The Wind in the Willows

By: Kenneth Grahame

Narrated by: Mary Woods

The Wind in the Willows is a book for those "who keep the spirit of youth alive in them; of life, sunshine, running water, woodlands, dusty roads, winter firesides." So wrote Kenneth Grahame of his timeless tale of Rat, Mole, Badger, and Toad, in their lyrical world of gurgling rivers and whispering reeds, a world that is both beautiful and benevolently ordered. But it is also a world threatened by dark forces: "the Terror of the Wild Wood" with its "wicked little faces" and "glances of malice and hatred", and defended by the mysterious Piper at the Gates of Dawn.

In the end, Grahame triumphantly succeeds in conveying his most precious theme: the miracle of loyalty and friendship.

(P)1992 Blackstone Audio Inc.

Critic reviews

"Readers young and old exult in The Wind in the Willows. It is a classic according to Ezra Pound's definition, because it possesses 'an eternal and irrepressible freshness'." (Anne Lunden, Constructing the Canon of Children's Literature)

All Time Childhood Favorite

Would you listen to The Wind in the Willows again? Why?

Yes, and I have, many times. It always brings me back to that first time I read it, as a little girl, imagining myself right there with Mole and Ratty in their adventures.

What did you like best about this story?

The

What about Mary Woods’s performance did you like?

I saw pictures in my mind, like a movie screen in my head, as she spoke, it was so expressive.

Any additional comments?

This recording brought a childhood favorite back to life for me. I was sick in bed as an adult, unable to even read my old favorite for myself, so hearing this aloud was a great comfort and delight.

BBBBorrrrring

I listened to one cd that I burned and had to give up. I have decided that there are too many good books to listen to boring stuff. I know this is a kid book, but I really can't imagine a kid listening to this for long. With illustration it might be great, but not to just the ear.