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The Wind in the Willows

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About this listen

 "...there is nothing - absolutely nothing - half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats." So says Rat, as he welcomes the lonely Mole to the community of the River. Whether messing about in boats, touring in Toad's motorcar, or simply relaxing at home, Mole, Rat, Otter, Toad, and Badger demonstrate the honorable human characteristics of kindness, patience, and tolerance toward all that have made this classic tale beloved by generations since it was first published in 1908. Narrator Terry Jones of Monty Python fame produced a version of The Wind in the Willows for British television in 1995.Public Domain (P)1996 Phoenix Books Animals Animals & Nature Classics Literature & Fiction
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I read this book because I had to read Counselling for Toads as recommended reading for a course. That was a charming and gentle intro to counselling, techniques and what might be expected when you attend therapy. Ratty and Mole thought Toad was rather down, so contacted someone they had seen advertised in their local paper.

I loved that book, but realised I knew nothing about the original. I did not enjoy Wind in the Willows half as much. Perhaps this is a book you have to read when you're a child?!

There were some beautiful descriptions of countryside, and an excellent surmise as to what the swallows must feel when they start collecting ready for flying south for the winter.

The story was just a bit questionable. Toad escapes from prison, goes straight home to live happily ever after at Toad Hall, and no one from the authorities goes to find him? Also his friends are happy to have him home and collude with him? What does this say to your children about facing up to mistakes?!

Anyway, I'm sure those who fell in love with the book when they were kids will enjoy the narration, although I could have done with a little more variation between character voices to know who was speaking.

Suspend belief

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This was an excellent reading of one of my favourite children?s story of all times. The toad was as full of life and energy as always, the characters and surroundings of the riverbank really came alive. It is lovely to have all of the book rather than just the bits used in the dramatisations. I would strongly recommend this version to both those who know and love the book and those who have never come across it.

The Wind in the Willows (Unabridged)

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I've been looking for an unabridged version of the Wind in the Willows since listening to an Alan Bennett version on cassette when I was younger. After hunting around for ages I was delighted to discover this Terry Jones version. I love him as an actor and knew he would give life to the characters in his reading and I wasn't disappointed. His characters voices are all unique so you can tell who is speaking at the time and wonderfully paced although the narration its self maybe a little fast to start with but you get used t o it pretty quickly. Children and adults alike will definitely enjoy this animated reading of this classic book.

Brilliant!

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