ŒñA book for those who keep the spirit of youth alive in them; of life, sunshine, running water, woodlands, dusty roads, winter firesidesŒî said author Kenneth Grahame (1859-1932) about his childrenŒÍs book The Wind in the Willows. Initially, he wrote the stories about Ratty, Mole, Badger and Toad to read to his visually handicapped son Alistair, but after the publication in book form in 1908, it became a worldwide success. It was later also turned into a film and a television series. What appeals to me most is the friendly, very cosy atmosphere that Grahame has managed tocreate with his optimistic narrative style full of high spirits, an atm osphere that reminds me of my own carefree youth. It was therefore a great pleasure to set this book to music! - Johan de Meij
