A great classic - Rated 
Mr. Toad, Ratty, Mr. Badger, and Mole are among the many creatures and characters who inhabit Grahame's version of Victorian era England. He weaves their riverbank life and many adventures in magical yet universally appealing style. A great literary classic who will appeal to children and adults alike.
Adrian Praetzellis offers an excellent reading of the novel for librivox.org
Enjoy the imagery and fun in this tale of riverside adventures - Rated 
The Wind In The Willows starts off following Mole on his adventures, although he fades into the background as the story progresses. The book is an adventure story, primarily for children, but it evokes the English rural idyll very well. It is fun and the character of Toad takes over as the plot develops with mischief and derring-do.
On closer investigation, however, the characters do not all seem to correspond to specific people or types of people (except the technophile Toad and the old military man - Badger). We could not work out what group or social class Rat and Mole were supposed to represent. The world they live in seems incredibly incongruous - Italian sausages available from shops open at all hours, creatures that are mortal enemies being great friends, their interaction with people where they are treated as other people and seem to be a similar size, never working and always having everything available, Mole leaving his life for a couple of years. Toad's escape from prison, re-offending and subsequent freedom seem to condone bad behaviour and it is not clear how he is not tracked the last few miles to his house, when he orders cars and boats from the locality and he is clearly a well known character in the area.
There are a couple of religious / semi-religious experiences, that seem unwarranted, unclear and uncomfortable. They appeared as though Grahame wanted to make some specific point to his child, which does not come across now from the book.
The book is clearly class-ridden with Toad at the top and the weasels at the bottom - The Revolution is put down.
Overall, we felt it was best not examine it too closely and just enjoy the imagery and fun in it.
The Wind in the willows - Rated
An endless classic.
You dont need to be old fashioned or a child to read this, it captures every imagination possible, a world of nature!
Still One of the Best Children's Books - Rated
I purchased this book to read to my young grandson (4 years old). The book brought back many wonderful memories of my childhood and the magical world the story gives to a young child hearing it for the first time.
Until I started to read to my grandson I had forgotten what a wonderful story it is, far surpassing most of the modern tales for children. It still feels as fresh as the day it was written and is not dated at all.
For some reason, I don't know why children seem to be able to relate to stories about animals rather than about human beings, this is reflected in the number of programmes on children's television about animals.
Whether it be paper back or hard back with illustrations get the children in your family a copy of Wind in the Willows, I guarantee they will love it.
A classic children's book - Rated
The Wind in the Willows is one of my favourites books I read during my childhood. It is based in the beautiful and picterisque countryside, where you will witness nature most wonderful attractions ranging from rivers, humming sounds of the birds, towering trees and the grazing grasses. The story is about four animals you would typically find in the woodlands. These creatures include the Toad (self destructive and obssessed with his wealth), Rat (sporty), Mole (soft and easy) and Badger (arrogant and tough). It is clear the characters exhibit contrasting personalities. The main plot to the story without revealing too much, is about discovering and encountering problems through Toad's craziness.
Any child should really read this novel, as it is kind of an educational narration of how animals live, with a bit of humour and a story to illustrate. The novel is nice and simple to read. It sure rekindles fond memories for me during my childhood. It is real pleasure re-reading this novel.
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