What they are saying…
“In the Wake of the Willows is delightful, energetic, and funny. It is natural and supernatural. It’s a gift and a balm, and a passport to travel in your mind in the comfort of your favorite reading chair, or by the light of your bedside lamp.” — Carl Safina, Macarthur-winning ecologist and award-winning author.
“The book is beautifully written and illustrated…” — Mindy Todd, host of The Point on WCAI Cape and Islands National Public Radio
WCAI The Point with Mindy Todd
“Nobody who ever read The Wind in the Willows wants it to ever end. Thank you, Frederick Thurber, for this delightfully worthy sequel, in a fresh new setting, and with gorgeous artwork by Amy Thurber. I love it!” — Sy Montgomery, author of How to Be A Good Creature and The Soul of an Octopus
“Charm, fun, adventure; the sparkle of light on water and wit in words. Thurber layers his own deft imagination onto a beloved classic, and returns us to a world lost to most of us — one that he never left.” — Dominique Browning, writer, editor emeritus House & Garden, co-founder of Moms Clean Air Force
” In The Wake of the Willows is a wild, lyrical, and, at times, poetic slice of life as experienced by an eclectic group of animals–quite proficient in the English language–who reside along a marsh-lined river that runs lazily into the ocean. Mr. Toad, Mr. Rat, Mrs. Badger, and their kith and kin create a fascinating community, and through their varied adventures they teach the reader quite a bit about relationships, nature, and the human, err, animal condition. Arguably, the book’s most beguiling and memorable passages are those that reflect on the environment that surrounds and supports the main characters. This includes the flower-specked meadow, squirmy mole crabs, succulent beach plums, “extinct” heath hens, handsome tree swallows, exotic luna moths, starry constellations above, and, of course, the ever-flowing river and the tempestuous ocean, to name just a few of its constituent parts. To top it all off, Amy Thurber’s illustrations are beautiful.
The book is billed as a sequel to Kenneth Grahame’s The Wind in the Willows, but I can tell you from personal experience that you don’t need to have read that classic to enjoy Mr. Thurber’s spirited book. All you do need is a desire to enter another world full of beauty, mystery, danger, and wisdom, in which quirky and endearing animals are your guides.” — Eric Jay Dolin, bestselling author of books on American history, maritime history, and the environment including his book about the history of hurricanes, A Furious Sky.
“A stunning sequel to Kenneth Grahame’s 1908 children’s classic…. Written in an old-fashioned vernacular that feels similar to the original, this pastiche is simply enchanting…. The whole package is a gem.” — Lauren Daley, Book Columnist, The New Bedford Standard-Times
“Narrator Madeleine Barker takes on this New England version of England’s WIND IN THE WILLOWS. She delivers a variety of accents and tones for a group of inhabitants that includes its own Rat, Mole, Badger, Otter, and Weasel families. Barker’s lively narration adds to the sense of adventure, making her the perfect fit for this lyrically written tale. Barker’s voice rises in surprise in her portrayal of Mr. Rat’s inquisitive daughter, who solves a mystery and is part of a thrilling journey. Barker’s personifications of the other resident animals are executed perfectly: a fast pace for a warbler whose excited words run together, squeaky voices for chipmunks, an upbeat tempo for a wren’s Pollyanna preaching, and a high pitch for a mockingbird’s repetitive statements.” — A.L.C. © AudioFile 2021, Portland, Maine [Published: AUGUST 2021]
“Delightful. I loved the book.” — Lisa Schmid-Alvord, documentary film producer, president of Urban Improv, producer of “The Lepers of Buzzards Bay”, and founder of Our Sister’s School for economically disadvantaged girls from the New Bedford area.
“I have to say your book is exquisitely built, written, executed, illustrated, end noted–it is a treasure from cover to cover…I love how In the Wake of the Willows is full of lyric language and contains so many naturalist’s observations…Congratulations on this truly gorgeous book.” — Julia Shipley, journalist, editor, poet and contributing editor for Yankee Magazine. Personal communication, July, 2020.
