“Believe me, my young friend, there is nothing – absolutely nothing – half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats.” – Kenneth Grahame, The Wind in the Willows The days are long and bright, and summer is in full swing! This time of year always reminds me of this wonderful quote from The Wind in the Willows – the image of rowboats and picnics, and lazing your way down a babbling river. It got me thinking about all my other favourite books where animals take centre stage! Those books where the animals tell their own story, and you are drawn into their wonderous world. With such memorable characters…