Do you know this childrens book?

[JodieC]

My dad had a book as a child (1940's/50's) about a group of woodland animals who come across a toy boat on the brook in the woods. The go sailing in it and have lots of adventures. The boat was called Jeannie or Genie Dean. He thinks one of the animals was a water vole. Can you help with the name/author???

[purplehair]

I think its little grey men by BB. they are gnomes who go to look for their lost brother.