just finished reading the wind in the willows for the first time. it's a wonderfully gentle, idyllic, very british book, and had some surprisingly emotionally sophisticated moments. the british really have a knack for really charming stories. at times the book is a little heavy on description, but grahame's characterization is great. i like ratty the best, but badger and mole are close seconds. toad is kind of an ass, but his reformation at the end was almost believable. the edition i read had fantastically lovable illustrations by a fellow named dick currari and i've included a few below.