The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame is a classic children's book and is able to continually inspire children with its abundance of adventures and Toad's escapades. Adults and older children who critically evaluate the novel are able to consider and reconsider their choices and the consequences of those choices, but at the same time remain removed from the story; it is about animals, after all.

A moral is a lesson to be learnt by the reader from the story. Toad especially has a lot to learn as he uses his unlimited wealth to chase his dreams. His decisions are often are ill-considered and lead to his arrest and potential long-term imprisonment. However, his friends consistently guide him and eventually persuade him to change his ways. In short, they never give up on him—a valuable moral for any reader.

By the end of the novel, the reader learns the value of forgiveness and patience as the four friends make mistakes and try to learn from them (although Toad tests anyone's patience). Rat's life is uncomplicated, and he is able to accept things at face value, never doubting his friends' sincerity: “That’s all right, bless you!”

The novel actually developed from a series of letters that Grahame wrote to his son, and perhaps the escapism that the novel provides explains Grahame's own attempts to distract himself from the harsh reality of his complicated relationship with his son. Therefore, the reader is able to reflect on the characters' actions, and yet not feel judged if he or she sees likenesses to his or her own circumstances. Does the reader relate to Toad, Mole or Rat? Would the reader provide advice on how certain problems could have been handled differently?

As it is Grahame's escape from his own reality that inspired the shenanigans of the characters, so the moral of the story is essentially to try to do your best at all times, forgive others, and make the world a better place. Even those who take a long time to recognize their mistakes can take solace in the fact that it is never too late.

One of the morals of The Wind in the Willows is the joy that comes from journeys. At the beginning of the tale, Mole has never strayed far from his home, but, overcome with wanderlust, he finds Rat, who takes him on a boat ride and on several other adventures. In the process, Mole makes several new friends, including Toad and Badger, and he also discovers the beauty and wonders of nature.

Another moral is the importance of friendship, as Mole, Rat, and Badger try to prevent the reckless Toad from harming himself further with his heedless motoring. They attempt to place him under house arrest, but he escapes and is eventually thrown in prison. After escaping from prison, Toad realizes how kind his friends have been to him, and all four friends work together to dislodge the woodland creatures who have taken over Toad Hall, Toad's house. Each of the four friends has his own foibles, but the friends are accepting of one another and cherish each other.