Manuscript Monday: The Wind in the Willows

On this week's Manuscript Monday Meredith recommends "The Wind in the Willows" by Kenneth Grahame.

I recently acquired this classic children’s book as my latest sauna book. (That’s exactly what it sounds like – a book I read in the sauna to pass the time). First published in 1908, it tells the story of four friends: Clever Rat, Mole, Badger, and Toad. They’re anthropomorphised and simultaneously preserve their animal natures. Honestly, it was a little weird when human characters appeared. But that’s not really what this book is about. It’s about nature in a way, but mostly it’s about friendship. These animals are there for each other through hardship, stand up for each other’s best interests, and sportingly go along with each other’s plans even when they don’t hold equal enthusiasm. It’s heart-warming the lengths they go for one another. Any yet, these moments are delivered in a matter-of-fact way, as a story rather than moral guidance. I find myself smiling while reading it, and plan on reading it with my kids.