Ken wrote two books for children while working at The Bank of England. The books were popular, and parents continually wrote the publisher asking for more. But Ken disliked writing and disappeared from publishing for almost 20 years.
Finally an American magazine sent their best agent to persuade Ken to write again. She wrote the author claiming to be a relative of one of his fictional characters. Ken, delighted at her cleverness, agreed to meet.
While visiting Ken and his family, she overheard him telling a fascinating story to his young son. She urged Ken to turn the story into a book and he said yes.
The book was released in the United States at Christmas 1907 and (to everyone’s surprise) was a dismal failure. New York book critics were negative and dismissive.
Ken then published the book in England. He discovered that President Theodore Roosevelt was a fan of his earlier books and sent him an autographed copy. Roosevelt wrote back and told Ken that he refused to read the book because it was so different from the earlier books.
A few weeks later Roosevelt’s wife found the book and read it to their children who loved it. Each child even requested their own copy.
Roosevelt, embarrassed at his misjudgment, wrote the largest publisher in America and asked that they publish and promote the book.
The book became a sensational success. It was later adapted into a play and filmed by Walt Disney in 1949.
This book, that began as a failure, ended as a rousing success.
People still read “The Wind in the Willows” and follow Toad’s wild adventures.
If you believe God has called you to do something, don’t let early failures keep you from ultimate success.
The Bible says in Joshua 1:9, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” NIV
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