What stayed with me most was your observation about the homes in The Wind in the Willows: warm, safe, permanent places created by a man who had learned very young how easily a home could disappear. Perhaps imagination does this too: it does not rebuild what we lost exactly as it was, but gives it somewhere to continue existing.
And the thought that Mouse may live not only behind Toad, but also within the quieter, more vulnerable part of Mole, makes the whole story even more moving.
I’m reading this to my daughter right now and have been so refreshed by the detail and rich language that is used. Calling children up through reading to beautiful language rather down with the simple as possible words is a gift.
Loved your thought “A child’s imagination has not yet been imprisoned, it is also hungry and ready to be fed. Anything and everything is still possible. A child can more easily be inside a book and simply enjoy it.”
Yet another reason why I value children’s books so highly! The audience is the most ready for adventure.
Another delightful essay, Vincent! Albeit a bit of a tragic story. Nonetheless, it goes to show that perseverance pays off when you truly believe in something you’ve written. It’s a devastating thing when nobody trusts in the potential of something that you’ve carefully crafted and woven with the strings of your heart. I’m glad that he proved them wrong in the end and that his beloved book has endured throughout generations (it reminded me of J.K. Rowling’s own struggles to get published, I bet all those agents that rejected her have bitterly regretted it since). In Tolkien’s words: “All that is gold does not glitter”. I’m also astonished about Beatrix Potter’s assessment of the Wind in the Willows. Indeed! That was a shocking revelation. Of all people!
Hi Norma. thanks you so much and yes it is rather a sad story. I completely agree with you about perseverance in writing about something you truly believe in. Every single person on this planet from cradle to grave has something valuable inside them and something to say. Trust in your vision and never give up.
What stayed with me most was your observation about the homes in The Wind in the Willows: warm, safe, permanent places created by a man who had learned very young how easily a home could disappear. Perhaps imagination does this too: it does not rebuild what we lost exactly as it was, but gives it somewhere to continue existing.
And the thought that Mouse may live not only behind Toad, but also within the quieter, more vulnerable part of Mole, makes the whole story even more moving.
Hi Antonio. Thank you for reading and taking the time to comment, very much appreciated. Best wishes Vincent.
I’m reading this to my daughter right now and have been so refreshed by the detail and rich language that is used. Calling children up through reading to beautiful language rather down with the simple as possible words is a gift.
Loved your thought “A child’s imagination has not yet been imprisoned, it is also hungry and ready to be fed. Anything and everything is still possible. A child can more easily be inside a book and simply enjoy it.”
Yet another reason why I value children’s books so highly! The audience is the most ready for adventure.
Another delightful essay, Vincent! Albeit a bit of a tragic story. Nonetheless, it goes to show that perseverance pays off when you truly believe in something you’ve written. It’s a devastating thing when nobody trusts in the potential of something that you’ve carefully crafted and woven with the strings of your heart. I’m glad that he proved them wrong in the end and that his beloved book has endured throughout generations (it reminded me of J.K. Rowling’s own struggles to get published, I bet all those agents that rejected her have bitterly regretted it since). In Tolkien’s words: “All that is gold does not glitter”. I’m also astonished about Beatrix Potter’s assessment of the Wind in the Willows. Indeed! That was a shocking revelation. Of all people!
Hi Norma. thanks you so much and yes it is rather a sad story. I completely agree with you about perseverance in writing about something you truly believe in. Every single person on this planet from cradle to grave has something valuable inside them and something to say. Trust in your vision and never give up.