The Willows and Beyond [Abridged, Audiobook] [Audio Cassette]

William Horwood, author of two other bestselling "sequels" to Kenneth Grahame's beloved classic, The Wind in the Willows (The Willows in Winter and Toad Triumphant), picks up where Grahame left off, with nary a misstep. The flavour and tone of his thrilling story, along with Patrick Benson's marvellous crosshatched illustrations, have done the impossible: brought Grahame's characters back to life. Like a river, time moves inexorably forward. Ratty, Mole, Otter, Toad, and Badger are growing older. They are content to live out their lives on the River Bank in peaceful reflection--until, that is, one of those mysterious eddies of life picks them up and spins them around. It all starts when Rat, while "communing" with the River, senses that something is terribly wrong. Soon after, a mysterious summons to collect an item from the post office arrives. From there, the adventures gather speed. Whether fighting off the horrible Beast of the Iron Bridge, rescuing Rat from a near-fatal bout with indigestion, or trying to save the Wild Wood from impending, polluting Progress, the friends have no time to slip quietly into old age. Even so, each animal must begin to prepare to hand over to the next generation. (All ages, 9 and older). --Emilie Coulter --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

‘Faithful to Grahame’s classic… sheer escapism, full of character.’
Daily Mail

--This text refers to the Paperback edition.

With the future of the River and the Wild Wood threatened, Mole, Badger, Ratty and even the irrepressible Mr Toad must rally together. William Horwood recreates again the magic of “The Wind in the Willows” in this compelling new tale.

Explore again the unforgettable world of Toad Hall, the Wild Wood, the River Bank and the irrepressible Mr Toad.

In this wonderful and moving new tale William Horwood once again brilliantly re-creates the magic of Kenneth Grahame's 'The Wind in the Willows', first published in 1908.

Now we find the much-loved River Bank characters in the Autumn of their lives, reflecting on their many escapades together. When the future of the River and the Wild Wood are threatened they must rally together and find a way forward in which caring Mole, wise Badger, the practical Ratty, and even outrageous Toad all need to play a vital part.

'The Willows and Beyond' is a compelling new and moving story in the internationally acclaimed tradition William Horwood first established with 'The Willows in Winter', and this time Toad of Toad Hall has his finest hour…

Since the publication of ‘The Willows in Winter William Horwood has received letters from hundreds of readers thanking him for recapturing the spirit of Kenneth Grahame’s great work so faithfully. He is also the author of the two bestselling trilogies about the moles of Duncton Wood, and the new ‘The Wolves of Time series.