Did You Know? The Wind in the Willows

It's been a couple of weeks since the last Did You Know. This time around, we'll be taking a look at The Wind in the Willows and its author, Kenneth Grahame. Here are some interesting things I bet you didn't know.

Did You Know...

• A stage adaptation, Toad of Toad Hall, was written by A.A. Milne in 1929?
• English novelist William Horwood write a series of sequels in the 1990's? In spite of the huge popularity of The Wind in the Willows, Grahame never wrote a sequel.
• Grahame was originally a banker, and was the Secretary of the Bank of England? It gives this banker/writer some hope!
• The character of Mr. Toad was inspired by Grahame's infant son, Alastair? He was headstrong and independent, much like Mr. Toad.
• Grahame originally told the stories contained within the book to his son at bedtime?
• Grahame's son, Alistair, was blind in one eye, and had impaired vision in the other? Always troubled, he committed suicide days before his 20th birthday.
• Winnie the Pooh creator A.A. Milne was such a big fan that he would read it to guests at parties?
• The Wind in the Willows was the last major work that Grahame wrote? 

Hmmmm, not so many interesting facts this time. Oh well, here's a fun clip that is not from the Disney version.