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3.83 AVERAGE
3.83 AVERAGE
"To what scale are these animals?," "Why are they eating meat when they can clearly verbally communicate with other animals?" (The answer, I've decided, is that society always made meat from tofu and vegetable protein and whatnot in this world), and "Why does that toad have hair?" are all questions that reappeared periodically in my brain whilst reading this. And to tell you the truth, if I were rating purely on enjoyment alone, these would drag it down to a 3. But, of course, this is a story conceived and told for one boy who clearly did not find much concern in these issues, and that delightful personal aspect that elevates so many children's novels has to be kept in mind. (Begrudgingly, I have to accept the disappointing answer to "Where are all the female critters?" for this reason too.)
The real saving grace in this story, anyhow, is not to be found in the story. It's in Mole and Badger and Rat and Toad and their caring dynamic and the subtle assessment of class politics that lies within them. They're complex characters under a veneer of childish simplicity, with varying degrees of connectability but all with the same amoun of lovableness.
You'll note that I abstained from mentioning any of the less connected chapters here, because those would be done a disservice in being conflated with the main story, which I unfortunately did for all but one: Dulce Domum, the first of its kind. A small, down to earth, and monologuing tale about the Mole and his home. It's incredibly sweet and is bound to connect with anyone who has ever had to leave a place they've felt welcomed in behind. Wayfarers All, meanwhile, found me bored and wanting to get back to the story, and The Piper at the Gates of Dawn had me making quiet noises of exasperation and befuddlement to myself whilst I tried to resolve its seeming disconnect from the tone of everything surrounding it. I suspect that, had I been able to appreciate the disconnected nature of these two, the book would have stood stronger to me overall.
The real saving grace in this story, anyhow, is not to be found in the story. It's in Mole and Badger and Rat and Toad and their caring dynamic and the subtle assessment of class politics that lies within them. They're complex characters under a veneer of childish simplicity, with varying degrees of connectability but all with the same amoun of lovableness.
You'll note that I abstained from mentioning any of the less connected chapters here, because those would be done a disservice in being conflated with the main story, which I unfortunately did for all but one: Dulce Domum, the first of its kind. A small, down to earth, and monologuing tale about the Mole and his home. It's incredibly sweet and is bound to connect with anyone who has ever had to leave a place they've felt welcomed in behind. Wayfarers All, meanwhile, found me bored and wanting to get back to the story, and The Piper at the Gates of Dawn had me making quiet noises of exasperation and befuddlement to myself whilst I tried to resolve its seeming disconnect from the tone of everything surrounding it. I suspect that, had I been able to appreciate the disconnected nature of these two, the book would have stood stronger to me overall.
An enthralling little book ! I understand now why it's a classic.
We quickly get attached to all the characters (yes, even Toad), each having their own personnality. The adventure flows seamlessly, going from one character to another.
It was designed for children, but the book does not shy away from themes like freedom, the value of friendship and (no spoiler) even mysticism (I was not expecting that!).
A fine read, for adults and children alike!
We quickly get attached to all the characters (yes, even Toad), each having their own personnality. The adventure flows seamlessly, going from one character to another.
It was designed for children, but the book does not shy away from themes like freedom, the value of friendship and (no spoiler) even mysticism (I was not expecting that!).
A fine read, for adults and children alike!
Un libro excepcional, donde se mezcla brillantes historias con gran sentido del humor y se representan las diferentes clases sociales a través de varios animales del bosque. Entrañables personajes, quizás mi favorito por su extravagancia sea el sapo. Tendré que volver a visitarles con la continuación publicada por Jacquelline Kelly, El regreso a los sauces.
I just ended up reading this since the book hold I had on Watership Down is not moving at all. I will be lucky to read that book by the end of summer at this rate.
I haven't read this book since I was a kid and it's cute enough now but of course as an adult I just didn't have the same feeling of enchantment that I did when I was a kid. The illustrations were nice to read though.
I haven't read this book since I was a kid and it's cute enough now but of course as an adult I just didn't have the same feeling of enchantment that I did when I was a kid. The illustrations were nice to read though.
Listened to the audio with the kids. Beautifully written but stylistically difficult for the kids to follow.
adventurous
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
What makes this book exceptional is how it balances whimsical adventure with deeper themes of friendship and personal growth, all wrapped in gorgeous prose that appeals to both children and adults
Content Warnings
Minor: Bullying, Confinement, Violence, Alcohol, Classism
This is a gentle children's classic that deals with its themes in a very mild way. The most dramatic elements involve Toad stealing a car, getting imprisoned, and the friends having to fight to reclaim Toad Hall from weasels , but everything is handled with a light touch appropriate for young readers. The violence is cartoonish rather than threatening.
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
4.5 rounded up. I love stories with animals as the people, from Frog and Toad and the Redwall series to Watership Down and the Rats of Nimm. This one never appeared in my childhood somehow, but it was just as enjoyable now and I can read it to my own children. The critters are fierce friends who seek to hold each other accountable and support each other through thick and thin. A true classic.
In comparison with Mary Poppins, this book was much more aligned with what I might expect from a children's book! Most of the book was cute and whimsical, with the minor exception of Toad.
It was tempting to wonder how animals like moles and rats get ahold of eggs and bacon, or ask myself, are the motor cars fully human sized? Or small animal sized? But for children I don't think those questions come up much.
The bigger question was what era this novel was supposed to take place in. There are motorcars, guns and... castles with knights and swords and dungeons?
Right, children's book logic. Which I think is the magic of this book. I could almost hear a father reading this story out loud to his child while I was reading. It was really cute.
It was tempting to wonder how animals like moles and rats get ahold of eggs and bacon, or ask myself, are the motor cars fully human sized? Or small animal sized? But for children I don't think those questions come up much.
The bigger question was what era this novel was supposed to take place in. There are motorcars, guns and... castles with knights and swords and dungeons?
Right, children's book logic. Which I think is the magic of this book. I could almost hear a father reading this story out loud to his child while I was reading. It was really cute.