Which brings me to my questions– “A children’s book – that is, a book written for children” — What about the other definition: A children’s book – a book chosen by children. Do children choose this book themselves? Or is it forced upon them by tradition and nostalgic adults? I used to play house for entire summer days in my back yard, acting like I was a mommy, going off on my bike to a pretend grocery store and then cooking everything I’d bought (predominately gravel and wild onions) for my bratty children. I agree that the book’s not written for children, but it wouldn’t surprise me if the world of the Willows, the adult world written in a somewhat approachable story (perhaps because of the animals and artwork but certainly not because of the language), would appeal to a child–always playing at being an adult.