The Wind in the Willows (novel)

Before I had a name, I was a feeling—a cozy whisper like the wind rustling through reeds by a river. I was the sound of little paws scurrying and the happy splash of an oar in the water. I am a story about four wonderful animal friends living in cozy homes along the riverbank. My pages are full of sunny days, gentle breezes, and the feeling of home. I am The Wind in the Willows. I hold the giggles of friends sharing a picnic and the quiet peace of floating in a little boat. I am a happy place for your imagination to visit.

A kind daddy named Kenneth Grahame dreamed me up. He was my storyteller. He first told my stories to his little boy, Alastair, at bedtime around the year 1904. Alastair loved hearing about the funny animals. When Alastair was away from home, his daddy would write him letters. The letters were filled with the silly adventures of a character named Mr. Toad. Soon, there were so many stories. On October 8th, 1908, Kenneth gathered all those tales together. He put them between two covers and turned me into a real book for everyone to share. I was made from a daddy's love for his son.

From that day on, children everywhere could meet my friends. There is shy Mole, kind Ratty, wise Badger, and goofy Mr. Toad. My pages are filled with picnics on checkered blankets, gentle boat rides on the river, and friends helping each other, no matter what. For over a hundred years, I have shown people that the best adventure is being a good friend and having a warm home to return to. And even today, you can open my pages and I will whisper my stories to you, too. We can be friends forever.