Here's a book we've seen many, many different versions of during our (nearly) ten years of blogging about books, and one that many illustrators have put their own particular style to, drawing up the well-known and well-loved scenes from Kenneth Grahame's timeless children's classic.

This time, one of our favourite children's illustrators, Grahame Baker-Smith brings his deft touch to "The Wind in the Willows", complimenting a largely unabridged version of the original classic story with the most stunning images, making this already atmospheric story even more inviting and daydreamy.

The classic tale of Mr Toad, Ratty, Mole, Badger and the rest of the riverside animals - swapping between scenes of tranquil idyll while boating and picnicing on the river, through to Mr Toad's rather unfortunate incidents with motor vehicles, his dramatic escape from prison, and the fight to take back Toad Hall from a bunch of ferrety ne'er do wells may be very well known, but there's always something new to discover, something charming and brilliant - even though we still consider this book to be quite a tough read for a modern audience.

But ah, Grahame Baker Smith's illustrations really do give this whole thing a really classic feel (cloth-bound and instantly a keepsake the minute you see it presented just like the old fashioned editions of the books I first got my grubby mitts on as a tiny tot).


Gorgeous or what?

Sum this book up in a sentence: A gorgeous gift edition of one of the most timeless and well-loved children's classics, beautifully illustrated by a master of evocative and atmospheric paintings for children's books.

"The Wind in the Willows" by Kenneth Grahame and Grahame Baker-Smith is out now, published by Templar (kindly supplied for review). 

Our first Book of the Week once again touches on a subject that is very much in the news, as important as ever...

Our second Picture Book of the week is just so jaw-droppingly beautiful that we couldn't wait to dive in...time for our favourite kind of weather...

As darkly delicious as a cup of mulled wine enjoyed in front of a crackling fire, "Winter's Child" has to be one of the most beautiful festive books we've seen this year. It's also one of the most enjoyable stories - feeling like it's drawn from traditional folk tales you can imagine told to children as they snuggle up in bed waiting for Santa.

A young boy loves the winter. He can ski, and skate and spend all day playing. But as food becomes more scarce and even the boy's beloved skis have to be sacrificed for firewood, it feels like winter has gone on for far too long.

Meeting a mysterious silver-haired child as he plays, the boy thinks he's found a new playmate - but doesn't realise that it is Winter's Child, and until he goes to sleep, Spring cannot come.

As the tale of their friendship unfolds, things get worse for the boy's mum and grandma as the very last scraps of food are eaten and there's nothing left to burn on the fire. The boy heads out in his damp winter clothes determined to explain the situation to The Winter's Child...

The luxurious and detailed illustrations are so beautiful, that this book is destined to become an instant treasure for many children who will soak up the gorgeous visuals and wonderful story. I love books that give Charlotte a genuine 'wow' when we unwrap them together, and "The Winter's Child" definitely did that - and it's been in constant demand ever since.


Charlotte's best bit: A genuinely beautiful moment at the end of the book when the tale draws to an end (but we're not going to spoil it for you)

Daddy's Favourite bit: So lusciously illustrated, so expertly told, so run out and buy a copy immediately!

(Kindly sent to us for review by Templar Publishing)