The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame
Summary - The Wind in the Willows is a classic tale of friendship and adventure told from the perspective of four animal friends: Mole, Ratty, Toad, and Badger (Mole and Ratty are the primary protagonists). Following the lives of these animals through their time on the River Bank, in the Wild Wood, and on miscellaneous adventures in Town and Toad Hall, the Wind in the Willows shows the power of friendship, the importance of understanding, and the wonder of nature.
Impressions - The Wind in the Willows is a quiet book, reflecting the time and culture in which it was created. The characters are richly drawn and express a range of personality traits, making them some of the most 'human' animals in fiction. The characters and the adventures they undergo are quite sophisticated for children's literature, and there is a feeling that Grahame expects more from his readers than perhaps most modern children's authors do. What makes the book accessible to children though is the power of the messages behind the adventures: love of friendship, home, nature, and simplicity. By following Toad and his growth from mad driver to content homebody, children are offered an opportunity to reflect on the choices we all make in life and the repercussions they may have (although things end up well for Toad in the end, it is only through the kindness and assistance of his friends that he is able to go back home). Mole and Ratty offer differing views of what makes a home a home, but in the end show that friendship is what makes life truly worthwhile, and in short vignettes showing kindness to strangers (the Christmas field mice visit) and the power of nature (Pan assisting Mole and Ratty in finding Portly, Otter's son), Grahame pushes the bounds of children's literature into philosophy and offers young readers a glimpse of the complications they will encounter later in life in a safe and entertaining environment.
Reviews - In "Beyond the Wild Woods"(1), Alan Jacobs explores his discovery of The Wind in the Willows as an adult as the re-discovery of a piece of childhood. Although his review is actually intended to compare two new editions of Grahame's work, it gives a wonderful insight into the power that the story can wield over an audience - no matter what their age. In his review, Jacobs prefers the new edition of the book which allows the story to stand on its own - as powerful text - over the version which packs in more "kid-friendly" aspects such as illustrations, etc. and this further clarifies the importance that Grahame's characters can wield. He also mentions how his reading of the book, as individual chapters over the course of a few nights, allows a reader to enjoy each adventure on its own, without giving in to ennui by packing them in al together, what I feel is a key point for any adult trying to enjoy the story with the children in their lives.
Use - The Wind in the Willows has a pace that many children may find off-putting at first. It would be best to read/assign individual chapters, or sets of chapters, to late-elementary aged students over a series of days rather than attempting to have the entire book read at once. The animal characters make it seem appealing to younger audiences, however the language is dense enough to bore or confuse younger children, so it is best utilized at older ages. However, the primary themes and innocence of the majority of the adventures Mole and Friends go through aren't sophisticated enough to keep the attention of Young Adults, so it is best grouped in the children's literature section.
(1) Jacobs, A. (2009). Beyond the wild wood. First Things: A Monthly Journal of Religion and Modern Life, Oct (196), 32-36.
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