This stunning sequel follows the further adventures of four of the most beloved characters in English literature: loyal Mole, resourceful Water Rat, stern but wise Badger, and of course, capricious, irresistible Toad. In this new tale, the comfortable bachelor world of the River Bank is thrown into turmoil by the arrival of a formidable female character who seems to win Toad's heart. Recognizing the familiar danger signals, his long-suffering companions must do all that they can to save the infatuated Toad from himself. Enriched once again by the delightful illustrations of Patrick Benson, Toad Triumphant is another captivating tale for audiences and imaginations everywhere.
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From Kirkus Reviews
In a second sequel to Kenneth Grahame's classic The Wind in the Willows, Horwood (The Willows in Winter, 1994) revisits the River Bank and the beloved characters of Toad, Mole, Rat, and Badger. Portraits of loyal Mole, practical Rat, and wise Badger remain faithfully intact (in text as well as in Benson's black-and- white illustrations); however, Horwood seems captivated with Grahame's own notion of ``an altered Toad,'' and much of the plot dances around this idea. Toad's normal vanity and conceit are seen in ``alarming transmutation,'' thanks to Cupid's arrow, which has left Toad smitten and contemplating matrimony. A parallel plot bears the overriding theme of immortality, which prompts Mole and Rat to journey up river in their desire to ``get a little nearer to the mystery we have called Beyond.'' The two threads intersect at journey's end, where Toad willfully escapes ``the eternal bond'' of marriage, proving himself as irresolute as ever. The formal style of writing adequately mimics Grahame's own; that, and the sophisticated themes may be better appreciated by adults who loved the original. Nevertheless, the River Bank animals have fans who will be happy to pause awhile in such good company. (Fiction. 11+) -- Copyright ©1996, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
Review
"With its humor, tenderness, suspense, and happy ending...[Toad Triumphant is] a pleasant story and a good read." --The Christian Science Monitor
"The old characters pop back to life as you begin reading." --The New York Times
"Faithful to the original...Festive...A winsome winner." --The Chicago Tribune
"The Willows in Winter transports us back to the familiar rivery world almost as authoritatively-and entertaingly-as a sequel by Grahame himself." --Atlanta Journal Constitution
"Patrick Benson's cross-hatched illustrations seem to have been lovingly guided by the hand of Ernest Shepard, whose 1931 drawings of The Wind in the Willows continue to transport young readers to meadow, river bank, and wild wood." --Cleveland Plain Dealer
"The old characters pop back to life as you begin reading." --The New York Times
"Faithful to the original...Festive...A winsome winner." --The Chicago Tribune
"The Willows in Winter transports us back to the familiar rivery world almost as authoritatively-and entertaingly-as a sequel by Grahame himself." --Atlanta Journal Constitution
"Patrick Benson's cross-hatched illustrations seem to have been lovingly guided by the hand of Ernest Shepard, whose 1931 drawings of The Wind in the Willows continue to transport young readers to meadow, river bank, and wild wood." --Cleveland Plain Dealer
Inside This Book
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First Sentence
It was a warm afternoon in early May and Toad lay propped up on the terrace overlooking his garden, gazing dreamily into the middle distance from the comfort of a wicker chaise longue. Read the first page
Front Cover | Copyright | Table of Contents | Excerpt | Back Cover
It was a warm afternoon in early May and Toad lay propped up on the terrace overlooking his garden, gazing dreamily into the middle distance from the comfort of a wicker chaise longue. Read the first page
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Front Cover | Copyright | Table of Contents | Excerpt | Back Cover
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Customer Reviews
Most helpful customer reviews
Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase
A great addition to add for any library. It's a great way to spend some time with family and sharing the book with other people who like to read. It's for all ages.
By David Graham
Format:Hardcover
I thought the original Wind in the Willows and the sequel Willows in Winter were better executed than Toad Triumphant. Toad Triumphant is a little disjointed, the characterization a little unbelievable at times (e.g. mole's depression) and the story sags in parts (although things pick up with Horwood's clever ending). On the other hand, Patrick Benson deserves high marks for his excellent illustrations which accompany the text. I suppose Mr. Horwood wanted to try something a little different by delving into the histories of the river bank animals and bringing romantic love into their world, but I don't believe this approach worked as well. I feel the book is better than average, but as I said, I like Kenneth Grahame's orginal and Horwood's first sequel better.
Most Helpful Customer Reviews on Amazon.com (beta)
Amazon.com:
4.3 out of 5 stars
3 reviews
12 of 12 people found the following review helpful
4.0 out of 5 stars
Not as good as the first two
Mar 25 1998
By David Graham
- Published on Amazon.com
Format:Hardcover
I thought the original Wind in the Willows and the sequel Willows in Winter were better executed than Toad Triumphant. Toad Triumphant is a little disjointed, the characterization a little unbelievable at times (e.g. mole's depression) and the story sags in parts (although things pick up with Horwood's clever ending). On the other hand, Patrick Benson deserves high marks for his excellent illustrations which accompany the text. I suppose Mr. Horwood wanted to try something a little different by delving into the histories of the river bank animals and bringing romantic love into their world, but I don't believe this approach worked as well. I feel the book is better than average, but as I said, I like Kenneth Grahame's orginal and Horwood's first sequel better.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
The True Toad
Mar 30 2011
By Sheila A. Jensen
- Published on Amazon.com
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
I am a very big fan of all the willows books. I think this Toad Triumphant is a masterpeice. It truly shows the true Toad character, How he can and does give of himself for others. He even shows great courage in this book. WHY hasnt anyone made a movie of this one? I would if I could. Read this book and it will be a favorite, even from a willows super fan such as my very own self.
4.0 out of 5 stars
Almost as good as the original
Jun 14 2009
By Tom Cantlon
- Published on Amazon.com
Format:Paperback
I loved reading The Wind in the Willows with my kids and was glad I came upon that piece of literature for my own sake that I wouldn't have otherwise. I was concerned a sequel by another author would ruin it. But The Willows in Winter lives up to the original and is a joy to read, and this one is almost as good.
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4.3 out of 5 stars
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