“In the Wake of the Willows is a charming story of suspense and adventure on the water, of fathers passing on their wisdom to their children, and of the beginnings of young love. Most of all, it is a joyful celebration of the natural world and our place in it. Every aspect of the world around The River, from the crabs in the river bottom to the stars in the sky, is brought to life. The birds are especially beautifully depicted, revealing their personalities along with their plumage and songs. The author’s love of nature shines through in his characters, and it can’t help but infect the reader. This book doesn’t explicitly deliver an environmental message – the lessons that Rickie and Toady learn about protecting nature are subtly woven into the story, not right in your face. Still, by the end of the book, you’ve been drawn into the magic of this world with its birds and crabs and moths. You want to go see them for yourself and mourn the ones that are gone and protect the ones that are still there.” — Dr. Tara Rajaniemi, Professor of Biology, University of Massachusetts, Dartmouth
“In the Wake of the Willows is a charming tale for the ages. With a hint of warm nostalgia, this adventure is told in poetic prose. Highly recommended!” — Steven Manchester, #1 Bestselling Author, The Menu and Bread Bags and Bullies: Surviving The 80s
“…a sequel that moves the action from Edwardian England to the New World shores of southeastern New England during the 1920s, and follows the adventures not just of Toad, Rat, Mole and Badger, but of their children….a series of gentle stories, loosely bound by their curlicued early-20th-century vocabulary and the slow-burn courtship of young Ricky Rat and Toadie” — Alan Rosenberg, Editor, Providence Journal
“I absolutely loved it! Being a sailor, a naturalist, and a scientist who also loves history and poetry, I couldn’t help but admire all the perfectly crisp details and the fluid writing. The book effortlessly weaves local history, sailor’s lore, and the natural history of the South Coast region into an utterly charming story of fully believable creatures. I liked the secret of the heath hens, the descriptions of the winds, the meteor shower picnic on the beach, the storm, the life of driftwood — beautifully poetic. All absolutely engaging and a perfect New England summer read.” — Dr. Kathryn Kavanagh, Associate Professor of Biology, University of Massachusetts Dartmouth
“It really, truly is charming . . . . If Kenneth Grahame captured your heart with the adventures of woodland creatures in The Wind in the Willows, then Frederick Thurber is sure to keep it as he explores the antics of said creatures’ offspring in his sequel, In The Wake of the Willows, a charming book that captures the essence of Grahame’s work and infuses it with Thurber’s own deep knowledge and love of the natural world.” — Jeannette de Beauvoir, Writer and host of Arts Week on WOMR.
“The book was not just beautiful, beautifully written and illustrated, but was also FUN!” — David Brussat, author of Lost Providence and editor emeritus at the Providence Journal
“If you have a fond place in your heart for Kenneth Grahame’s The Wind in the Willows, as I do, you will find Frederick Thurber’s In the Wake of the Willows especially entertaining. But if you (sadly) never even heard of the former work, Thurber’s book is still great fun. What a delightful romp through the River, a place that feels very familiar to this reader, with a cast of characters – a community really – that is equally delightful. I just want to go and live there with Rat, Toad, Badger, and the rest of the creatures. Oh, to be at a beach picnic with them! What is especially vibrant about the book is Thurber’s profound knowledge of the natural history of this area, the fauna and flora, and his obvious experience of the dynamics of sailing and life on the water and the waterfront. These details are apparent on every page. Thurber is to be congratulated for this work.” — Dennis Minski, biologist, author, and whale watch guide from Provincetown, MA
“Enchanting…” — Dr. Jonathan L. Atwood, Director of Bird Conservation, Massachusetts Audubon Society
“Thurber’s writing is witty, charming, and dear. He has set the tone perfectly…The world he has crafted is both a homage to Grahame’s classic tale and original. It is inviting, and beautifully rendered.” — Susie Spikol Faber, author and School Outreach Coordinator and Teacher Naturalist at the Harris Center for Conservation Education in Hancock, New Hampshire.
