The Wind in the Willows - Lynn's Take

I'm not sure why The Wind in the Willows is on Radcliffe's list of the top 100 modern novels.  I did not hate it, but found it to be dated - it may have charmed generations of young readers, but I doubt it charms today's young readers, who are likely to find the book's syntax difficult to follow and many of the book's subjects unfamiliar (types of carriages, cellar storage, Edwardian social norms).

So, what follows are a few guesses as to why this book is included on the list.  Keep in mind, these are only guesses, as my (very) brief research into the literary importance of The Wind in the Willows didn't turn up anything.  

1.  This book is the first of a genre of human-like animals having human adventures.
2.  This book is the first piece of English children's "literature".
3.  It uniquely captures English nostalgia for pre-industrial revolution norms and traditions.