The Adventures of Portly the Otter: Untold Tales from the Wind in the Willows by M. G. Leonard (illustrated by Polly Dunbar)

The Adventures of Portly the Otter by M. G. Leonard is an absolutely delightful book, overflowing with joy, wonder, and wild adventure. Set in the beloved world of The Wind in the Willows, by Kenneth Grahame, the story feels both fresh and familiar. From the first page, Portly splashes into your life with irresistible energy: curious, kind, and instantly lovable as he struggles to find his place in the world.

Mr and Mrs Otter’s youngest pup is brave (even if he doesn’t realise it), adventurous, and loyal to his friends. His adventures feature many welcome appearances from old favourites (Mole, Ratty, Mr Toad, and Badger) but this is very much Portly’s story, and you find yourself rooting for him from the start. As his adventures take him to Toad Hall, the dangerous weir, and deep into the Wild Wood, the story flows as beautifully as the river he calls home – balancing humour with gentle themes of friendship, courage, and self-discovery. There are even a few lovely call-backs to Grahame’s original works which will surely delight any adults reading this to their children.

M. G. Leonard’s beautiful writing brings the riverbank to life in vivid detail, and this is complemented perfectly by the exquisite illustrations from Polly Dunbar. The book is as beautiful to look at as it is to read and is sure to be enjoyed by children (and adults) of all ages.

Perfect for bedtime reading or independent young readers, The Adventures of Portly the Otter is a joyful, comforting, and thoroughly entertaining journey – destined to become a future classic. It’s hard not to come away smiling—and maybe just a little tempted to go and explore the nearest riverbank yourself which, of course, is what Teasel & Skylark is all about.

Highly recommended.

Richard