The Adventures of Portly the Otter by M. G. Leonard, illustrated by Polly Dunbar

 

2026     

Polly Dunbar          

This is a complementary story to Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame. Portly does indeed meet the entitled Toad, though most of the action takes place whilst Toad is in prison. We again meet Mole and Rat and wise Badger. Portly takes a while to learn to swim as well as his siblings but it is fact his habit  a little like Toad of seeking more unusual adventures that finally enables him to acquire that skill. He also encounters the Wild Wood and has to trick the weasels as they occupy Toad Hall

At the beginning of the book is a double spread showing a map of the river bank. There are colouful pictures throughout that illustrate the story.

The text is blocked and uses a serif font and with difficult 'a's and 'g's.

This is  a book that  a teacher might  like to read to a   class. 

 The story works on its own and no familiarity with Wind in the Willows is needed. Though those who already know that text will surely enjoy this one.

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