The Wind in the Willows

Description

A picture book edition of a much-loved classic, with illustrations by award-winning artist, Robert Ingpen. This timeless tale has never been out of print and is one of the best-loved children's titles in English literature. Kenneth Grahame's wonderful imagination and quiet humour continue to charm children and adults alike, and Robert Ingpen's stunning illustrations bring to life the adventures of Toad, Mole, Ratty and Badger. When the Mole leaves his spring-cleaning and heads up into the open air, he embarks on a series of exhilarating adventures with his new friends: the laid-back Ratty, the gruff yet kindly Badger and the self-satisfied, irrepressible Mr. Toad. The impulsive Toad leads the friends from one escapade to the next - from upturned gypsy caravans to stolen motorcars, a daring prison escape and, finally, to a heroic confrontation with the sinister inhabitants of the Wild Wood. Now retold in picture book form by Karen Saunders - with stunning artwork by Robert Ingpen.

Karen Saunders has an MA in Creative Writing from Bath Spa University and has worked for Parragon and Barefoot Books. Her first picture book,Baby Badger's Wonderful Night, was published by Gullane. She has also worked as a primary school teacher. Karen lives in Bath with her husband and young son. Follow Karen at www.karensaunders.co.uk or on Twitter: @writingkarenRobert Ingpen was born in 1936 in Geelong, Australia, and still lives and works nearby in Barwon Heads. In 1986 he was awarded the Hans Christian Andersen Medal for his contribution to children's literature and he has been honoured with Membership of the Order of Australia.Kenneth Grahame was born in Edinburgh in 1859, but, following the death of his mother when he was only five years old, was brought up by his grandmother in Berkshire. Grahame began writing as a means of escaping the drudgery of his job at the bank, and he soon began to have pieces published in journals.The Wind in the Willows began as a bedtime story for Grahame's son Alistair, nicknamed 'Mouse', and was further embellished by Grahame in letters to his son. The book was published in 1908 and eventually became a huge bestseller.