Spend a season on the river bank and take a walk on thewild side . . .

Spring is in the air and Mole has found a wonderful new world. There’s boatingwith Ratty, a feast with Badger and high jinx on the open road with thatreckless ruffian, Mr Toad of Toad Hall. The four become the firmest of friends,but after Toad’s latest escapade, can they join together and beat the wretchedweasels?

PLUS A behind-the-scenes journey, including author profile, a guide to who’swho, activities and more.

About the Author

Kenneth Grahame (1859-1932) was born in Edinburgh, but grewup with relatives in Berkshire where he developed his love for the countrysidesurrounding the upper parts of the River Thames. He was educated at St Edward’sin Oxford, but instead of going on to Oxford University he joined the Bank ofEngland, where he rose to become Secretary. He wrote several books includingTheGolden AgeandDream Dayswhich includes the shortstory‘The Reluctant Dragon’ (later made into a Disney movie).Kenneth Grahame developed the character of Toad inThe Wind in theWillowsto amuse his young son, Alistair. It was published in 1908 andstill remains a best-loved children’s classic.

Date: 2002-09-03
Brian Jacques (pronounced ‘jakes’) was born in Liverpool in 1939, and grew upin Kirkdale, close to the docks. He left school at the age of fifteen andworked as a railway fireman, bus driver, postmaster and stand-up entertainer,before beginning his writing career with a residency at the renowned EverymanTheatre.

His first book for children,Redwall, was published in 1986.Twenty-one further books in the series were published to global acclaim, withmillions of copies sold worldwide. In 2021 Netflix announced plans to releasean animated film of Redwall that will introduce the series to a new generationof fans.

Brian died in Liverpool on 5 February 2011.

Brian Jacques (pronounced ‘jakes’) was born in Liverpool in 1939, and grew upin Kirkdale, close to the docks. He left school at the age of fifteen andworked as a railway fireman, bus driver, postmaster and stand-up entertainer,before beginning his writing career with a residency at the renowned EverymanTheatre.

His first book for children,Redwall, was published in 1986.Twenty-one further books in the series were published to global acclaim, withmillions of copies sold worldwide. In 2021 Netflix announced plans to releasean animated film of Redwall that will introduce the series to a new generationof fans.

Brian died in Liverpool on 5 February 2011.