The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame

I have never read The Wind in the Willows before, and I'm happy to have finally added this classic to my list. But I'm even more happy that I read this with the boys. Dane really loved it, but I think it was too high of a level for Graham, which just made it hard for him to follow along, but I think it was still worth a read to see how Dane enjoyed it. I loved how this book's language and level of diction was higher than most children's books of today, and some of the beautiful writing was just inspiring for me to read, not to mention for them to hear. Like this passage describing the river from the first chapter, about Mole:

"He thought his happiness was complete when, as he meandered aimlessly along, suddenly he stood by the edge of a full-fed river. Never in his life had he seen a river before—this sleek, sinuous, full-bodied animal, chasing and chuckling, gripping things with a gurgle and leaving them with a laugh, to fling itself on fresh playmates that shook themselves free, and were caught and held again. All was a-shake and a-shiver—glints and gleams and sparkles, rustle and swirl, chatter and bubble. The Mole was bewitched, entranced, fascinated."

I loved each of the stories of the four friends--Mole, Rat, Badger, and Toad--and how they stood by each other and helped each other and cared for each other. I think the tender-hearted Mole was my favorite--I loved the chapter where he went past his old home and couldn't help but want to go back, and how Rat was so kind and thoughtful to him. I feel like there was a lot of deep thought and kindness behind the stories in this book, and I am so glad to have read it.