“This book evokes the sights, sounds and smells of coastal New England habitats and should inspire young readers to explore the natural world around them. Rat’s curious and clever daughter Rickie is a delightful addition to the cast of characters.” — Dr. Nancy J. O’Connor, Chancellor Professor of Biology, University of Massachusetts Dartmouth
“This delightful sequel to The Wind in the Willows features a new generation of young animals who learn to value nature, hard work and family as they grow up. It is fun to read, and fun to read aloud.” — Tom Gidwitz is a writer, editor, and photographer specializing in archaeology and volcanology.
“Little did we know that relatives of Toad, Rat, Mole and their friends had found their way to the waters of New England where magical new adventures enchant them. Simply wonderful!” — Kenneth Miller, Professor of Biology and Royce Family Professor for Teaching Excellence at Brown University
“I enjoyed this book more than The Wind in the Willows—lovely descriptions of birds!” — Hilary Morrison, Senior Scientist, Marine Biological Laboratory, Woods Hole, MA
“Witty Advanced Praise, with wide, deep knowledge of nature throughout Thurber’s beautiful book.” —Professor Alan Powers, Professor Emeritus of English at Bristol Community College and author of BirdTalk: Conversations with Birds.
“I enjoyed this book very much. It is evocative of coastal ecosystems where I grew up and it is so imaginative.” —Jon D. Witman, Professor of Biology, Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Department at Brown University
“I loved your book. The prose, beautiful illustrations & abundant information. I’m torn between keeping because it’s so beautiful & sharing because it’s so beautiful.” — Ivy Zahn-Tully
“We started your husband’s book . . . and its adorable. We are loving it. Asher just loves nature and its right up his alley . . . . He LOVES this book. It started with me reading it to him, but he likes reading it to himself more. He likes to stop and think about what part interests him.” — Amanda Deane founder of Flying Starlings
‘In the Wake of the Willows’ is set on the Westport River
Columns share an author’s personal perspective and are often based on facts in the newspaper’s reporting.
“If you follow me on Instagram, you know I love the Westport River.
I walk it just about every day. To me, it’s magic.
I see egrets, white and blue herons, deer quietly grazing, osprey circling and swooping for fish.
I’ve always thought of it as a storybook setting.
Apparently, Frederick Gorham Thurber thought so, too.
The South Dartmouth writer and his talented wife, Rhode Island School of Design grad Amy Thurber, have created the most stunning sequel to Kenneth Grahame’s 1908 children’s classic, “The Wind in the Willows” — and they set it on the Westport River.
My soul is aglow.
“In the Wake of the Willows” is a passion project too good to be called “fan fiction” and so stunning you’d never guess it was self-published.
Set in Westport in the 1920s, the tale is about “the denizens of a very special river. For like their relatives on the other side of the ocean, this river had its own Rat, Mole, Badger, Otter, and Weasel clans,” according to the synopsis. “When a spooky nocturnal creature starts terrorizing the riverfront, Mr. Rat’s clever daughter sets to work solving the mystery and unmasking the culprit. But that is only the beginning of the intrigue…”
The synopsis also tells us: “All the natural history and science in this book is accurate and will inspire young readers to learn more.” Fred Thurber contributed a nature column to our sister paper, The Dartmouth Chronicle, called “Woods and Waters” for some 10 years.
Written in an old-fashioned vernacular that feels similar to the original, this pastiche is simply enchanting. With Amy Thurber’s charming pen and ink drawings scattered throughout, and the feel of coastal Westport on every page, the whole package is a gem.
And it ain’t just a kids book — they suggest ages “12 to 112” and that’s probably a good description. This is a 145-page chapter book, for maybe 6th grade and up — actually, adults will probably marvel and appreciate this work more than young kids.
When Fred Thurber emailed me about his book recently, I told him to send me a copy. Honestly, I didn’t expect to be so captivated. I was in love by Page 1. This is, quite literally, Westport in a storybook, from two people who clearly know and love the nature of our area.
