I digress from my run of mostly fantasy novels to include Richard Adams’ WATERSHIP DOWN. Okay, so a story about a complex society of talking rabbits isn’t exactly grounded in real life. But unlike most of the books I’ve reviewed so far it’s obviously lacking in gnomes or witches or other magical elements. Despite this “handicap” Watership Down is still one of my favorite books of all time. It is as rich in world-building as any good fantasy novel with a protagonist that you can’t help but cheer for. This is a great book for pre-teens or possibly as a read-aloud for younger kids.
Words in The Woods 
I’ve never read it but it always reminds me of the stand. Stu Redmond talking about staying up all night, chain smoking while he tried to work his way through it. smiles
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Sometimes a good book doesn’t need anything more magical than talking animals. My favourite remains “The Wind in the Willows”. Good luck with the rest of the AtoZchallenge.
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I’ve loved this book for years. Great, great novel, whether you consider it fantasy or not.
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