Looking for a light-hearted read based on the characters from Wind in the Willows? Brightlingsea author Colin Childs’ new book puts a new twist on the well-known story.

‘Willows Rewilded’ sees Toad’s estate under threat from all sides – a rapacious developer who wants to turn it into a safari park on the one hand and an avid rewilder on the other. Meanwhile, Mole has fallen under the spell of an alluring French Mata-Hari-like mate, Ratty has become vegan and identifies as a vole, and Badger is trying to defend his truffle patch.

“I have a taste for the zany and absurd, incorporating more serious, underlying themes,” said Colin, pictured right. “What if you find yourself on the receiving end of a rewilding scheme? Imposed from on high – have you no agency? ‘Willows Rewilded’ is written from the perspective of those upon whom rewilding has been imposed.”

“I stand to be corrected, but I believe there is an audience for a feel-good, light-hearted read,” he added.