Much of the story concerns the conflict between the love of one’s home and the urge to leave it to seek adventure. Mole becomes impatient to learn boating so that he can explore the river and its neighborhoods, and he wanders into the Wild Wood, where trouble lurks. Toad can’t wait to drive a car as fast and as far as possible. Even Rat yearns, for a time, to leave his home and become a seafaring animal who explores distant lands. Eventually, all three decide it’s better to fully appreciate the things one already has than to seek distractions.

Tired of living underground, Mole bursts up out of the earth and explores the world above his home. Delighted and fascinated by this new realm, he becomes impatient while boating with Rat, grabs the oars, and, with no training, tries to steer the boat by himself. The craft capsizes, and Mole must apologize to his new friend for such boorish behavior.

Mole later realizes that his own home, which he neglects in favor of living with Rat, still retains its allure, and he comes to recognize it as a refuge where he can rest and recover from his riverside adventures.