I first encountered Watership down as a child of 8 years. I never read the book, but I recall clearly the images of the big screen flickering their reflections. The allure and fun of the cinema had promised a cartoon of adventure, and, a day off school.
I didn't understand what myxamotosis was, neither do I think did our teachers. But, it wasn't about that. What was it about? It was about the images I retained. The big bunny eyes, the fences, the characters, the music, and the heroes. For me it bridged the gap between 'Playtime' and 'Lunchtime'. It set within me a sense of empathy for animals for which I am grateful. It was talked about by my friends for weeks. And thought about by me for years.