When shy Mole ventures from his new home on the River Bank, he meets friendly Rat, gruff Badger and rich, crazy Toad. The 4 soon become friends and embark on rollicking adventures, from lazy picnics to wild motor-car rides to war with the Weasels. The Wind in the Willows began as a bedtime story that its author, Kenneth Grahame, told to his 4-year-old son. The tale quickly became one of the best-loved children's stories of all time.