Willow Buds, When Toady Met Ratty (2008)

Author and Illustrator:

Mary Jane Begin

Publisher:

Little Brown and Company

Ages 3–8

Inspired by the perennial classic The Wind and the Willows, this picture book series features Toady, Badger, Ratty, and Mole as young buds discovering the true meaning of friendship. In this story about the challenges of sharing a friend, Badger introduces Toady to his other friend, Ratty. Pampered Toady and nature-lover Ratty don’t exactly hit it off, and both are jealous of the other’s friendship with Badger. But after a trip to the carnival where Badger needs help from both pals, they can see that three doesn’t always have to be a crowd!