Watership Down-what age?

[WTMindy]

What age is best for the book Watership Down? I've never read it, but I am considering it for my next read-aloud to the kids (9 & 10). Thanks.

[melissel]

Ah, one of my all-time favorite books. I read it when I was 12-13ish. I think it might be a tad scary for 9- to 10-year-olds, but it really depends on your kids. There are some scary supernatural-type scenes, and the part where they're trapped in a foreign warren might be too much, as would some parts at the end (I don't want to give too much away). You might try pre-reading and scanning parts in the second half to see for sure.

[Jenny in Atl]

I would read it to mine at that age, but I agree many might find it too disturbing. We actually have not read it yet. I want to do both Animal Farm and WD together for some odd reason.

[lovemyboys]

I would read it to mine at that age, but I agree many might find it too disturbing. We actually have not read it yet. I want to do both Animal Farm and WD together for some odd reason.

It sounds like that would be interesting since they're both commentaries on society.

I read Watership Down as a young teen and I was always reading books ahead of the "appropriate" age. There are some deaths and violence of some of the key characters if I remember, not like some of the books geared to younger ages where the main characters are pretty much safe from that. kwim? We're reading the Peter and the Starcatchers series now and even though it gets hairy/scary, we know he'll be ok.

Depending on dc, I'd read ahead. Some of the concerns that they have might be over their heads too.

[Michelle T]

I loved it, and have read it a couple times since then.

I would say it would be fine for a read aloud to your kids, as long as they are not very sensitive, and have typical comprehension for their age (my DS is quite behind for his age, that's why I haven't read WD to him yet, but planning on it).
Michelle T

[sleepy]

I read it to my kids when they were 7, 9, and 11, and they loved it. It's still one of their favorites. They weren't frightened at all.

[WTMindy]

I read it to my kids when they were 7, 9, and 11, and they loved it. It's still one of their favorites. They weren't frightened at all.

Thanks, I think I'll do it. My kids don't seem to get scared at read-alouds. We are finishing up the Lord of the Rings books now and they have loved them. Watership Down is on my 888 list, so I thought I'd kill two birds with one stone. :-)

[melissel]

Thanks, I think I'll do it. My kids don't seem to get scared at read-alouds. We are finishing up the Lord of the Rings books now and they have loved them. Watership Down is on my 888 list, so I thought I'd kill two birds with one stone. :-)

Ah, in that case, I don't think it will bother them at all. I can't wait until my DD5 is old enough for LOTR! Those are right up there with WD on my favorite books list :D Enjoy. It's an amazing novel.

[Sunkirst]

I think your guys will be old enough to enjoy it based on what you have said. I read it as a 6th grader (a teacher's recommendation). I think I "overlooked" much of the social commentary and the difficult bits, because I was too young to fully comprehend them. What I was most interested in (after that first reading) was learning to speak to all the rabbits I encountered on my morning paper route. :) I guess I'd just realize that they aren't going to get the full meaning of the novel at first. It will be one that they read again at age 14 and wonder, "Is this the same book Mom read to me when I was little?"

[Laura Corin]

Calvin enjoyed it this year (age eleven).

Laura

[Book Crazy]

I have just finished reading this to my son and he is 7. He thought it was excellent. It all depends on the child I think.