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.

13 people found this helpful

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.

4 people found this helpful

Recording Brings Out the Loveliness of the Writing

Would you consider the audio edition of The Wind in the Willows to be better than the print version?

I tried reading the print version aloud, but it was this audio version that really did it justice and helped me see the poetry of the book. I loved listening while I did chores--it was entertaining, yet soothing.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Wind in the Willows?

Rat and Mole going out all night to look for the little lost otter.

What about Ralph Cosham’s performance did you like?

His performance, most especially his accents and voices, was outstanding.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Not necessarily. I enjoyed stringing it out and being able to listen to it in segments when I wanted to.

Any additional comments?

Thank you, Mr. Cosham, for this contribution.

4 people found this helpful

perfect

My favorite 'children-of-all-ages' story, beautifully read.

9 people found this helpful

Kid-Level Story, College-Level Language

I am 40 years old and college-educated; I never read this book as a child or teen. I loved the writing of this book: beautiful, descriptive language, just really fantastic, classic prose. But the story was still basically a children's story. If I were to read this to my 7-year-old son, who has an excellent vocabulary for his age, I would still be stopping frequently to explain the meaning of words. As as adult, I thoroughly loved the language, but appreciated the story more out of nostalgic whimsy.

3 people found this helpful

Perfection!

No one should miss this one. The "Wind in the Willows" is the most charming piece of literature I have ever read. It is brilliant in it's descriptive power and the ability to draw the reader into a cozy, real fantasy world where creatures take on the most lovely, eccentric behavior. It's truly charming.
Ralph Cosham's performance is as masterful as Kenneth Grahame's writing. I could listen to Mr. Cosham read anything. He gave us many fantastic performances before he passed away in 2014. He is my favorite audio performer of all time. I have listened to this book over and over because for me, it's like being with delightful friends. Ralph Cosham was a gift to those of us who love audio books. He is greatly missed by this listener.

2 people found this helpful

Beloved Classic

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

I would recommend this version for an adult who loves the original book as much as do I. I am not sure that I would buy this version for a young child who might have trouble with the narrator's pronounced British accent.

What did you like best about this story?

I have loved the Wind in the Willows for decades -- it is the perfect story for those who love the idea of exploring loyalty and friendship without it getting in the way of the story.

Did Ralph Cosham do a good job differentiating all the characters? How?

I thought he did an okay job, although I didn't care particularly for his Mole and Toad. Mole was too soft and Toad just wasn't my idea of the character. I think he did an admirable Rat and an excellent rendition of the old sea-fairing Rat -- he sounded like an Old Salt. As I indicated above, I gave the narrator a 3 star rating because I felt younger children might have difficult understanding the very British accent. I was fine with it, other than indicated.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes, and I almost did!

2 people found this helpful

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.

1 person found this helpful

Simply Beautiful.

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

1 person found this helpful

excellent

i absolutely loved it....its a wonderful story every time I hear it...well keep listening