A New World version of a classic, set on a New England coastal estuary in the 1920's. This is a story about the denizens of a very special river. For like their relatives on the other side of the ocean, this river had its own Rat, Mole, Badger, Otter, and Weasel clans. When a spooky nocturnal creature starts terrorizing the riverfront, Mr. Rat's clever daughter sets to work solving the mystery and unmasking the culprit. But that is only the beginning of the intrigue and adventure one eventful summer. This lyrically-written book features a mysterious Native American prophesy, a suspected sea monster, a scavenger hunt with a surprising twist, persnickety weasels, a mysterious clue etched on a piece of birch bark, some hilarious hijinks by Mr. Toad's son, a chatterbox bobolink, a devastating hurricane, a heroic rescue, a liberal sprinkling of gentle humor, nautical adventures in wooden boats, some historical fiction, an unusual square dance with fireflies, a campfire on the beach at night watching shooting stars, some scalding Advanced Praise, an outrageously conceited poem by Mr. Toad, and an snarky interview by the author. This story is set against the rural backdrop of coastal New England almost a century ago. All the natural history and science in this book is accurate and will inspire young readers to learn more. Most of the locations, boat names, and historical events are accurate for the times. "In the Wake of the Willows is delightful, energetic, and funny. It is natural and supernatural. It's a gift and a balm, and a passport to travel in your mind in the comfort of your favorite reading chair, or by the light of your bedside lamp." -- Carl Safina , Macarthur-winning ecologist and award-winning author. "The book is beautifully written and illustrated..." -- Mindy Todd , host of The Point on WCAI Cape and Islands National Public Radio "In the Wake of the Willows is a charming story of suspense and adventure on the water, of fathers passing on their wisdom to their children, and of the beginnings of young love. Most of all, it is a joyful celebration of the natural world and our place in it. Every aspect of the world around The River, from the crabs in the river bottom to the stars in the sky , is brought to life. The birds are especially beautifully depicted, revealing their personalities along with their plumage and songs. The author's love of nature shines through in his characters, and it can't help but infect the reader. This book doesn't explicitly deliver an environmental message - the lessons that Rickie and Toady learn about protecting nature are subtly woven into the story, not right in your face. Still, by the end of the book, you've been drawn into the magic of this world with its birds and crabs and moths. You want to go see them for yourself and mourn the ones that are gone and protect the ones that are still there." -- Dr. Tara Rajaniemi , Professor of Biology, University of Massachusetts, Dartmouth " In the Wake of the Willows is a charming tale for the ages. With a hint of warm nostalgia, this adventure is told in poetic prose. Highly recommended!" -- Steven Manchester , #1 Bestselling Author, The Menu and Bread Bags and Bullies: Surviving The 80s "I absolutely loved it! Being a sailor, a naturalist, and a scientist who also loves history and poetry, I couldn't help but admire all the perfectly crisp details and the fluid writing. The book effortlessly weaves local history, sailor's lore, and the natural history of the South Coast region into an utterly charming story of fully believable creatures. I liked the secret of the heath hens, the descriptions of the winds, the meteor shower picnic on the beach, the storm, the life of driftwood -- beautifully poetic. All absolutely engaging and a perfect New England summer read." -- Dr. Kathryn Kavanagh , Associate Professor of Biology, University of Massachusetts Dartmouth ADVENTURE ... NATURAL HISTORY...A NEW CLASSIC When a spooky nocturnal creature starts terrorizing the riverfront, Mr. Rat's clever daughter sets to work solving the mystery and unmasking the culprit. But that is only the beginning of the intrigue and adventure one summer on a New England coastal estuary in the 1920's. Praise for In the Wake of the Willows "Charm, fun, adventure; the sparkle of light on water and wit inwords. Thurber layers his own deft imagination onto a beloved classic,and returns us to a world lost to most of us--one that he never left."-- Dominique Browning , Writer, Editor emeritus House & Garden, Co-Founder of Moms Clean Air Force Writer, Editor emeritus House & Garden, Co-Founder of Moms Clean Air Force"A stunning sequel to Kenneth Grahame's 1908 children's classic....Written in an old-fashioned vernacular that feels similar to the original,this pastiche is simply enchanting.... The whole package is a gem."-- Lauren Daley , Book Columnist, The New Bedford Standard-Times Book Columnist, The New Bedford Standard-Times "Nobody wh