"All this he saw, for one moment breathless and intense, vivid on the morning sky; and still, as he looked, he lived; and still, as he lived, he wondered."

Weekends with a good book feel extra special in the middle of a busy work period. Typing away till late at night in order to avoid projects bleeding past Friday turns into a nice cup of cocoa, cookies, and no god damn infernal renovation noises 20 minutes before the alarm. *chef's kiss*

Willows is truly made for moments like that. It's so cozy yet full of wisdom about adventure, coming home, letting go, friendship, support, the amazing power and mysticism of nature etc. It feels like two different books with the lyrical passages and vignettes interspersed with Toad's reckless escapades, but somehow it all works together.

Young kids will probably enjoy the abridged versions more, but in its full glory Willows shouldn't make anyone doubt whether adults can read children's books. I would even go so far as to say that it has one of the best writing I've ever read, adult fiction included.