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Audiobooks > Juvenile Fiction >  General Juvenile Fiction > The Wind in the Willows
The Wind in the Willows Audiobook, by Kenneth Grahame Play Audiobook Sample

Download The Wind in the Willows Audiobook

3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5 (3.00) - 62,182 customer ratings
The Wind in the Willows Audiobook, by Kenneth Grahame Play Audiobook Sample
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Author: Kenneth Grahame Narrator: Mary Woods Publisher: Blackstone Publishing Audio Length: Release Date: January 2006 Format: Unabridged Audiobook Delivery: Instant Download ISBN: 9781481546614
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Publisher Description

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 which 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. This tale of four friends and their adventures is a timeless classic that will inspire and delight listeners of all ages.

Download and start listening now!

Quotes

  • “A Household Book...a book which everybody in the household loves, and quotes continually...a book which is read aloud to every new guest and is regarded as the touchstone of his worth.”

    - A. A. Milne

  • “The book is an urbane exercise in irony at the expense of the English character and of mankind. It is entirely successful.”

    - Arnold Bennett

  • “The Wind in the Willows is a wise book.”

    - Vainty Fair

  • “The Wind in the Willows, like A.A. Milne's Winnie-the-Pooh, tunes us into childhood mysteries with pitch-perfect style ” .

    - The Globe and Mail

Customer Reviews

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  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Wish I could give it ten stars... "

    - Cheryl, 2/20/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " I read this abridged and beautifully illustrated version to Cam over the last week or so. It was such a joy to share the characters and the precise, lingering language with him. Eg. "As he hurried along, the Mole saw clearly he was an animal of field and hedgerow, the ploughed furrow, the frequented pasture, the lane of evening lingerings, the cultivated garden-plot. For others the conflict that went with Nature in the rough; he must be wise, must keep to the places in which his lines were laid and which held adventure enough, in their way, to last for a lifetime. " "

    - Leigh, 2/20/2014
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Fantastic book. The parts that were not hilarious bore unfathomable beauty of language. My favorite character was Mr. Toad! "

    - George, 2/19/2014
  • Overall Performance: 1 out of 51 out of 51 out of 51 out of 51 out of 5

    " I find myself aligned with the minority of people who didn't like this book; I wanted to like it but it's not at all my kind of story. The descriptions of the woods/river/fields/weather are incredibly long-winded and unnecessary, the characters don't have many appealing characteristics and are flat caricatures besides, and Grahame's decision to put animal characters like rats and toads alongside humans and to have them interact on equal terms struck me as incredibly bizarre and jarring. So, pretty much everything other people describe as "charming" was just weird and wrong to me. "

    - Kristen, 2/19/2014
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " Fun little story. Would be great to read with kids! "

    - Ljugant, 2/19/2014
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " My childhood's favorite book to which I return every few years. The older I get, the more philosophical I find it. "

    - Tiina, 2/19/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " First time I've ever read this book! "

    - Laura, 2/17/2014
  • Overall Performance: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5

    " Tell me again how this became such a classic? It is SO WORDY!!! Shoot me now. This has felt like the longest story--a story in which nothing really seems to happen. Skip this one. :) "

    - Teri, 2/17/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " This was a VERY well written book! I rate it 4 stars! "

    - Rosalie, 2/16/2014
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " The best book I have ever read. I have read it countless times since I was eight years old. It characterizes life using animals such as the meek mole, adventurous rat, impulsive toad, and the wise badger. My favorite part is the rescue of the baby otter. The presence of God, as described by Grahame, touched me with wonder even as a child. "

    - Caroline, 2/15/2014
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " This was a funny and truthful fable. Nature must surely be preserved. The Wind in the Willows gave me so much nostalgia. "

    - Katie, 2/11/2014
  • Overall Performance: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5

    " Drug addiction, peer pressure, stick to your guns. "

    - Kevvy, 2/11/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " This an adorable book. I never read it as a child but was happy to read it as an adult. Boy are the adults thick in this book! "

    - Christie, 2/10/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " A wonderful romp through my childhood. "

    - John, 2/9/2014
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " This was a funny and truthful fable. Nature must surely be preserved. The Wind in the Willows gave me so much nostalgia. "

    - Katie, 2/5/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " I can't believe this wasn't on my list of favorites! It belongs there. I do have to say that I enjoyed the Mole and Rat sections more than the Toad sections. The Piper at the Gates of Dawn chapter has been a tremendous inspiration to me and my writing. Just a lovely book. "

    - Rich, 2/5/2014
  • Overall Performance: 1 out of 51 out of 51 out of 51 out of 51 out of 5

