ALISON PRINCE

The Wind in the Willows needs no introduction - children have enjoyed the exploits of its characters for generations. Few would guess that its author, Kenneth Grahame, was a tortured soul. Marriage to the predatory Elspeth Thomson, when both seemed destined for the single life, was a shared fantasy of invented truth. Out of that union came a catastrophically spoiled son, Mouse, for whom that greatest of childrens stories was written. It was the childs tragedy that he was sucked into the unreality of his parents lives and did not survive it, ending his life in suicide.Alison Prince brings her own highly acclaimed expertise as a childrens writer to this remarkably perceptive biography of Kenneth Grahame. Drawing on hitherto unpublished material she uncovers layer upon layer of Grahames personality to reveal the truth behind the myth of this intriguing man, the tortured soul of Mr Toad.Alison Prince describes the grim story of Grahames marriage and fatherhood squarely and sensitively.IndependentA meaty, well-constructed biography. Allan Massie Daily Telegraph

Ernie loves music and he loves his cats, and he always counts his cats at dinner time. Theres Bert and Whistle, one and two. Then, suddenly one day, theres three! Sly black cat Jezebel has sneaked in and somehow got a share of Bert and Whistles food, their home, and Ernies attention. The first two cats are NOT impressed by Jezebels lively tales of hiding in cars, stealing butter and taking the best chair, but when she wanders off again, theyre surprised to find they miss her. Ernie thinks maybe shell be lured back by some lovely Mozart, but Bert and Whistle have a better idea...

Spud is a scruffy dog with a big heart - and an even bigger belly. He loves scrounging in dustbins, scaring cats and, of course, scoffing as much food as he can find. But what Spud loves more than anything in the world is his owner, Mrs Piffey, and she loves him too. But one day Spud overhears Mrs Piffey talking about a mysterious turkey and she suddenly starts wearing dark glasses and strange things called bikinis. Then she disappears . . .Poor Spud does his best to find her - while being kept in check by Mrs Cats-Home. And of course Mrs Piffey is soon back with a tan - and big box of Turkish delight!

Bumble the hamster, so called because of his big bum, belongs to Rosie. He knows its his job to keep Rosie happy. He entertains her with Pocket Diving, Ear Tickling and Finger Balancing. But when he tries Hide and Seek, Rosies parents panic and insist Bumble has to stay in his cage. Rosie still feeds him delicious things, but Bumbles getting bored - and fat! Then mice arrive in the house. Rosies parents are horrified, Rosie isnt happy - and Bumble is frantic. if things go on like this, hell lose his job. He has to come up with a plan, and quickly...

Boojer is sick of being stuck in a hutch with no company and an owner who hardly ever remembers to feed him. Encouraged by some cheerful mice, he manages to escape. Boojer is only in search of juicy carrots and a friend, but he gets far more than he bargained for...