First in The Wind in Winter and then in Toad Triumphant, William Horwood memorably recaptured the idyllic world of The Wind in the Willows. Now, after many escapades together, Mole, Ratty, Badger, Otter and the exasperating Toad are approaching the autumn of their lives and preparing to hand over to the next generation. Yet there are still plenty of surprises in store, for young and old - especially when the much-loved River Bank suddenly comes under dire threat.

In The Willows and Beyond, illustrated by the award-winning Patrick Benson, the highly popular Tales of the Willows reach a compelling and moving conclusion - and Toad of Toad Hall has his finest hour.