The Wind in the Willows

The questions inside

One per chapter, across all 12 chapters — every question is editable before you print.

1. Chapter 1: How does Mole’s life change when he leaves his underground home and discovers the river? Use details from the chapter to explain why this day is important to him.
2. Chapter 2: What do you think Rat and Mole learn about Toad during their trip in the caravan? How do Toad’s actions show what kind of friend he might be?
3. Chapter 3: The Wild Wood feels very different from the riverbank. How does the author make the woods seem frightening, and how does Mole react to being there?
4. Chapter 4: Badger takes care of Rat and Mole when they are lost and cold. What does this chapter show about Badger’s character?
5. Chapter 5: Mole suddenly wants to visit his old home again. Why do you think home becomes so important to him in this chapter?
6. Chapter 6: Toad’s friends try to stop him from driving motorcars. Do you agree with the way they try to help him? Why or why not?
7. Chapter 7: Rat and Mole search for Portly, the missing baby otter. What mood or feeling does this chapter create, and which details help create it?
8. Chapter 8: Toad escapes from prison with help from the jailer’s daughter. What does this adventure show about Toad’s strengths and weaknesses?
9. Chapter 9: Rat feels tempted to leave home after meeting the Sea Rat. What do you predict might have happened if Mole had not helped Rat remember his own life?
10. Chapter 10: Toad changes disguises and tells lies during his journey. How do his choices make his problems better or worse?
11. Chapter 11: The title says, “Like Summer Tempests Came His Tears.” What do you think the word “tempests” means in this chapter, and how does it fit Toad’s feelings?
12. Chapter 12: By the end of the story, what lesson do you think Toad has learned, and how can you tell whether he has really changed?

Example answers

Printed at the front of the booklet, so your reader can see what a strong answer looks like.

Chapter 4: Badger takes care of Rat and Mole when they are lost and cold. What does this chapter show about Badger’s character?

I think this chapter shows that Badger is gruff but very kind. He does not act silly or overly friendly, but he gives Rat and Mole food, warmth, and a safe place to rest. To me, that shows he is dependable and caring in his own quiet way. I would want a friend like Badger in an emergency.

Chapter 6: Toad’s friends try to stop him from driving motorcars. Do you agree with the way they try to help him? Why or why not?

I agree with their reason for helping Toad because he is being unsafe and selfish. He could hurt himself or someone else with his wild driving. However, I think locking him up might make him even more determined to escape. I would have tried to talk to him first, but I understand why his friends felt desperate.

Chapter 9: Rat feels tempted to leave home after meeting the Sea Rat. What do you predict might have happened if Mole had not helped Rat remember his own life?

I think Rat might have packed up and left for the sea if Mole had not stopped him. The Sea Rat’s stories made travel sound exciting and magical, so Rat forgot how much he loved the riverbank. If he had gone, he might have felt lonely or sorry later. Mole helped him remember the friends and home he already had.