Since 1903, the escapades of Mole, his friend Water Rat, shy Badger, and Toad of Toad Hall have delighted children, and adults, too. Follow the winning foursome through the seasons as they sail the river, get lost in the Wild Wood, take off on a merry adventure in Toad's colorful carriage, and rescue Toad Hall from a band of nasty marauding weasels.

One of my favorite books of all time. So many lessons and metaphors in these animal stories. Any age would adore this. And you'd probably learn something new each time you read it. ( )

I give this abridged edition points for the nice binding and quality printing. Woodside's abridgement is a bit dull, and Akib was only permitted 10 pencil sketches, though I gather he is quite versatile in pastels and paint media. ( )