The Wind in the Willows: Illustrated Edition Children's Classics (Union Square Kids Illustrated Classics)

I’m so excited to add this beautiful illustrated edition of The Wind in the Willows to our home library. The artwork by Robert Ingpen is absolutely stunning — each page feels like a work of art that draws you into the story in a way text alone never could. The storytelling remains timeless, charming, and whimsical. This edition elevates it to a true keepsake. It’s a perfect read-aloud for families and a treasure for collectors. ✅ Pros: • Breathtaking illustrations on nearly every page • Heirloom-quality storytelling with classic charm • Ideal for gifting or building a family library • Sturdy binding and elegant typography ⚠️ Cons: • The dust jacket arrived beat up during shipping, which was disappointing for such a display-worthy book • A bit heavier than typical editions (not a con for us, but worth noting) ⸻ 📚 Final Thoughts: If you’re building a children’s classic collection or simply want to experience The Wind in the Willows in a fresh, vivid way — this is the edition to get. Just be sure to check the dust jacket upon arrival.

I love the illustrations in this edition! I would recommend this edition to anyone who has ever loved The Wind in the Willows or is looking to read it for the first time!

I am not taking a star off because the actual books are beautiful. The printing is high quality and the binding is sewn, not glued. Which is much better for longevity. I collect (with purpose) children’s classics—one for each of my kids libraries for their future family library. I ordered 4 hardcover copies. All four copies had tears in the dust covers. Two are pictured and most significant. This is very disappointing as there was no paper or bubble wrap in the box with the books to protect them during shipping. The dust cover is a thin and fragile type paper. Poor choice in the quality of dust cover paper. Also, the one dust cover with a piece of the cover missing—the piece is not in the box. Obviously the person that packaged it would have seen the dust cover torn before boxing it. I would really appreciate a partial refund for the dust cover damage. I am not returning the books as the actual books are not broken.

This was a big beautifully illustrated book. Hardcover and I as an adult enjoyed the stories.

Upon opening up this beautifully illustrated edition of The Wind in the Willows, the smell of the paper, the faces of my friends – Toad, Badger, Ratty, and Mole – transported me back to the bright pink bedroom of my childhood. I read this story 20 or so times as a child, but had not revisited it as an adult. I think that’s a mistake we often make – think we are too old to learn (be reminded) of a lesson or two, or to just simply too old to allow ourselves to enjoy time with friends who used to comfort and entertain us. The Wind in the Willows is an excellent read for a child. Younger children will have an opportunity to expand their vocabulary while going off on fun adventures with “the gang.” Older readers will be reminded to step outside of their comfort zone and try new things. Reminded that, like Toad, it’s not about what’s new and fashionable and fancy and expensive. It’s the company of those they hold dear and the simplicities of life that truly matter. The Wind in the Willows is a beautiful, timeless classic that will endure through the ages, entertaining readers who are young and those who are young at heart.

With Robert Ingpen's illustrated edition, The Wind in the Willows is now given a beautiful makeover. I have read several different editions of Wind in the Willows to my children. Each one is gloriously beautiful, but I do adore Ingpen's color and his detail. Fans of Ingpen know his work on such books as Treasure Island. First off, Wind in the Willows is a beautifully written tale, as many others here have already told. So well written, it is, that some people believe it shouldn't be illustated at all. However, as an artist, I am not in that camp. I appreciate a person willing to render 2D or 3D life to the written word. What a task! This is a book which one can pick it up and put it down as one wishes. We sometimes read our favorite bits over and over. Grahame's writing is perfection, and we voice his characters for fun sometimes. There's a silly claymation television series that was done in the 1980s if you want to show the kids the t.v. version after you've read it to them. It was available on Netflix - not sure if it still is. Also, for 'purists', fyi, this is the book in its unabridged form (the original full length tale). For those looking for the abridged version, with lovely illustrations, check out the version with Inga Moore as illustrator. Moore has illustrated a version of The Secret Garden which is also lovely.

This book is more beautiful than I had anticipated. The illustrations are lovely, using muted colors, & numerous -- about one every other page.

A favorite story. Teaches the importance of friendship, kindness and team work. Teaching is not in your face. Just there and the characters make the lessons memorable.

I wanted a beautifully illustrated edition of Wind in the Willows and this copy exceeds expectations. It's utterly delightful. Kudos to Robert Ingpen who has captured the characters to perfection. The dustcover is just gorgeous. I can't wait to read this childhood favourite to my new grandson when he is a little older to enjoy the escapades of Mr Toad, Ratty, Mole and Badger.

Beautiful illustrations. Read it on a rainy day. Finally, a version of this story that is appropriate for both children and grown-ups.

Easy to read print size, beautiful illustrations. How can you not love these stories?

I ordered this beautifully illustrated book for my grenddaughter for Christmas. She loved me reading it to her. This book will be a treasured classic in our home and be re-read many times. I highly recommend it as a gift to any 5 to 12 year old.

Wonderful gift for friends with babies. Beautifully illustrated and always a hit!