The Wind in the Willows(A Classic illustrated)
What’s inside...
This boxed set includes a drawer for special keepsakes and presents 'The Wind in the Willows' as 20 individual titles, each with its own jacket. It follows Grahame's original storytelling pattern to his son. Accompanying this is the Classic Starts series, which offers abridged versions of classic tales rewritten for younger audiences. The stories of Mole, Water Rat, Badger, and Toad have been delighting readers since 1903 as they embark on various adventures through different seasons.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-9
Length
800 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think motivates Mole to leave his home and explore the world?
How do the different characters in the story show friendship? Can you give an example?
If you could spend a day with one of the characters, who would it be and what would you do?
What lessons do you think Mr. Toad learns by the end of the book?
How do the seasons changing affect the adventures in the story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Utilize expressive read-aloud techniques to bring characters and scenarios to life, enhancing your child’s immersion in the story.
Pause at climactic or significant moments to discuss your child’s thoughts and feelings about the events and characters.
Compare the choices made by characters in the book to personal experiences or hypothetical scenarios to foster deeper understanding and empathy.
Encourage your child to imagine alternative endings or adventures for the characters to stimulate creative thinking and storytelling skills.
Discuss the illustrations and ask how they complement or add depth to the story, encouraging visual as well as textual engagement.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of friendship and loyalty
Explanation: Throughout 'The Wind in the Willows,' the characters demonstrate unwavering support for each other, especially when Toad faces troubles. Their adventures and misadventures highlight the strength of their bond.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to value and nurture friendships, understanding the importance of supporting their friends through thick and thin, similar to how Mole, Ratty, and Badger support Toad.
Example Lesson: Consequences of reckless behavior
Explanation: Toad's impulsive and reckless behavior, such as his obsession with motorcars, leads to a series of troubles including imprisonment. This serves as a narrative on the repercussions of poor decision-making.
Real-World Application: This can teach children to think through their decisions and consider the potential consequences of their actions before acting impulsively.
Example Lesson: Respecting differences
Explanation: The characters in the book, though different in nature and lifestyle, learn to understand and respect each other’s differences. This is seen in how the water-loving Ratty learns to appreciate Mole's underground home.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the value of accepting and celebrating differences among people, encouraging inclusivity and empathy in their daily interactions.
Example Lesson: The beauty of nature
Explanation: Kenneth Grahame's rich descriptions of the settings, from the tranquil river to the Wild Wood, serve to instill an appreciation of the natural world.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to explore and appreciate their natural surroundings, fostering a connection with nature and an understanding of its importance.
Example Lesson: Learning from mistakes
Explanation: After facing consequences for his actions, Toad demonstrates significant personal growth by acknowledging his faults and striving to make amends.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children see the importance of owning up to mistakes, learning from them, and trying to rectify any harms caused by their actions.