Review
Despite the attractive large format of this pleasant complete edition of the 1908 classic, the illustrations seem bland in comparison with either the lively wit of Ernest Shepard's drawings or Rackham's elegant and endearing detail. Percy does evoke the serenity of the English landscape and cozy interiors in his carefully designed full-color plates, while the characters come affably to life in his detailed drawings. There's a more contemporary flavor here, too, though costume and settings are appropriately Edwardian. Not a primary purchase, but a nice supplementary interpretation. (Kirkus Reviews)
Book Description
Mole discovers an exciting new world when he ventures out of his underground home and befriends the amiable Water Rat. Ratty introduces him to life on the river bank, to the pleasures of boating, and to the irresponsible but loveable Toad. Toad just cannot help getting himself into some terrible scrapes involving all kinds of vehicles, from gipsy caravans, trains and barges to those irresistible motor cars - poop-poop! While his friends Mole, Ratty, and the wise old Mr Badger explore the gentle world of the river bank, and even the unknown depths of the Wild Wood. Toad narrowly escapes from one disaster only to land himself in an even worse situation. Finally, all four friends find themselves facing the most difficult challenge yet: reclaiming Toad Hall itself. If they succeed, Toad promises - well, perhaps with his fingers crossed - to reform his ways and lead a quiet, sensible life...
