Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame and illustrated by Charles Van Sandwyk
I had never read the classic “Wind in the Willows” before now, can you believe it? Now that I have read it I am wondering why it took me so long in the first place! For starters, there is something so lovely about holding and reading a book that has been loved and adored for generations and been lovingly passed on as a bedtime story in families. Wouldn’t you agree? This is definitely such a book and I can fully see why.
I was immediately drawn in and enraptured by the beautiful prose in this book. I felt like I was transported to England itself and my little nerd heart delighted in such words as “trifle” and “languid”. It is fabulous text worthy of such a witty and charming story that is brilliant and positively delightful! The adventures of Rat, Toad, Mole and Badger had me laughing out loud at parts and longing to go meandering through a forest at others. The four of these mostly proper and gentlemenly animals all exemplify a beautiful form of camaraderie and loyalty that will have you feeling like they are all dear friends of yours by the time you are through with their book. It is one that I want to read aloud to my children once they are a bit older and definitely see myself longing to revisit soon.
I have to admit as well that the gorgeous illustrations in this edition had me swooning and totally added to the overall feel of this book for me. They suited the story so well and matched perfectly with the heart and soul of it. There are 83 of them in this book, that’s right 83! 33 are done in full color and are lovingly crafted in every tiny detail.
Therefore, I definitely can say that I have a new publisher crush in Folio Society. This edition from them is not only beautifully illustrated, but printed with incredible quality with a lovely cloth bound cover and lusciously thick pages. Every additional little detail is divine from the beautiful endpapers (you all know how I love those!) to the gold metallic scrolls across the cover and the spine. Absolutely stunning!
If you haven’t checked out their books before I would highly recommend them. As soon as I was finished with this one I knew I had to have their edition of “Anne of Green Gables” because it is a beloved book to me and I immediately hunted it down and purchased it. (I am SO unbelievably excited for it to arrive!!! Any other Anne fans out there?!) Below is the link to “The Wind In the Willlows” on their website and below that is a few more sneak peek photos of the gorgeous illustrations inside as well as the spine. Enjoy!
Click here to check out/purchase The Wind in the Willows
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