The Wind in the Willows

By: Kenneth Grahame

Narrated by: Ralph Cosham

Length: 5 hrs and 17 mins

Publisher's summary

These are the exploits of Toad and the efforts of his friends, Ratty, Mole, Badger, and Otter, to control the rascal.

(P) Commuter's Library

Critic reviews

"Ralph Cosham's performance is a study in characterization without overdramatization.... Cosham sounds as if he is reading his favorite work of fiction, and his affection is contagious. Keep this nearby - it's the prescription for happiness." (AudioFile)

Must Read Book

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

YES! I would recommend this book to everyone.

What did you like best about this story?

This story is a very happy place to be...yes, there are some ups and downs, but the characters have character and overcome.

What about Ralph Cosham’s performance did you like?

Very relaxed voice and this book requires a British narrator to get it right.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Spend a day with these folks and you will want to stay indefinitely.

Any additional comments?

Sadly, it is hard to find books that are this well written -- 'wish there were more books like this.

Oh Toad... you disagreeable you

Beautifully narrated by Ralph Cosham.
I have come to this book in my winter years.
Toad was a surprise!! All the characters are finely written, however, I fell for Water Rat quickly. Badger is a delight too. I knew about this classic of course, and have finally listened... in one sitting!!, because I can drive and listen at the same time.
I'm so pleased I did.

A Wonderful Match of Story and Narrator

An enduring classic children’s story—but perhaps even better for adults who should appreciate the underrated wit.

Of all the hundreds of titles in my audible account, perhaps my favorite—something more than a beautiful narration, something like an audio rendering, a real work of art.

Family favorite

Mole, Rat, Toad and friends are real personalities in Ralph Cosham's brilliant narration. All the joy and humor packed into this terrific story come through. Listening to Wind in the Willows with Christmas tree lights on and hot chocolate in hand has become a Christmas tradition for our family. Even our teens carve out 4 or 5 evenings during the season to settle in and enjoy.

Simply Beautiful.

I had not known I was getting a kid's book. it is written for adults to read to kids.

Ok but a little boring

Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?

It was worth the small price I paid. I would do it again.

What did you like about the performance? What did you dislike?

The narrator dragged on a little and I could barely differentiate between characters. I think he made it a little more boring than it otherwise would have been.

Gentle pleasures

What did you like best about this story?

I had seen the Disney cartoon version of The Wind in the Willows years ago, but had never read the book. The idyllic settings and rather lyrical prose, coupled with a charming cast of characters, make this a very enjoyable story.

What does Ralph Cosham bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Listening to Mr. Cosham is like hearing a favorite uncle tell a story (a Welsh uncle, actually; I can't help but remember his wonderful performance of How Green was My Valley). The voices he gives to each character are unique enough to be recognizable without being over the top, and his narration is very easy to listen to.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Many of the parts of the story dealing with Mr. Toad are very funny.

Any additional comments?

This rendition of The Wind in the Willows makes it obvious why this novel is a classic.

what a great experience

It's only once in a while I can say something to this tune. I thoroughly enjoyed this audiobook. It was beautifully done. five stars. cheers

Maybe a different narrator would have pulled me in

Any additional comments?

I consider myself open to a wide range of literature. So, I was looking forward to this timeless classic. It just didn't pull me in like I thought it would. The writing was very good and I wondered what this would have been like if Jim Dale narrated. Mr Cosham's voices of the characters were too similar and some accents were thick. This may be a good candidate for whisper sync to follow along more closely to the story.

A Teaching Moment

???Wind in the Willows??? charms its audience with animal characters that live near a river, probably the Thames, in London, England. Rat is the brains; Badger is the brawn; Mole is the anti-hero, and Toad is the fool; the fool that learns an important life lesson. ???You are a Toad??? is not what one wants to be called; Kenneth Grahame???s 1908 anthropomorphized animal tale tells why.