    " I read parts of this when I was 7. It was pretty boring. "

    - Eva, 2/4/2014
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " One of the "100 books". "

    - Janet, 2/3/2014
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " This is one of my favorite books of all time. "

    - Kathleen, 2/1/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " I like it a lot. It reflects, with a child story, the victorian culture "

    - Miriam, 2/1/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " I read this book as a child and I loved it, perhaps because I'm an animal lover or perhaps just because I like the idea of 'messing about on boats'. It's well-written and has a good pace, and although at times it's a little creepy, I love the joy and frivolity that seem to leap off the pages. Definitely one I'll come back to again. "

    - Amy, 1/27/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " I understand why Wind in the Willows is such a classic. It takes imagination to the extreme with vivid scenes and characters. There are lessons to be learned from Toad and his wild adventures, but the underlying theme of friendship and love between all of the animals is beautiful, with lovable characters like Mole, and Ratty. There are so many theme's to appreciate in Grahme's book, but overall it's just a great children's story that even adults can stil appreciate! "

    - Heather, 1/27/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " I first leaned about this wonderful English children's story when the father in an English family I'm friends with read it out loud to us - his wife, me (I was 25 or 26 at the time), and his two sons (one in his late teens, one 20). We all loved it! I now own it, have read it myself, and still love it. What sweet and enduring charm it has! What gentle humor! It's definitely for anyone who's still a child at heart. "

    - Grace, 1/25/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " I absolutely love this book every time I read it. The author writes with a style that keeps me coming back to read it again. I can visualize every character as I read the book, even without having pictures this time. The copy I just read did not have pictures, but the imagery was so good, I felt like I was right there with them. Fantastic read! "

    - Darcy, 1/23/2014
  • Overall Performance: 1 out of 51 out of 51 out of 51 out of 51 out of 5

    " she said it was too boring, that she couldn't manage to finish. "

    - Wynne, 1/22/2014
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " I think I expected too much from the book. It was just an ok book for me. It is basically about a mole befriending a water rat. While staying with his new friend, mole gets to meet Toad, Beaver, Otter etc. Some parts of the book was real cute and I liked toad,, but some parrts were really boring... "

    - Anu, 1/21/2014
  • Overall Performance: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5

    " While I appreciate the book as a classic, it just isn't my style. I tend to not enjoy excessive description and for whatever reason, the old school British novels are never my favorite. "

    - Dawn, 1/21/2014
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " This is a grown-up book disguised as a children's book, because a book about real men messing about in boats and getting in trouble on road trips would make us grown-ups realize our fantasies about the good life are just fantasies of irresponsibility and selfishness. But when you make it about a mole and a rat and a toad and a badger, and add in some of the best romantic/pastoral writing ever put to a page, you end up with a classic. There's a great abridged version perfect for children that should, in fact, be read to them near the beginning of every summer break so they have a sense of what they're supposed to be doing with all that free time. It is abridged by Inga Moore, who removes the waxing on (that any thoughtful adult would cherish but that is really too much for children) and makes the story just about the adventure. Her illustrations so perfectly capture the romance of the excluded language that you end up with the essence of the book intact. "

    - Doug, 1/21/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " What a joy to read. I was glad to cozy up to the hearth with Mole and Rat, and caught myself laughing out loud over and over again to the misadventures of Toad. E.H. Shepard's illustrations bring even more life to it -- I can't imagine reading an edition with any other illustrator. "

    - Chris, 1/19/2014
  • Overall Performance: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5

    " This book said some bad words in it so I stopped at page 100. "

    - Allison, 1/16/2014
  • Overall Performance: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5

    " I remember seeing the movie as a kid so I read the book and found it very weird. "

    - Beth, 1/15/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Love love love this book! "

    - Lisa, 1/15/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Super cute and totally reminds me of my Gran. Glad I read it again after so many years. "

    - Xandretta, 1/15/2014
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " I believe this is a must read for any Anglo-Saxon. A reverberating story of quaint country life written in captivating prose telling a grand, yet simple, story. I loved it! "

    - Jon, 1/12/2014
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " it's a very light book but it concerns on the attitude of adults. "

    - Angel, 1/9/2014
  • Overall Performance: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5

    " Two stars for being unable to finish. "

    - Jaimie, 1/8/2014
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " One of my favorite books of all time!! "

    - Samantha, 1/4/2014
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " I grew up with this book and love the character's and story. Why can we not all be adventures like toad? "

    - Tracey, 12/28/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " This is a must-read, enjoy the characters and their life philosophies. You will lose yourself in it. "

