diff --git a/engine/core/serializers/simple.py b/engine/core/serializers/simple.py
index f862b01b..a2fec54c 100644
--- a/engine/core/serializers/simple.py
+++ b/engine/core/serializers/simple.py
@@ -52,7 +52,7 @@ class CategorySimpleSerializer(ModelSerializer):
             "children",
         ]
 
-    def get_children(self, obj: Category) -> dict[str, Any]:
+    def get_children(self, obj: Category) -> list[dict[str, Any]]:
         request = self.context.get("request")
         if request is not None and request.user.has_perm("view_category"):
             children = obj.children.all()
@@ -63,8 +63,8 @@ class CategorySimpleSerializer(ModelSerializer):
             serializer = CategorySimpleSerializer(
                 children, many=True, context=self.context
             )
-            return dict(serializer.data)  # ty: ignore[invalid-return-type]
-        return {}
+            return list(serializer.data)
+        return []
 
 
 class BrandSimpleSerializer(ModelSerializer):