A Wind in the Willows Christmas

by Kenneth Grahame

With the help of his good friend Rat, Mole returns to his old home and shares a wonderful Christmas celebration with former friends, in a heart-warming tale of friendship, generosity, and Christmas homecoming. 25,000 first printing.

Genres: Christmas, Picture Books, Fiction, Childrens, Holiday, Classics, Young Adult

41 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 2000

About the author

Kenneth Grahame was a British writer. He is best remembered for the classic of children's literature The Wind in the Willows (1908). Scottish by birth, he spent most of his childhood with his grandmother in England, following the death of his mother and his father's inability to look after the children. After attending St Edward's School in Oxford, his ambition to attend university was thwarted and he joined the Bank of England, where he had a successful career. Before writing The Wind in the Willows, he published three other books: Pagan Papers (1893), The Golden Age (1895), and Dream Days (1898).

Reviews

[Nostalgia Reader]

One of my favorite stories from Wind in the Willows (probably because it doesn't feature Toad), combined with Hague's dependly gorgeous illustrations of the adorable animals makes this a very cozy read for the winter solstice.

[Beverly · Rating 5 out of 5]

While this is a picture book, it is also very wordy; the text being fairly long. Most of the fifth chapter of The Wind in the Willows is here, with lovely illustrations by Michael Hague.

[Diana · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excerpt from The Wind in the Willows with lovely illustrations.

[Kathryn Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is an excerpt from the Wind in the Willows. It is the chapter when Mole and Ratty go to Mole's house and the mice carolers arrive and they all celebrate Christmas. Very heartwarming.

[Erin O'Riordan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely, cozy, cottagecore to its bones, this book richly illustrates the Rat and Mole's Christmas homecoming chapter of The Wind in the Willows. If you have fond memories of this Kenneth Grahame story, do a favor to a child in your life and give them this lovely book as a holiday gift. If you happen upon it in a used bookstore, snap it up!

[Bonnie Westmark · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book came across my Hygge Nook group page, and the illustrations and words are pure Hygge. These were the thoughts and visuals of my childhood, in stark contrast to the violent graphic images embedded in the minds of today’s youth. I want to move in with rat and mole and live contentedly in a tree. They have everything I need- books, tea, warmth, each other. Yes, please!

[Set · Rating 5 out of 5]

A delightful cozy read of going back home for the holidays and feeling that nostalgia of simpler days. It's a very eloquent read of the rich English language but not over baring in the slightest. It is definitely a Christmas classic. Mole and his friend Rat spend Christmas together in a familiar, warm place rather than in the lonely lap of luxury.

[Denise Kruse · Rating 4 out of 5]

The balanced friendship of Rat and Mole continues in this delightful, very Brit Christmas story. Some vocabulary (paroxym, imperious, etc.) might be beyond the littlest listeners but wonderful illustrations by Michael Hague and a good narration provide explanation enough. Snowy and warm.

[Jessie Briggs · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rat is such a gentleman

[Sarah A · Rating 3 out of 5]

Beautiful illustrations to make a sort of picture book of the chapter of Wind in the Willows about Christmas and Mole's return home.
Whilst the book is greatly written, it has never been one of my favourites. However it was fun to look at the gorgeous illustrations and read an abbreviated (by me) version of the tale to my daughter during this festive season. The wonderful original language was a little too much for her 4 year old tired ears - maybe another day she will get to hear it all properly. I enjoyed this part of the book but remember being too scared and distracted by other parts of the book which I have not read since childhood. Maybe I will readdress that.

[Jeremy · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a gem of a book. As an excerpt, it still works well, and I love the theme of exile and return. Here's one version of the carol of the field mice.

I had been wondering what it would take to get me interested in The Wind in the Willows, and I think this was it. See my review of The Wind in the Willows.

[Tanya · Rating 3 out of 5]

Love the illustrations, especially the cover. Nice story because I enjoyed how the friends took care of each other and then their kindness and generosity spilled over to make a difference to others.

[B · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rattie and Mole are on their way home when they come across Mole's old home and Mole is drawn back in to his old house for sentimental reasons. Beautifully illustrated as they usually are with all the quaint Victorian details however the story is rather light. Only for big Wind in the Willows fans.

[Lori]

Gorgeous illustrations!

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

Could never tire of this classic story. But the wonderful illustrations in this book are beyond description. Just so lovely.