The Wind in the Willows - Graphic Novel

by Russell Punter, Kenneth Grahame, Xavier Bonet (Illustrator)

When Mole pops his head out of the ground one fine, spring morning, his friend Rat introduces him to the world of the riverbank and its most famous resident, the exuberant Mr. Toad. Mole soon finds himself caught up in Toad’s mischievous exploits, culminating in a battle for Toad Hall itself. A faithful adaptation of Kenneth Graeme’s timeless tale, complete with a map and background information. Xavier Bonet’s charming, detailed illustrations bring the story to life. The picture strip format provides an ideal introduction to the story for young and reluctant readers.

Genres: Graphic Novels, Comics

104 pages, Paperback

Published April 15, 2021

About the author

Russell Punter was born in Bedfordshire, England. From an early age he enjoyed writing and illustrating his own stories. He trained as a graphic designer at art college in West Sussex before entering the world of publishing. He has written over one hundred books for children of all ages, ranging from original stories to adaptations of classic novels.

Reviews

[Mandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very enjoyable revisiting of a childhood fave.
Excellent graphics

[Rebekah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This graphic novel is gorgeous! The artwork is so lush, the colours are so vibrant and inviting, and the characters look awesome.

Strangely, I don't think I've ever read The Wind in the Willows, so I don't really know the story or how faithful this adaptation is. But I really liked seeing four male characters with strong friendship.

One thing that was a bit odd was that we see the three friends launch this intervention for Toad where they lock him up in his room, but we haven't actually seen the things he's done wrong and the trouble he's caused, only heard about them, so it feels really over the top and controlling. So it's hard to see them as good friends. I think we needed to see Toad causing havoc and getting in trouble with the poilce before his friends' strong reaction for the reader to make sense of it. It does make sense when we see what Toad does next, but it might be a bit confusing for kids reading it wondering why his friends have put him under house arrest.
I liked the ending where Toad makes amends and comes through on his promises. Though I don't think he made amends to the couple he stole the car from and crashed their second car.

But overall, a great graphic novel for young readers.

CW:
-Toad crossdresses to escape prison and a male guard tells him he looks particularly charming this evening
-lang - darn it, oh hang

[Dorthe Svendsen · Rating 3 out of 5]

En gammel søt historie om grådighet og vennskap, Tror jeg har fått den med meg på tv i en form tidligere. Men fant ut at jeg måtte lese den etter at den ble namedroppet i Burning Questions av Atwood, det er jo en hel bok med bokanbefalinger, så lista mi er blitt unik lang nå. Tør nesten ikke lese mer i den. Men denne anbefalingen var fin. God moralbok for alle aldere!

[Kas · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a lovely adaption of a classic childrens story, with lovely graphics and well worded

[Adilah Almas · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️