Happy 150th Kenneth Grahame

 
Kenneth Grahame, best known for his children's novel The Wind in the Willows, would have been 150 years old on Sunday (March 8th).  The simple and memorable characters.  Toad, Badger, Mole and Rat are what made this story one of my favorite when I was growing up; or perhaps it could have been the Mr. Toads Wild Ride attraction at Disney Land when I was six... we'll never know for sure.

If Grahame were alive today I think he would still suggest that we spend his birthday "simply messing about in boats", and if there ever was a day designed for such activities Sunday would be it.  So I  hope the weather is fine wherever you happen to be living!

(Pictured is a First Edition of Wind in the Willows from 1908)

[Now reading: Long Way Gone: Memoirs of a Boy Soldier by Ishmael Beah]

Comments

[prying1]

Wind in the Willows is one of my favorites although I was in my 'second childhood' the first time I read it. Still am in it I guess because I love children's stories as much now as I did then. Beatrix Potter and C.S. Lewis' Narnia stories still top my list of good reads. Mr. Toads Wild Ride at Disneyland is still one of my favorites after all these years too.

I know. I have Peter Pan Syndrome and I refuse medical attention for it. Some kids just never grow up I guess. Thanks to Kenneth Grahame, J. M. Barrie, so many children's authors and Walt Disney our second childhood can be very enjoyable indeed.

I wonder? Can a person have a third childhood?

[Chris]

I used to live around the corner from St Cross Church in Oxrorfd England. Where the gentle Mr Grahame is buried. It is a small church very close to the centre of Oxford and has a sundial on the side of the church tower. When I was there last the churchyard was a bit unkempt but Mr Grahame's grave was kept in a reasonable state. I never found out why he was buried there. i should have asked the Vicar when I had the chance to.