The Hobbit, and The Lord of the Rings series

John Ronald Reuel Tolkien (J.R.R.) was a professor at Oxford University from 1925 to 1959. His fantasy series has been devoured by families for years. With the recent debut of the live action versions of three of the four titles in this series, Tolkien has once again taken center-stage in the world of fantasy writers. The way he combines intricate details and description of fictional characters, suspenseful adventures and a completely non-existent language has entranced readers for generations. We like the clear delineation he creates between good and evil, and the constant way he reinforces the value of faithful friendships — even in the midst of life threatening situations. Young children may be a bit frightened by the slithering characteristics of some of the evil creatures Tolkien created so we recomment that kids be ten years old before reading this. The entire series is wonderful to read aloud. If it’s been more than ten years since you read the books, we heartily recommend you revisit them.