I remember going to the library when I was 10 and asking the librarian to help me find a book that was similar to the Redwall series. She cheerfully handed me Watership Down and told me it was very similar because it had anthropomorphic animals in it.
It's like going to Walmart and saying you like Nerf and they suggest a glock.
this post was submitted on 08 Jan 2026
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Asklemmy
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A growing section titled "no you don't want this for your young child despite what you think" and for me that also has Maus in there ("it's a graphic novel so it must be fine for kids!")
Fiction.
My book store would not have a lot of sections.
To me this is the correct answer.
I was rather annoyed not long ago at a second hand bookstore that it was placed in fantasy. So annoyed I made this post to see if others would give this answer and they did, so I guess some people see this classic work of fiction as fantasy. I don't agree with them, but I guess I can't really say they're wrong.
Still, it annoys me.
I like hearing strong opinions about stuff I haven't thought too deeply about. Rant away!
What about it feels not-fantasy? Maybe more broadly what characterizes the appropriate use (and misuse) of genres like this?
Wizards and magic. Mystical beings.
Some might say Fiver's visions are magic, and that the rabbits have a god and an evil rabbit, and their view of the world as mythology. They wouldn't be wrong, but in no way do I think this is worthy of a fantasy classification.
To me it's simply fiction, and it still annoys me that others are of the opinion it is fantasy. Nevertheless, they're entitled to this opinion, but if they own a bookstore I probably wouldn't shop there to avoid frustration.
I like this answer.
Hm, I'd probably get a copy for the fantasy section as well. It really reads like a fantasy adventure.
I am glad you said that, cause now I can calm down, knowing that others see this book as fantasy.
I do not agree however, and was annoyed that while looking for this book in a second hand bookstore it was placed in fantasy.
It still annoys me, but I thank you for your answer, and I will just have to accept some view it this way and move on.
- Fiction
- Action and Adventure
- Greatest of all time
- Special interest
- FUCKING AWESOME
- A must read
- Never been out print from the moment it was published
- If you have not read this you are missing out.
Young adult. Kid lit is perhaps a little irresponsible.
Fantasy might work, but itβs a tricky book to classify. Adams also wrote the Plague Dogs, which is straight up nightmare fuel for kids. At least it was for me.
Honestly, itβs one of my all-time favourite books and Iβve never really thought of this question. I read it very young, but I had a pretty solid temperament for heavy stuff even then.
I know a bunch of people who find it quite upsetting even as adults reading it for the first time.
I read it to our (at the time) 12 year-old when she had trouble sleeping. Didn't help, go figure. With my hindsight glasses on, I guess I could have picked a better book for that particular problem.
π€£
Classics
Bunny Horror.
Great book btw.
Young Adult>Classic>Shelf A
A lot of people give this book and it's cartoon shit because they were exposed too young, but it's message is something that a lot of other books don't offer so I really think it should be available. Ideally, ages 12-17 would be able to handle the content and genuinely digest the meaning while still being young enough for it to have a lasting impact on their development.
Also it would be a library, not a bookstore.
Horror
Certainly traumatised me as a child.
Current affairs?
Children's Horror