The River Bank and Other Stories from The Wind in the Willows
The Wind in the Willows continuation Series
on Goodreads (155)
What’s inside...
This edition of Kenneth Grahame's enchanting tale is illustrated and abridged by Inga Moore. In every picture her long-harboured ambition to illustrate this classic, and her wish to express her own deep love for the English countryside is visible. It depicts the adventures of the amiable Mole and Water Rat, their eventful day on the river, their disaster on the open road with the wayward Toad and his caravan, their plight in the Wild Wood, their encounter with the genial badger, and lastly, their journey home through the winter's snow.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-12
Length
93 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Mr. Toad
Rat
Mole
Mr. Badger
Discussion points
What do you think makes Mole and Rat such good friends?
If you could join Mole on one of his adventures, which one would it be and why?
How do the characters in the story help each other out?
What do you think the river symbolizes in the story?
How would you feel if you were Toad during his wild escapades?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine themselves in the story and think about what decisions they would make if they were one of the characters.
Ask your child to describe their favorite part of the book and elaborate on why it stood out to them.
Discuss the moral lessons the story may impart, such as the importance of friendship and the consequences of actions.
Use the vivid descriptions in the book to help your child visualize the setting and characters, enhancing their connection to the story.
Encourage empathy by discussing how the various characters might be feeling at different points in the story.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of friendship
Explanation: The characters in 'The River Bank' demonstrate strong bonds of friendship as they help and support each other through various adventures.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to value their friends and understand the importance of helping and supporting others in their daily interactions at school or in the playground.
Example Lesson: Respecting differences
Explanation: Throughout 'The Wind in the Willows,' characters like Mole and Toad have distinctly different personalities and preferences, yet they learn to appreciate and embrace each other’s differences.
Real-World Application: This story can help children recognize and appreciate the diverse traits and talents in each individual they meet, fostering inclusivity and tolerance.
Example Lesson: Consequences of actions
Explanation: Toad's reckless behavior often leads him into trouble, illustrating how actions directly affect oneself and others.
Real-World Application: Children can understand the importance of thinking before acting and learn that their actions have consequences that can impact not just themselves but also those around them.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving skills
Explanation: The characters frequently face challenges that they must work together to overcome, using wit and resourcefulness.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to use critical thinking and creativity to solve problems, whether it's a disagreement with a friend or a difficult task at school.
Example Lesson: Perseverance and resilience
Explanation: Despite encountering various obstacles, the characters persist and adapt, demonstrating resilience.
Real-World Application: Teaching children the value of perseverance in overcoming difficulties in their own lives, be it in learning a new skill or dealing with day-to-day challenges.