Tired of spring cleaning, Mole ventures above ground into the warm sunshine, and happens upon his friend Ratty. Together they picnic on the sparkling, burbling river, brave the sinister Wild Wood in wintertime to visit the bad-tempered Badger, and take to the open road in a caravan with dear, silly old Toad.
Jody begins to learn about adulthood through his acceptance of his father's gifts. Yet these gifts bring him tragedy, as well as joy, and Jody is taught not only the harsh lessons of life and death, but is made painfully aware of the fallibility of adults.
