While not as great a piece of literature, this book was a necessary predecessor to Kenneth Grahame's classic Wind in the Willows. The transcendental pleasure of a child free in the fields and woods, oblivious to all but this timeless moment, is expressed beautifully by this master nature writer who is so under-appreciated here in the States. The plot weakens in places, and judged by that and action only, the book would disappoint, but the charm and poignancy of some moments is unmatched. No one enchanted by fine talking animal books should miss this distillation of childhood's mood.