Scan barcode
A review by katykelly
Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone by J.K. Rowling
5.0
Reading with my son... a magical experience.
As a librarian, of course I've read them. As a reader, a lover of children's books. But nothing compares to reading a book like this with an actual primary-aged child. In this case, my 7 year old son.
We watched the film first, to check he would be keen, and I've never seen him so happy to see a library copy come! We ordered the Jim Kay illustrated edition (best decision ever) which contains some of the most exquisite pictures of Harry, his friends, his world, that only add to the story - several times I caught my son after lights out flicking through them with a torch.
We also read along in the car with Stephen Fry's recording, taking out big hefty hardback on school runs so we could keep moving through the story... that's how much my son adored this.
He wouldn't stop asking questions and pondering about Hogwarts and Harry. It really is the most perfect story for Key Stage 2 (and beyond!). A totally evil family, a young hero with a past and unwittingly the centre of a secret world, the best school ever invented with feasts, dorms, wands and flying lessons.
I still, as an adult find the denouement a little convenient, but I was caught up in watching my son's reactions to this first instalment, I could practically see his imagination expanding as he listened and read with me.
Such a beautiful world brought to life, and as it has done with so many around the world, it has hooked my son, already a reader, on a new literary adventure.
We have already got a reservation on the second book and audiobook so we can read together wherever we are!
As a librarian, of course I've read them. As a reader, a lover of children's books. But nothing compares to reading a book like this with an actual primary-aged child. In this case, my 7 year old son.
We watched the film first, to check he would be keen, and I've never seen him so happy to see a library copy come! We ordered the Jim Kay illustrated edition (best decision ever) which contains some of the most exquisite pictures of Harry, his friends, his world, that only add to the story - several times I caught my son after lights out flicking through them with a torch.
We also read along in the car with Stephen Fry's recording, taking out big hefty hardback on school runs so we could keep moving through the story... that's how much my son adored this.
He wouldn't stop asking questions and pondering about Hogwarts and Harry. It really is the most perfect story for Key Stage 2 (and beyond!). A totally evil family, a young hero with a past and unwittingly the centre of a secret world, the best school ever invented with feasts, dorms, wands and flying lessons.
I still, as an adult find the denouement a little convenient, but I was caught up in watching my son's reactions to this first instalment, I could practically see his imagination expanding as he listened and read with me.
Such a beautiful world brought to life, and as it has done with so many around the world, it has hooked my son, already a reader, on a new literary adventure.
We have already got a reservation on the second book and audiobook so we can read together wherever we are!