The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame

At the beginning of the book, Mole is busy spring cleaning is home when he suddenly decides he is simply sick of the job and that he wants to see what the big world outside his home is really like. He discovers the world is a busy, crazy place and it takes a while for him to adapt. While he is wandering along the river, he meets his first friend, Ratty.

Ratty is fun-loving and has a relaxed attitude about life. He tells Mole he will show him the world and proudly shows Mole how much fun life along the river can be. Ratty does not like new things, though, so he and Mole learn some things together.

Mr. Toad is the next friend they meet. He lives in Toad Hall and is smart and kind, but he is also spoiled and believes he is the most important person in the world. He likes doing new things and gets obsessed over motor cars and houseboats. His wild ways get him into trouble several times.

The final friend in the group is Badger. He lives alone and he likes it that way. Badger does not want anyone to bother him and has little use for company. Mr. Toad’s father was Badger’s best friend and he is disappointed in how Mr. Toad is living his life.

The Wind in the Willows is full of fun and adventures for the best friends. It has serious themes at times, such as Mr. Toad and his prison time, but mostly it is a timeless story of friends who will do anything for each other. Children of all ages are enchanted by the thought of talking animals that have very human-like adventures together. This is definitely a cannot-go-wrong title for all ages!