The Willows at Christmas
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'sWind in the Willowsis 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 WarrellCopyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved