The Wind in the Willows Treasury: From the Original Stories by Kenneth Grahame
The Wind in the Willows continuation Series
on Goodreads (231,332)
What’s inside...
The tales of Ratty, Mole, Badger and Toad. When Mole goes boating with the Water Rat instead of spring-cleaning, he discovers a new world. As well as the river and the Wild Wood, there is Toad's craze for fast travel which leads him and his friends on a whirl of trains, barges, gipsy caravans and motor cars and even into battle.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-12
Length
37 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think makes the friendship between Toad, Mole, Rat, and Badger so special?
How do the characters in the story show bravery or kindness?
What would you do if you were in Toad's situation?
Which part of the story was your favorite and why?
If you could live in the world of 'The Wind in the Willows,' what would you like to do there?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to relate the characters’ adventures to their own experiences, fostering deeper personal connections.
Discuss the moral lessons behind the characters' choices to help your child understand ethical decision-making.
Use different voices for each character to make the reading more vivid and engaging for your child.
Ask your child to draw a scene from the book, which can spark conversation about the story’s themes and settings.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The value of friendship
Explanation: The characters in 'The Wind in the Willows' demonstrate deep bonds of friendship, especially in times of trouble, showing how friends support and uplift each other.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to build lasting relationships by supporting their friends during difficult times and celebrating successes together.
Example Lesson: The importance of adventure and curiosity
Explanation: The character of Toad exemplifies a zest for life and curiosity which often leads him into adventures, teaching readers about the joys of exploring new things.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to be open to new experiences and explore the world around them, fostering a sense of adventure and learning.
Example Lesson: Consequences of actions
Explanation: Through Toad’s reckless behaviors and the resulting consequences, children learn that actions have outcomes that can affect themselves and others.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand the importance of thinking before acting and considering the potential effects of their choices.
Example Lesson: Respecting differences
Explanation: The diverse characters, from the humble Mole to the aristocratic Badger, all coexist harmoniously despite their differences, showcasing the importance of accepting and respecting others.
Real-World Application: Children are taught to appreciate and embrace individual differences, promoting inclusivity and respect in their interactions.
Example Lesson: Responsibility and redemption
Explanation: Toad's journey from irresponsibility to a more mature realization of his duties highlights the themes of personal growth and redemption.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to take responsibility for their actions and understand that it's never too late to make amends and improve themselves.