The River Bank: And Other Stories from the Wind in the Willows

It's been a long time since I first read "Wind in the Willows," but rereading this version with my three-year-old has been a wonderful, rewarding experience. I'm not sure how much editing Inga Moore has done, but she has certainly retained the essence of the story while making it more easily accessible to the young reader (or, in our case, listener). And her illustrations are delightful; the images of Ratty, Mole, Otter, Mr. Toad and Badger with which my daughter will grow up are virtually perfect. Moreover, by dividing the story into two slimmer volumes she has made it easier for a parent to read it to a child. I can't say enough about this wonderful edition of "Wind in the Willows," but I encourage parents -- or grandparents or aunts or uncles or friends -- to buy it for the next generation of readers.

Kenneth Grahame's stories of the friendship of Mole and Rat are fascinating portraits of human character traits. When reading these stories to my children, I would ask them which character they most identified with, or of whom did each story character remind them. For instance, Mole is a gentle, kind, sentimental and curious soul, though a little self-conscious. When he ventures away from his home one day, he happens upon the river bank where he observes all of the happenings until he meets a river rat or Ratty as he calls him when they become friends. Ratty is very organized, punctual and accomplished at many practical tasks. He's conservative and predictable. Ratty and Moley become great friends, and Moley decides to stay on with Ratty by the river bank indefinitely, instead of going back home. The book contains several stories from the beginning of Ratty and Moley's friendship, until Moley misses his home and decides to try and find it again with the help of his friend. Along the way we meet Otter, Badger and the infamous Mr. Toad. I highly recommend this particular book because of the absolutely wonderful illustrations. The drawings of the inside of the dwellings are especially detailed, warm and inviting. Looking at them gave me a yearning to be there and stay for a long visit.