A Perfect Late-Winter Read

Is it possible that I have gotten through all these years of life up to now without reading The Wind in the Willows?  Hard to believe, but I think somehow I missed this book in my childhood.  I've just now finished it and am basking in its glow.  Really, basking.  Because for a river-lover like me, it's the perfect late-winter read.  Sure, the kayak may still be cold in its shed, harboring stinkbugs, but this gorgeous story offers the satisfaction and prospects of this wonderful, justly famous passage:

"Believe me, my young friend, there is NOTHING--absolutely nothing--half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats."  [The Water Rat to the Mole]

Sigh.  So true.There's more to say about this book's other delights, but I'm going to just bask here for a while.