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The twelve days of Christmas are fast approaching and Mole is planning to enjoy every one of them with his River Bank friends. So when the normally cheerful Toad despairs at the arrival of Mrs. Ffleshe, an impossibly rude houseguest who every year sets out to protect Toad from overindulgence, Mole must do something about it. But the plan he hatches with Ratty, Badger, and Otter goes horribly wrong. With the prospect of spending Christmas in jail, Mole will have to work hard if he is to salvage some Christmas spirit for his friends. The Willows at Christmas is the crowning achievement of William Horwood's enchanting sequels to Kenneth Grahame's The Wind in the Willows. The new story is set just after the original, but before Horwood's critically acclaimed The Willows in Winter. It will give pleasure to the countless readers around the world who have reveled in each new work. Merry Christmas
When a meddlesome houseguest threatens to ruin the festive season for the residents of the River Bank, Mole initiates a misguided scheme to restore peace. Mole, alongside his steadfast companions Ratty, Badger, and Otter, attempts to navigate the social disruption caused by the arrival of the overbearing Mrs. Ffleshe. As their well-intentioned plan spirals into a series of unfortunate events, the group faces the threat of legal consequences that could jeopardize their holiday. The narrative follows Mole's perspective as he struggles to rectify his mistakes and preserve the warmth of the season for his friends.
This work is characterized by its adherence to the established tone and character dynamics of Kenneth Grahame's original River Bank world. The narrative focuses on the gentle, domestic conflicts that define the lives of these iconic animal figures during the winter season. Readers likely find the prose to be an extension of the classic style, emphasizing the cozy, atmospheric elements of the setting. The story functions as a seasonal expansion, providing a specific, contained conflict that highlights the loyalty and camaraderie inherent in the group. The pacing remains consistent with the leisurely, character-focused nature of the source material, ensuring that the stakes, while serious for the characters, maintain a whimsical quality.
Page Count:
244
Publication Date:
1999-01-01
Publisher:
HarperCollins
ISBN-10:
0002256045
ISBN-13:
9780002256049
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