When the Mole escapes from the tedium of spring cleaning and embarks on a new life on the River Bank with his friend the Water Rat, he has little idea of the adventures ahead of him. And the greatest adventures of all are concerned with the vainglorious Toad, who is thrown into transports of delight and finally prison by his love of fast motor cars. It is a hard battle indeed for his friends to teach Mr Toad even a little sense.