To mark Keneth Grahame’s centenary in 2007, the Bodleian Library launched an online exhibition, which can be explored below, featuring the final manuscript itself and the 15 original letters sent by the author to Alastair, alongside two of the most famous illustrated editions and other compelling items. These letters, centering on the swaggering Mr Toad, formed the first whisperings of what would become one of the best-loved children's stories of all time: The Wind in the Willows. Toad sings a song in celebration.In the spring of 1907 Kenneth Grahame sent his seven-year old son, Alastair (nicknamed 'Mouse'), the first of a series of letters telling the story of a group of animals and their various adventures along the river, in the woods and on the road. Badger comes up with a plan to save Toad Hall. The Water Rat informs Toad that Toad Hall has been taken over. Toad continues to make his way home, but once again finds trouble behind the wheel of an automobile. Rat is about to leave on another adventure with the Sea Rat, but is stopped by Mole before departing. Toad, now in jail, escapes with the help a sympathetic party. Rat and Mole are find a missing child with the help of a mythical creature.

Badger attempts to control Toad's behavior. With the arrival of spring, Rat and Mole prepare the boat. Mole sends for groceries in order to feed his guests. Mole, accompanied by his new friends, returns to his home. Badger helps the visitors make their way home. Mole journeys to the Wild Wood where he is later met by Rat. Toad becomes enamored with a new craze while Mole and Rat catch the train home. Toad, who invites them to join him on a trip. Mole is busy with spring-cleaning when he feels compelled to visit the world above. The novel is notable for its mixture of mysticism, adventure, morality, and camaraderie. Alternately slow moving and fast paced, it focuses on four anthropomorphised animal characters in a pastoral version of England. The Wind in the Willows is a classic of children's literature by Kenneth Grahame, first published in 1908.

The wind in the willows 1908