In a World Full of Toads

Come midnight the new year will begin and so too will a new wall calendar. This year’s choice is themed on Kenneth Grahame’s The Wind in the Willows.  There is something very soothing about following the journey of Mole and Ratty, as they move through the seasons, avoiding adversaries, side-stepping danger, and learning to accept one another’s foibles and differences along the way. 

And of course, there is also the problem of Toad. 

It seems to me that Toad’s narcissistic tendencies are reminiscent of some of today’s world leaders, who also like to have their way in all things.  Imagine a world run by Toad - heaven forbid.  Yet…  

Consider, who can control Toad’s wild outbursts, his recklessness, his thoughtlessness? He steers his motorcar with abandon, caring nothing for innocent pedestrians who might cross his path: the selfishness is the point. I’ve always felt that luck was too much on Toad’s side - his escape from justice dressed as a washer woman fleeing his prison cell always made me worry - has he really learned his lesson? 

It seems fair to assume that he has not, if past is prologue, and we can only imagine that Toad continues to rain down havoc everywhere he goes, leaving his kindhearted friends to pick up the pieces. 

As 2025 rips through the 12 pages of my calendar, I know that I will take some reassurance from the timeless characters in Grahame’s book, celebrating the group of friends who are the real heroes of the story - Ratty, adventurous and resourceful, Mole, prone to hide away until the worst has past, and old Badger, grumpy and complaining. Who will we be in the days ahead?  I suspect something of all three. 

I hope 2025 brings you peace, joy and happiness, and if at times that is impossible, remember - in a world full of Toads, be a Ratty.

The Wind in the Willows Calendar 2025 by Museums and Galleries is illustrated by Chris Dunn and is  available on their website and from all good bookshops.