In fact, the couple has a Westport-grown romance: they met at Partners Village Store in Westport, where Amy worked in the ’90s.
Amy, who graduated in 1988 with a degree in Illustration from RISD, told me: “I didn’t read the original until I met Fred as an adult. His enthusiasm for ‘The Wind in the Willows’ was contagious.”
I asked what she meant by that.
“Fred, like Mr. Toad, has ‘enthusiasms’ — which is to say, he gets into a subject in a big way, and carries those around him into his latest passion. These can last many months, and sometimes decades,” she told me.
(Fred told me, “My wife thinks I am Mr. Toad, and she may not be too far wrong.”)
“When I met him, it was fishing and bird-watching, then bird photography, heirloom roses, and now rhododendrons,” she said. “He’s always loved ‘The Wind in the Willows,’ and when we were newly married we had a ‘Peeper Party,’ where our guests were wined and dined, then led into the swamp to be treated to a frog chorus by the Spring Peepers.”
Oh my God, I love that so much. Hosting a Peeper Party, as the kids would say, is #Goals.
The idea for the book started when Fred was “laid up in bed for three weeks with a chainsaw injury,” he told me. “Saw hit my foot, and I needed 22 stitches.” (Welp, I guess there’s an upside to everything.)
“I was casting about for subject to write about and decided on a pastiche of ‘The Wind in the Willows.’ It would allow me to write about the river that I love, and incorporate many of the nature observations I’ve made in the last 30 years.
“Every place is in the book is based on real locations in our area: The River, of course, is the Westport River. The Beach is Horseneck Beach. The Point is Westport Point. The Inn is the Paquachuck Inn… Montaup Hill is the Native American name for Mt. Hope in Narragansett Bay. Hen & Chickens Reef is the Hen & Chickens Reef off Westport. The Island really exists, but I dare not aggravate my animal friends any more by disclosing its exact location …suffice it to say, it’s within sailing distance of Westport.”
The storm in the book is “an amalgam of various hurricanes” from SouthCoast history, he said, including Hurricane Bob, Hurricane Carol and the Hurricane of ’38.
“The Ode to Toad” in the book was “mostly written while I was biking at night near Demarest Lloyd State Park” in Dartmouth. And — this is so amazingly SouthCoast — parts of the books were edited in the Azores, where they were staying with friends.
Born in 1954, Fred Thurber grew up in Providence, R.I., and “commercial fished in the Sakonnet/Westport area for striped bass for a few years after high school. I quit that and went to Brown, graduating in ’83. I moved to Westport about 1989. I wrote a weekly or almost weekly nature column from about 1990 to 2010. My articles appeared in the Chronicle, East Bay News, and (Op Ed nature pieces) in the ProJo.”
Amy said her “Wake” illustrations “were inspired by the drawings I did for Fred’s nature columns… I attempted to create visual puzzles that carried clues to what may occur during each chapter.”
Amy “grew up surrounded by acres of woods and fields. My childhood was centered in the outdoors. I studied Illustration at RISD in the late 80s, then moved to Little Compton, (then) Westport and Dartmouth. I worked at Partners Village Store in the ’90s when it still baked its own bread, carried beekeeping, beer and wine making supplies. I became very connected to the community, and look back on that time behind the counter with great fondness. It also happens to be the place where Fred and I met.”
What does she love most about this story?
“I love the young characters and the way they grow and develop throughout the story. Fred took the best of the original characters and made them into great parents… I also love the natural history. Many of the observations Fred describes were inspired by events on our family walks.”
The books are apparently selling like hotcakes — they’re now in their fifth printing, Fred said. “In the Wake of the Willows” is currently available locally at DeDee Shattuck Gallery in Westport, Davoll’s General Store in Dartmouth, Courtyards in Tiverton, Titcomb’s Bookshop in East Sandwich, and on Amazon.”
In the Wake of the Willows 