    - Hester, 12/24/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Fun stories. The language can be a little hard sometimes for younger listeners. Shoot for 4th grade or higher perhaps. "

    - Scott, 12/24/2013
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " I'm so glad to finally check this book off the list. It is one of those books that I feel I "should" read, but don't really like. The only thing that made it bearable was listening to Jim Weiss's audio version of it. "

    - Elaine, 12/22/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " It's not possible to write a more enjoyable book. Best of the best, and a great edition too, by the way. Poetic, philosophical, human and warm. And of course quite funny in the most famous chapters. "

    - Eric, 12/22/2013
  • Overall Performance: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5

    " Creative and descriptive, but, much like a lazy summer day, the plot lacked momentum. Also not a personal fan of human-sized animals interacting normally with humans. Glad to read a classic, but I won't be revisiting. "

    - Alex, 12/21/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " This is a classic for a reason. Full of wonder and characters you will remember forever. "

    - Barb, 12/21/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Currently reading the 1969 printing with introduction by Mary Ellermann. The 1908 English is entertaining and sometimes a little awkward to read but there are some passages that are downright brilliant. Didn't think that I would enjoy it. Currently on page 106 of 218. This is a keeper. "

    - John, 12/11/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " What's not to love about Ratty, Moley, Badger and Toad.First read in 1983, aged 15 or 16. It captured my heart then & the romance hadn't faded on a re-read over 20 years later. "

    - Cate, 12/5/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " My favorite book as a kid. "

    - Cristi, 12/2/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Read this in one sitting. As good as ever. Read it in one sitting. "

    - Ruby, 11/27/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Another great book to read to your kids. You just have to love Mr. Toad. "Poop poop!" This book will really make you smile. It's great fun and beautifully written. "

    - Marcus, 11/26/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Marvelous, extraordinary. Escape to another world and in the end wishing you could stay. Embellished characters fanciful personalities, and enough adventure to keep you very busy. I will have an old copy of this book in my library forever! "

    - Susan, 11/26/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " I started reading this to my son, but he wasn't interested yet. I became attached to dear Mole and Ratty, so I continued on my own. I haven't read it since grade school. I enjoyed it all over again! "

    - Robin, 11/24/2013
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " Fun story with a British writing-style that is difficult for children to follow. "

    - Alisha, 11/23/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Good to finally have read this one. I enjoyed it more than I had thought I would. "

    - Jemima, 11/21/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " I LOVED this book. I read it during a difficult adult year and it reminded me of what's truly important, in a very gentle and sweet way. "

    - Jessica, 11/14/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " i am wondering if this is where Pink Floyd got the name for their great song - The Piper at the Gates of Dawn. "

    - Pat, 11/13/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " My first fantasy novel - young mind - loved it... "

    - Librarylynne, 11/10/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " As great as I remember it from when I was a kid. Excellent for 10 year old boys - my son loved it. "

    - Davea, 11/6/2013
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " I had a bit of trouble with this one. It's as if each chapter were written by a different person at a different time. While I really enjoyed the first few chapters, the book as a whole somehow didn't feel cohesive. "

    - Patrik, 11/6/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " I've heard or read parts of this story over the years and decided to work through the whole thing. This was a fun diversion and a great lesson in using words to create mental images. "

    - Mark, 10/22/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Grahame wrote a very lively story about the adventures of Mole, Rat, Toad and Badger. For a children's book, it has a lot of exciting elements: deceit, action/fight scenes, etc. I simply love children's books. "

    - Maan, 9/20/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " This is the charming children's classic, which I hadn't read. if you haven't, give yourself a treat. You'll love the adventures of Badger, Mole, Water Rat, and particularly the expansive Mr. Toad of Toad Hall. We all have a bit of Toad in us! "

    - Katie, 9/12/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " I read this book to my children. Classic. "

    - Linda, 9/9/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Possibly the best book in the world. The Chapter V DULCE DOMUM - may be my favourite piece of writing ever! "

    - Robyn, 8/9/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " i am wondering if this is where Pink Floyd got the name for their great song - The Piper at the Gates of Dawn. "

    - Pat, 7/29/2013
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " this was a entertaing book "

    - Kimi, 7/23/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " My mom read this to me long ago at bedtime.....good memories... "

    - Joan, 6/22/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Possibly the best book in the world. The Chapter V DULCE DOMUM - may be my favourite piece of writing ever! "

    - Robyn, 6/21/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " If it has been a while since you have read this timeless classic, maybe an end of summer read would be the right time. "

