The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame

The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame first published in 1908 is the greatest adventure/fiction books ever. I picked the book because it is an adventure/fiction book. The characters are Mole – A mild mannered, home-loving animal, and the first character to be introduced. Ratty – A relaxed and friendly water mole, he loves the river and takes Mole under his wing. Mr. Toad – The wealthiest character and owner of Toad Hall. Although good-natured, Toad is impulsive and conceited, eventually imprisoned for stealing, and dangerous driving. He is prone to obsessions and crazes, such as house boating, and horse-drawn caravans, each of which in turn he becomes bored with and drops. Several chapters of the book talk about his escape from prison, disguised as a washer-woman. Mr. Badger –grouchy, lonesome animal who "simply hates society". He can be seen as a wise hermit, a good leader and gentleman, embodying common sense. He is also brave and helps clear the Wild Wooders from Toad Hall. Otter and Portly – A friend of Ratty and his son. The police man's Daughter – The only major human character; helps Toad escape from prison. The Chief Weasel – He and a group of weasels, stoats, and ferrets plot to take over Toad Hall. Pan – A god who makes a single appearance in Chapter 7, The Piper at the Gates of Dawn. Resident of the Wild Wood – Weasels, stoats and foxes etc. The Willow – A tree that Mole lies on in the woods.

In the beginning of the book, it is spring and Mole loses his patience with his spring cleaning and leaves his underground home, heading up. He ends up at the river, which he has never seen before. Here he meets Ratty (a water rat), who spends all his days in and around the river. Rat takes Mole for a ride in his rowing boat. They get along well and the two of them spend many more days on the river, with Rat teaching Mole everything about the river. Some time later, one summer day, Rat and Mole find them near Toad Hall and go visit Toad. Toad is rich and friendly but tends to become obsessed about things, only to not care about them later. Given up boating, Toad's current craze is his horse-drawn caravan. In fact, he is about to go on a trip, and persuades Rat and Mole to join him. A few days later, a passing motor car scares their horse, causing the caravan to crash. This marks the end of Toad's craze for caravan travel, to be replaced with an obsession for motor cars. Mole wants to meet Badger, who lives in the Wild Wood, but Rat knows that Badger does not appreciate visits. On a winter day, Mole goes to the Wild Wood to explore, hoping to meet Badger. He gets lost in the woods, falls into fright and panic and hides among the roots of a tree. Rat goes looking for Mole, and finds him, but it starts to snow and even Rat no longer knows the way home. By chance they arrive at Badger's home. Badger welcomes Rat and Mole to his large and very cozy home, and