With my mind still lingering on toads after finishing the piece on Orwell’s essay several weeks ago, I was delighted to discover a fascinating post by Nancy Adams, a fellow wordpress blogger over at Saints and Trees, exploring The Wind in the Willows, Kenneth Grahame’s classic children’s tale. A brief excerpt:
“Toad in many ways is given more human attributes than the others, a fact that sets him apart—and seldom in a good way. In fact, I now wonder if Grahame’s rather satiric portrayal of Toad is meant as a comment on human foibles, particularly our fascination with technology, which we see all too often as a toy for our own gratification rather than a tool to benefit society at large…” The Wind in the Willows as Eco Story
I have not read the book, but have put it on my to-read pile. My personal experience with the story and its characters came chiefly from the BBC television show produced in the 80’s, undoubtedly a major contributor to my fondness for stop-animation. Rediscovering the song from the introduction brought back a lot of nostalgic memories.
Ekostories 
I *have* read Wind in the Willows, many times, and I highly recommend it. In fact, I re-read this book at least once a year, and have done since I was eight years old. I still have my original copy, with illustrations by E.Shepherd in pen & ink. The book was formative for me, and probably still is. The book and its lovely illustrations awoke in me an enduring affinity for nature, and also for drawing!
Ooo now I’m even more excited about the book.
I was doing some searches yesterday and came across E.Shepherd’s work, just incredible, classic stuff. Wind in the Willows, Winnie the Pooh – a giant in book illustrations.
Thanks so much, Isaac, for focusing on my blog post! I am so touched and flattered. The edition I read as a child (and still have, and frequently reread) is the one with illustrations by Dick Cuffari, which I dearly love, but I’m now anxious to look at the pictures by E. Shepherd, too.
You’re very welcome, Nancy. I hope to get a chance to read through the book soon.