Prologue.
In a dusty attic a mysterious figure, our author and narrator,
recalls an extraordinary year in the lives of a group of animals we have to come to know as our friends...

At the Riverbank.
It is springtime as Mole leaves his house and discovers the Riverbank, where he meets some Rabbits and a friendly Otter. Ratty soon appears, rowing on the River and invites Mole to take a trip with him in his boat. Passing Toad Hall they decide it is high time for a picnic. After lunch, Ratty snoozes as the ducks swim by and the friends are paid a visit
by a group of butterflies.

On the open road.
Mole and Ratty's leisurely afternoon is rudely interrupted by Toad, who persuades them to join him on the open road with his latest obsession, a horse-drawn caravan. While on the road, a speeding motor car upsets the caravan, but Toad is transfixed and decides that he must have such a car himself...

Badger.
Autumn has come and Badger, out on his daily walk, is terrorized by Toad, the proud new owner of a motor car. The local Post-Rabbit, trying to deliver her letters, is mercilessly chased by the rampaging Toad. Badger after almost being run-over, decides to write to Ratty and Mole asking for their help in dealing with Toad, who has obviously become a danger to both
himself and the other animals.

The Wild Wood.
On receiving Badger's letter, Mole sets out to meet him alone but soon finds himself lost in the Wild Wood, where he is chased by the Weasels and Stoats. Fortunately, Ratty has gone in search of his friend and rescues him from their evil clutches, and together they arrive at Badger's.

At Badger's house.
Over a warm fire Badger, Mole and Ratty despair over Toad's ways, but it is not long before Badger is cheering them up with tales of the Wild Wood and taking them on a tour of his labyrinthine set. Carol singers arrive at Badger's door and it starts to snow afresh.

Interval

Toad is in trouble.
After stealing a motor car Toad is tried in court and soon finds himself facing a long prison sentence...

Toad's adventures.
While in prison, the Washerwoman's daughter falls for Toad and, after disguising him in her dress, helps him to escape. Toad manages to con his way onto a steam train but has to jump off when he realizes that he is being pursued by the police. He lands in the river, bedraggled but still in one piece, and is soon back with his friends.

A plan is hatched.
After an emotional reunion, Toad discovers that during his absence Toad Hall has become overrun by the Weasels and Stoats. As the friends plan a counter-attack with the aid of an old map of Toad Hall, they discover a secret tunnel and a plan is hatched for a heroic assault.

The battle for Toad Hall.
As the Weasels and Stoats hold a lavish banquet at Toad Hall, Mole, Ratty, Badger and Toad burst in armed to the teeth. A terrific fight ensues and the evil creatures of the Wild Wood are ousted once and for all.

Epilogue.
At the end of their adventures our friends make their way back
from whence they came, leaving us once more in the dusty attic with the possibility of future tales that may come to pass...