How to Get Your Child Started on Harry Potter Books

Children all over the world are enjoying the adventures of Harry Potter, a young wizard-in-training who escapes his loveless foster family to attend Hogwarts school for wizards and witches. But how can you tell if your child is ready to start reading Harry Potter books?

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Consider your child's age and maturity level. The Harry Potter books seem to be designed primarily for the 9-to-12 age group, although many younger children also enjoy them, and many adults absolutely love them.

2. Think about your child's tastes. Does he like fantasy and adventure? If so, he may be ready to meet Harry Potter and friends.

3. Get the books in the right order. There's nothing worse than being dropped into book two or three of a series without having read book one. The first book, "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone," is really the only place to start, since it contains the background information your child will need to know to enjoy the entire series.

4. Read the books to, or with, your child. That way, you'll be able to discuss the stories together.

5. Brush up on your Britishisms. The Harry Potter books are written in a decidedly British style, with some bits of dialect involved, so you may need to explain some of the terms and pronunciations to your child.

6. Remember that the target age range of the series may change slightly as further books are released. Seven titles are planned, and they should be released at the rate of about one per year ' one for each year of Harry Potter's education.

Tips & Warnings

• "Hermione" is pronounced "Her-MY-oh-knee," not "HER-mee-own." This question comes up often on the online Harry Potter discussion boards.
• Don't worry if you hear people talking about "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone" ' you haven't missed a book. The word "philosopher" was just replaced with the word "sorcerer" for the U.S. market.

on 8/29/2007 If your children have a hard time with reading, they can still enjoy the Harry Potter series thanks to books on tape! They're available at many bookstores and libraries. It's also a good source of entertainment on long car trips for those who (like me) get carsick when reading.

on 8/29/2007 I suggest that you read the books in order, and watch the movie after you finish the book. Then compare them. That's what I do, and it helps me understand the books well.

on 8/29/2007 We started reading the books to see what all the fuss was about. They're quite good and entertaining, but could be too scary for children under 8. The attraction to kids: the realistic portrayal of junior-high interpersonal dynamics and school life.

on 8/29/2007 I just checked out the price for the series of four books and it's less than $53 (including shipping)! I thought it would be much more. I ordered the set - will be great summer reading and to have on hand for house guests - kids and adults alike, I hear.

on 8/29/2007 The characters are great in these books, very well-defined, so be sure to pull out your acting chops and come up with some distinct voices to use when you're reading aloud to your children. They'll love it!