    - Barry, 6/19/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Just figured out that this is the book on which "Mr. Toad's Wild Ride" is based. "

    - Bryn, 6/11/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " The first book I remember my parents read me. "

    - Albertine, 6/10/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " I loved this book alot. My favorite character was definitely Mr. Badger. Man! I wish I could draw animals in clothes like Mr. Badger! "

    - Chloe, 5/23/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Seriously, a "must read" - beautifully written with vivid imagery. A delight. "

    - Patti, 5/20/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " I read this book to my children. Classic. "

    - Linda, 5/9/2013
  • Overall Performance: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5

    " I received this as a gift in Grade 3, which may be why I found the English used boring and gave it up. "

    - Carolyn, 4/21/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Read with my father... I remember this book... It brings back memories... "

    - Jimmmyman10, 4/7/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " I had to order my Alan Bennett adaptation from England. And it was worth it. The stage instructions/asides alone are hilarious. "

    - William, 3/23/2013
  • Overall Performance: 1 out of 51 out of 51 out of 51 out of 51 out of 5

    " I HATED THIS BOOK AND IT WAS TORTURE TO READ!HOW IT MADE 100 GREATEST CHILDREN'S BOOKS IS BEYOND ME! "

    - Jaimie, 3/14/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " I can't wait to read this to my kids and grandkids! "

    - Callie-shea, 2/24/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " I loved reading this book to my children, and I can't believe I haven't read it until now. We were captivated by the gorgeous illustrations from Inga Moore and my children have started calling each other "good fellow." This is truly a timeless book. "

    - Ami, 1/27/2013
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " A book I had to read at school, one that I actually enjoyed as a child and in later years my own children enjoyed watching the TV series. "

    - Jenni, 12/15/2012
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " I had a bit of trouble with this one. It's as if each chapter were written by a different person at a different time. While I really enjoyed the first few chapters, the book as a whole somehow didn't feel cohesive. "

    - Patrik, 12/14/2012
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " I gotta give credit for what the book is it's all right. Talking animals reminded me of animal farm and also it kind of gave a good lesson to those who boast themselves a bit too much. "

    - Vanessa, 12/4/2012
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " I LOVED this book. I read it during a difficult adult year and it reminded me of what's truly important, in a very gentle and sweet way. "

    - Jessica, 11/23/2012
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " A very wonderful, sweet book! "

    - Joel, 11/15/2012
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " I grew up with this book and love the character's and story. Why can we not all be adventures like toad? "

    - Tracey, 10/31/2012
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " Charming throughout. Enchanting even, at times. Sadly, the anthropomorphism is clumsy and out of place. Simply covering something with fur does not make it for children. "

    - Greg, 10/20/2012
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Read this in one sitting. As good as ever. Read it in one sitting. "

    - Ruby, 10/19/2012
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " I greatly enjoyed the common theme of friendship throughout the book, as well as Kenneth Graham's descriptive and, at times, mystical prose. "

    - Benjamin, 10/11/2012
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " A classic children's book. This story will live for ever in a child's mind a delightful tale. "

    - Lili, 10/11/2012
  • Overall Performance: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5

    " Strange book. The characters are in a strange limbo between human and animal, which can work but in this case just seemed odd for some reason. Has some slow but beautiful descriptions. Just an odd collection of occurrences really. Not extremely impressed overall. "

    - Kerri, 10/5/2012
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Holds up after nearly 50 years for me. "

    - Julia, 9/22/2012
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " while a smart story, it's a bit meandering without a real point. "

    - Starr, 9/19/2012
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Charming in a bucolic sort of way... "

    - Brady, 8/23/2012
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Love love love this book! "

    - Lisa, 8/3/2012
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " What's not to love about Ratty, Moley, Badger and Toad.First read in 1983, aged 15 or 16. It captured my heart then & the romance hadn't faded on a re-read over 20 years later. "

    - Cate, 6/25/2012
  • Overall Performance: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5

    " i wasn't very interested in adventures of mole, the water rat and toad. "

    - Mandyfujita, 6/15/2012
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " What a joy to read. I was glad to cozy up to the hearth with Mole and Rat, and caught myself laughing out loud over and over again to the misadventures of Toad. E.H. Shepard's illustrations bring even more life to it -- I can't imagine reading an edition with any other illustrator. "

    - Chris, 4/23/2012
  • Overall Performance: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5

    " If the entire book were about Mr. Toad it might get 3 or even 4 stars. I simply didn't enjoy most of the rest. I tried--I really did. But in the end it was just ok. "

