The Wind in the Willows

‘The Wind in the Willows' was a big part of my childhood. In my mind I always thought ‘Frog and the Toad' and ‘The Wind in the Willows' was the same story or series. It is only now as a mother to a kindergartener entering on reading on her with early readers such as the ‘Frog and the Toad' series and read alouds for all the children in such titles as ‘The Wind in the Willows' that I've discovered they are quite different, NOT the same Mr. Toad! Part of my childhood experience and memories of ‘The Wind in the Willows' (which I also always thought was The Wind AND the Willows, wrong again I suppose) was the animated storybook we have recorded off TV on a VHS tape. My children watch that sometimes as well, maybe one day we'll find the good digital version. But what I'm getting at is that to my mind, the characters have a specific look in my imagination due to that influence which resembles more Robert Ingpen or E.H. Shepard illustrations, so this new version illustrated by David Roberts is quite different for me. David Roberts' illustrations are quite contemporary and new to me, but they are fun and vibrant and entertaining for the child's eye. What I love, is his words and proof on the page of no fear to experiment. What a great example and influence for children! David Roberts edition of ‘The Wind in the Willows' is decidedly modern and will open up the classic story to a world of a readers that might not have been interested in the vintage classic story previously before. In our family, as an art experiment we are enjoying spending time comparing how the same story is told from two different artists perspectives. I received this product free for the purpose of reviewing it. I received no other compensation for this review. The opinions expressed in this review are my personal, honest opinions. Your experience may vary. Please read my full disclosure policy for more details. See a short interview I found with David Roberts: http://www.artistpartners.com/spotlight/david_roberts/index.html —Also own the Sterling Illustrated Classic, illustrated by Robert Ingpen. The Wind in the Willows (Hardcover) (isbn 1402782837)[bc:The Wind in the Willows 12550394 The Wind in the Willows Kenneth Grahame https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1328767433s/12550394.jpg 1061285]