The latest version of Kenneth Grahame’s 1908 classic The Wind in the Willows is the subject of Krista Brennan‘s current Kickstarter project. She describes her Steam in the Willows – a zietgeist take on a classic tale thus:

“It’s unlikely that Wind in the Willows needs much of an introduction. It’s an international children’s classic about some bright, adventurous animals who act a lot like people (occasionally they seem to be the size of actual people, which is a bit weird and poses some illustration challenges) and get up to all sorts of shenanigans. Set around the time of the industrial revolution, with all its mass-production, waste and environmental damage, the deeper concerns of the characters are remarkably similar to the concerns we face today. It’s brilliant.

“Makers, artisans and craftspeople have been around for a very long time, too. They are also brilliant. Aesthetics, craftsmanship and traditional skill are prized among these adroit folk, and their skills are increasingly sought after in the wider community. In the last few years the number of makers seems to be growing, and self-sufficiency, DIY, recycling, skill-sharing and the rejection of wasteful mass-production are also on the rise.

“One of the key messages of Wind in the Willows and the modern maker movement is the same: Yes, it is very shiny and new, but do you really have to buy another mass-produced, gas-guzzling SUV, Mr. Toad?

“Steam in the Willows is about celebrating and weaving both of these fine things together.”

She plans to produce an e-book, a black-and-white paperback, and a color hardcover edition.

Brennan says she is a “fine artist based in Sydney, Australia. Krista works in a variety of mediums from traditional to digital and her portfolio covers portraiture, illustration and print design. Currently she is painting whimsical children’s illustrations which appear on her Woven Lines Illustration website.”

At press time, 68 backers have pledged A$6,211 of the A$6,800 goal, with 8 days to go.