations of readers about the enduring virtues of charity and honesty. Chapter Seven, “The Piper at the Gates of Dawn,” is one of the most comforting chapters ever written in children’s literature about the love God has for all His children. Though Toad seems to teach children what not to do, his boisterous charm adds the story. “The Wind In The Willows” has been made into several movies. I hope you get a chance to read this delightful story. There is a reason that it is a classic. Enjoy!
