THE WIND IN THE WILLOWS by Kenneth Grahame.  Illustrated by Michael Foreman. New York:  Harcourt, Inc., 2002 231p. ISBN 0-15-215807 hc. $24.00  Gr. 3-6   JUV FIC

This is a beautifully illustrated edition of the classic story of the adventures of four animal friends: Mole, Ratty. Toad, and Mr. Badger.  This edition contains reproductions of two of Kenneth Graham's letters to his son, Alistair.  They were written in 1907, when Alistair was 7 years old, and in them is quite possibly the first draft of Toad Adventures," wherein Toad continues his escape from prison on a train.  Michael Foreman's beautiful watercolors appear on every page and truly make the story a visual delight.  The endpapers contain a map of the countryside, so that the course of adventures can be followed, and the individual illustrations, very expressively capture the enthusiasm and energy that bring the entire story to life.  This book will appeal to all ages.
Kay Elzinga, Board Member, Superiorland Library Cooperative