The Wind in the Willows – Kenneth Grahame
OK, I’m pretty sure I read this 20 odd years ago, but all I could remember when I thought about it were animations from TV, so I decided to check out the original.
To my surprise, but not dismay, the book does not exclusively focus on Toad’s adventures, unlike the cartoons I remember. The story follows Mole on his adventures, which also involves Ratty, Mr Badger, and of course Mr Toad in the Wild Woods and surrounding countryside.
It is really a childrens book, but there are deeper meanings to the plot, with class divisions and characteristics playing a prominent role.