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3.83 AVERAGE
3.83 AVERAGE
I have mixed feelings about this book. I've been meaning to read this book in its entirety for some time now, and now that I have, I am underwhelmed. In case you don't know what the story is about, it's about a mole, a rat, a badger, and a toad who are friends and end up having adventures together. Toad is a troublemaker and is forever crashing things, breaking things, stealing things, and ends up in jail at one point. Which brings me to my next point.
I realize this is a children's book, but there are some aspects which are maybe less child-friendly. For example, in one scene, Rat buys everyone a beer. There's also references to tobacco use. The ending was kind of strange, I thought, in that the author failed to resolve a really big problem with Toad. Another thing about this book is that the author plays around with magical realism in that the animals are personified and walk and talk like humans and wear clothing. But he takes it a step further by forcing the reader to look at the characters through funhouse glass.... in one chapter, the rat is the size of a rat. In another chapter, Rat is described as walking through a field of wheat and feeling it on his knees. Um. That won't work. Toad is even worse as he disguises himself as a washer-woman and one illustration shows him the same size as the woman.
I liked the story overall. I think it's a good book to read with children.
I realize this is a children's book, but there are some aspects which are maybe less child-friendly. For example, in one scene, Rat buys everyone a beer. There's also references to tobacco use. The ending was kind of strange, I thought, in that the author failed to resolve a really big problem with Toad. Another thing about this book is that the author plays around with magical realism in that the animals are personified and walk and talk like humans and wear clothing. But he takes it a step further by forcing the reader to look at the characters through funhouse glass.... in one chapter, the rat is the size of a rat. In another chapter, Rat is described as walking through a field of wheat and feeling it on his knees. Um. That won't work. Toad is even worse as he disguises himself as a washer-woman and one illustration shows him the same size as the woman.
I liked the story overall. I think it's a good book to read with children.
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
Loveable characters:
Yes
A beautiful book about adventures and home.
Mediocre, old, white men telling one another how very pleased they are with their own cleverness: the book. Oh, but the men are disguised as animals to make them more palatable.
Although we should have read the original version, instead of the adapted version, I found that this book was lots of fun. Full of whimsy and entertaining characters doing funny things, its definitely worth a read.
Not for me. Possibly this was due to me listening on to the story on Audible (the narrator was really quite dry at times); possibly it was due to the fact that I found this way too convoluted for a children’s book. Maybe it’s testament to the fact that kids were smarter when it was written. Might return for a re-read in the future if I ever get around to unpacking my classics from storage
this was soooo cosy. i loved listening to it while i was sick in bed playing coral island. it was soo sweet
Not really what I expected, I have to say.
Now I know I'm looking at it with grown up eyes and probably shouldn't look for too much logic in a kids book, but I was terribly confused by the relationship between men and animals in this book, or even between animals and other animals (e.g., horses). And I still don't get the title.
But yeah, it was OK.
Now I know I'm looking at it with grown up eyes and probably shouldn't look for too much logic in a kids book, but I was terribly confused by the relationship between men and animals in this book, or even between animals and other animals (e.g., horses). And I still don't get the title.
But yeah, it was OK.
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes