The Wind in the Willows (Classics Made Easy): Unabridged, with Comprehensive Glossary, Biographical Article, and Historical Context
Mini Classics Series
What’s inside...
Each mini book in this series contains one of the biggest and best-loved stories in children's literature, reimagined with more than 20 beautiful full-color plate illustrations by a talented artist. Celebrate an unforgettable classic, with this special 100th Anniversary Edition.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
9-18
Length
320 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Mr. Toad
Rat
Mole
Badger
Discussion points
How do the different characters in the story show friendship and support to each other? Can you think of examples?
What role does the setting of the riverbank play in the story? How would the story change if it were set somewhere else?
Why do you think Mr. Toad is fascinated with motorcars? What does this tell us about his personality?
How do the characters in the story deal with challenges or obstacles they face? What can we learn from them?
What parts of the story made you feel excited, worried, or happy? Why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and emotions about the story by relating to their own experiences.
Use the comprehensive glossary in the book to discuss any unfamiliar words and deepen their understanding of the text.
Explore the historical context provided to enrich the discussion about how the author's time might have influenced the story.
Highlight the moral lessons in the story and connect them to real-life situations your child might encounter.
Discuss the biographical article to provide your child with insights into Kenneth Grahame's life and how it might have shaped his storytelling.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of friendship
Explanation: The characters in 'The Wind in the Willows' show deep bonds of friendship, especially when they support and rescue Toad from his troubles.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to value and nurture friendships, understanding that true friends stand by each other during tough times.
Example Lesson: The consequences of reckless behavior
Explanation: Toad's impulsive tendencies lead to a series of troubles, demonstrating how reckless behavior can have negative outcomes.
Real-World Application: This can teach children to think about the consequences of their actions and encourage them to make more considered decisions.
Example Lesson: Respecting differences
Explanation: Despite their different characteristics and sometimes conflicting personalities, the characters appreciate each other's unique traits and live harmoniously.
Real-World Application: Children learn to embrace diversity and respect people who may have different viewpoints or lifestyles.
Example Lesson: The value of adventure and curiosity
Explanation: Mole and Rat experience a series of adventures that enrich their lives, showing the benefits of curiosity and exploring the unknown.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to be curious about the world around them and to embrace new experiences as opportunities for growth.
Example Lesson: Learning from mistakes
Explanation: Toad's journey is filled with mishaps from which he learns important life lessons about humility and responsibility.
Real-World Application: This highlights for children the importance of admitting mistakes and learning from them to avoid repeating the same errors.