    - Dudley, 4/21/2012
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " It was long ago...but a must-read for children, or anyone open enough to see the theme behind a sweet little tale about anthropomorphic animals. "

    - Donna, 4/5/2012
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " I recently re-read this book and found it as delightful as when I was a child. The characters are heart-warming, and the story is engrossing. It is a fun story to read whatever your age. "

    - Tricia, 2/24/2012
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " I've heard or read parts of this story over the years and decided to work through the whole thing. This was a fun diversion and a great lesson in using words to create mental images. "

    - Mark, 1/17/2012
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " Cute story although I must admit I am not sure why it has received such rave reviews as a must read classic. "

    - Jodie, 1/9/2012
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " This book is over 100 years old now, & still as enjoyable for children now as it was when it was published in 1908. You can learn lessons from Badger, Toad, & crew, because Grahame takes the time to show you how smart the animals really are. "

    - Lisa, 11/9/2011
  • Overall Performance: 1 out of 51 out of 51 out of 51 out of 51 out of 5

    " she said it was too boring, that she couldn't manage to finish. "

    - Wynne, 10/27/2011
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " This is an enjoyable children's book. The stories of adventure are less exciting by today's standards but nice stories about animal friends. "

    - Talena, 10/18/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " I can't resist any of the Penguin Threads collection, and this was no exception. I'd never read the book before, but remember being equally terrified and enthralled by the Disney cartoon as a kid, so thought I'd give it a chance. It's a charming little book, great for elementary kids. "

    - Diane, 8/12/2011
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " This was a very cute and very fun little read. I like the style and the stories of friendship. "

    - Aimee, 7/5/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " A delightful tale of camaraderie between 4 friends that meanders long through different adventures. "

    - Betsy, 6/29/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " One of my favorite childhood books "

    - Lois, 6/19/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " My all time favourite book. From the first time I heard the story when my mum read it to me a chapter a night, to now some 40 years later when I read it every year. It will always hold a special place in my heart. Oh and I know we all associate with one of the characters, well I'm mole! "

    - Jill, 5/20/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " I can't wait to read this to my kids and grandkids! "

    - Callie-shea, 5/11/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Loved this one as a child. "

    - Wendy, 5/8/2011
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " I listened to an audio version of this, and found it somewhat entertaining. The best chapters are those with the toad. Fine book for children (advanced reading level), lots of lessons that can be learned, though they use "ass" about 12 times. "

    - Emily, 5/4/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " A classic. Every bit as good when reading it in my adult life as it was in my youth. "

    - Leopold, 5/4/2011
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " water rat mole toad and all fun childrens story "

    - Mike, 5/3/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Where have I been all my life? I had never read this book and didn't know what I was missing! The whimsical descriptions, the characters, and the charming pastoral setting make it a delightful escape. I can only wish I had read it as a kid; guess reading it now is the next best thing! "

    - Angela, 4/30/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Mine is a leather bound issue, part of a collection Dalmatian Press released in 2004. "

    - Amber, 4/26/2011
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " Fantastische Welt. Tolle Charaktere und vieles zu entdecken in dieser Geschichte. Lässt sich schwer beschreiben, sollte man erlebt haben. Für jedes Alter geeignet. "

    - Janosch, 4/26/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Such a cute story... could read it over and over again. and it would be a quick read if I didn't read it on my phone. "

    - Erin, 4/17/2011
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " I never read this as a kid, but I kind of wish I had. I loved books about animals that were pretty much people (Redwall, anyone?) and this was really good. The characters were funny and the book made me laugh pretty much throughout. "

    - Amber, 4/14/2011

About the Author

Kenneth Grahame (1859–1932), Scottish-born author, was raised by his grandmother in Berkshire, England, along the banks of the Thames River. He began working at the Bank of England in 1879. As a pastime, he wrote light nonfiction and articles for newspapers. The Wind in the Willows, originally written as letters to his son, established him as a writer of children’s books and had a deep influence on fantasy literature.

About the Narrator

Mary Woods began her career in Washington, DC, where she performed at Ford’s Theater, the Folger Theater, Round House, and Washington Stage Guild. She spent several seasons at New Playwrights’ Theater developing new American plays. She is a veteran narrator of Talking Books for the Library of Congress, and received the Alexander Scourby Narrator of the Year Award for fiction in 1996. Formerly a radio news director, she now hosts a daily local affairs interview program on Catholic Radio, for the Archdiocese of Santa Fe. She lives in Albuquerque, where she continues to act on stage and in film. She received her BA at the Catholic University of America in Fine Arts and Drama.