Comment [ES1]: Titles for books “The Wind in the Willows” by Kenneth Grahame always have capital letters and are often in inverted commas “ “ and even sometimes in italics(slanted font) “The Wind in the Willows” is a classic children’s tale, written by Comment [ES2]: Make it really clear Scottish author Kenneth Grahame over 100 years ago. This the name of the book and the author. wonderful story has enchanted children for many years. It has been You could include the illustrator too. republished many times, turned into a musical for the theatre, a play for the radio and even a television series. Kenneth Grahame was not always an author. In fact, he worked at the Bank of England for many years. When he retired, he spent his days paddling on the river Thames near Oxford where he lived, and this was the inspiration for his book. Comment [ES3]: Facts from your research into the author can help explain why the book was written. The main characters in the story are four animals – shy Mole, laid- back Ratty, stern Badger and boastful Mr Toad. The story starts gently with Mole meeting Ratty in Comment [ES4]: Use adjectives to describe the characters. the Spring, and abandoning cleaning his house to have fun ‘messing about on the river’. They soon meet up with the rich and funny Mr Toad, who lives in the grand Toad Hall, and who continually makes mischief throwing his money at any new fad that comes along. When Mr Toad gets into trouble with his new motor car, Badger, Ratty and Mole have to come together to save him, and Toad Hall… Comment [ES5]: Don’t give away the whole plot! You want the reader of your review to know just enough to interest In my opinion, this book has stood the test of time. The characters are so well imagined that the them. Use an ellipsis (…) to show a cliff book is impossible to put down. I think everyone would be able to identify with one of the characters hanger. – I even recognise some of my friends in Badger and Ratty in particular! The scenes of the river and Comment [ES6]: This is often an important part if you like a book. You might the dangerous Wild Woods are so well described that you feel like you are really there too. The feel the same, or very different to the character, but good books draw you in with story continues throughout the year, and Kenneth Grahame’s deep love of nature is easily strong and clearly described characters. understood through his detailed setting descriptions.
I would give this book 9/10 stars. The only slightly difficult thing about it, is that some of the language now seems quite old fashioned. I think reading this book with an adult might help a reader make the very most of it. Comment [ES7]: It is important to say why you have chosen that star rating I heartily recommend this book to boys and girls of about 8-10 years old. It will particularly appeal to anyone who loves nature or adventure stories. It is also still wonderful to read as an adult! Comment [ES8]: Try to be really specific about who would like this. Not everyone likes the same books.
Reviewed by Miss Scott Comment [ES9]: This is your opinion so don’t forget to say who wrote the review