The Willows at Christmas (Tales of the Willows) - Hardcover

Horwood, William

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0312283865 ISBN 13: 9780312283865

Publisher: Thomas Dunne Books, 2001

Synopsis

The twelve days of Christmas are fast approaching and Mole is planning to enjoy every one of them with his River Bank friends. So when the normally cheerful Toad despairs at the arrival of Mrs. Ffleshe, an impossibly rude houseguest who every year sets out to protect Toad from overindulgence, Mole must do something about it. But the plan he hatches with Ratty, Badger, and Otter goes horribly wrong. With the prospect of spending Christmas in jail, Mole will have to work hard if he is to salvage some Christmas spirit for his friends.

The Willows at Christmas is the crowning achievement of William Horwood's enchanting sequels to Kenneth Grahame's The Wind in the Willows. The new story is set just after the original, but before Horwood's critically acclaimed The Willows in Winter. It will give pleasure to the countless readers around the world who have reveled in each new work. Merry Christmas!

About this title

About the Author:

William Horwood is the author of the acclaimed Duncton trilogies.

Patrick Benson studied at the Chelsea Art School and St. Martin's School of Art.

Both live in England.

From Booklist:

Mr. Mole, a newcomer to the River Bank community, has happily forged friendships with Ratty, Badger, Otter, and Toad, with whom he expects to celebrate Christmas. But Mole is baffled when his invitations are met coolly. Soon, the reason is revealed: Toad Hall used to be the center of the community's festivities, but now the horrible Mrs. Ffleshe swoops in each year and ruins the holidays. Mole decides to launch a campaign to bring Christmas back to the River Bank. The ride is not smooth, of course, and before the happy ending, we see Toad fling himself into the river, Mole get caught by weasel hoodlums, and the most magnificent jailbreak in history. Quite appropriate for children as well as adults, this fourth sequel to Kenneth Grahame's Wind in the Willows is as delightful as its predecessors. The characters are well drawn, as the story perfectly demonstrates Mole's shy kindness, Toad's grandiosity, Ratty's resourcefulness, Otter's loyalty, and Badger's wisdom. With understated dialogue and endearing characters, this is a most pleasant celebration of the season. Beth Warrell
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

About this edition

• Publisher: Thomas Dunne Books
• Publication date: 2001
• ISBN 10: 0312283865
• ISBN 13: 9780312283865
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 288
• Illustrator: Benson Patrick